Semi-active KW suspension technology for Porsche Restomod!

Fichtenberg, Osnabrück (Germany), November 24th, 2021 – KW automotive has developed a semi-active coilover kit including a chassis control unit and modern sensors for the air-cooled Porsche 911 (964). The KW suspension control processes various signals such as steering angle, vehicle speed and vertical wheel accelerations in real time in order to adjust the electromagnetic KW proportional damper valves to the ideal damping in a fraction of a moment. The retrofit chassis is being used for the first time in the “Backdate Porsche models” from the tuner Mletzko (www.mletzko.com) in Osnabrück. More about our undercarriages under kwsuspensions.de or at the Essen Motor Show from November 27th to December 5th, 2021 in hall 3 at booth 3A36 of KW suspensions.

SEMI-ACTIVE KW CHASSIS TECHNOLOGY

The fascination of air-cooled Porsches is unbroken among classic and youngtimer enthusiasts. A few years ago, the 911 enthusiast Dirk Lührmann found his second calling in his passion for air-cooled Porsches. In Osnabrück, Mletzko produces so-called backdate Porsches based on the Porsche 1989 (model series 1994) built from 911 to 964. The Mletzko, which revive the aesthetically unadulterated design language of the original Porsche 911 model (F-model), are far more than a beautiful classic automobile.

The special thing about the Mletzko is that the sports car, which has been refined down to the last detail, looks classic, but has the most modern technology. For this purpose, the refiner in Osnabrück has developed numerous new parts that fit perfectly into the backdate and are only noticeable on closer inspection. Because everyone can do classic and Mletzko went a few steps further. The entire classic electrical system has been replaced by a new cable harness including a networked CAN-BUS system, including new instruments, including integrated additional instruments and LED lighting. All light sources such as headlights and indicators are also a new development, which have not only been adapted to the revised body shape, but the clear lenses do not have a diffuser. It’s also clear to the point at the rear. The rear window has no heating wires and Mletzko also painted the rear wiper.

There is a lightweight engine cover made of carbon with a cover grille made of aluminum. The carbon fiber lid is lifted via hinges made of anodized aluminum and gives a glimpse of the air-cooled six-cylinder boxer freed from any visible lines and cables at first glance. The newly built engine is available in two versions with a 3,9 liter and 4,0 liter displacement. It develops 345 or 369 hp and is therefore currently one of the most powerful air-cooled 964 six-cylinder naturally aspirated engines that are available with approval. A shortened six-speed manual gearbox from the last air-cooled Porsche 911 generation, the 993, is used for shifting.

Semi-active KW chassis technology as in the Rimac Nevera Hypercar

The semi-active coilover kit developed by KW automotive with its integrated and intelligent driving dynamics control is unique for a Restomod based on a classic air-cooled Porsche 911 (964). In addition to the CAN bus signals available in the vehicle, such as the vehicle speed, the KW chassis control unit evaluates all driving situations via the additionally installed KW sensors with wheel and body sensors. “Basically, we use the same adaptive chassis technology for our original equipment customer Rimac Automobili,” says KW Brand Manager Jonas Ehrmann.

“We offer the entire product portfolio of hydraulics, electronics, sensors, control units and damper controls from a single source for various industrial customers in the automotive sector.” The medium-sized chassis manufacturer works closely with DLR on the subject of artificial intelligence for chassis control, for example. Together with the Institute for Digitization and Electric Drives (IDA) at Heilbronn University (HHN) on the Künzelsau campus, KW automotive is actively developing new technologies for the automotive industry and aftermarket.

State-of-the-art coilover technology of the present

The intelligent KW suspension control in the Mletzko permanently processes the various signals in real time, such as B. vertical wheel acceleration, steering angle and vehicle speed in order to adjust the electromagnetic KW proportional damper valves to the ideal damping within 6 – 10 milliseconds depending on the situation using the intelligent KW control algorithms. As a result, the semi-active KW DDC coilover kit gives the Mletzko with its short wheelbase modern driving dynamics without diluting or even falsifying the character of the Restomod.

The sports car, which weighs 1145 kilograms, steers precisely even with a “comfort setting” selected at the push of a button in the cockpit. Under load, the traction is noticeably better and the various driving modes such as “Comfort”, “Sport” and “Sport +” that can be called up in real time at the push of a button transform the backdate into a completely different car in terms of driving dynamics. Like hardly any other restmod based on a Porsche 964, the Mletzko perfects the proverbial balancing act between sports car and everyday life. More about our suspensions at kwsuspensions.de or at the Essen Motor Show from November 27th to December 5th, 2021 in hall 3 at booth 3A36 of KW suspensions.