Photos Courtesy of KW automotive

Few 1990s Japanese platforms have stayed as relevant as the Nissan S13. Whether you know it as the 180SX, 200SX, or 240SX, Nissan’s rear-wheel-drive coupe has remained a favorite for drifting, street builds, and track-focused projects thanks to its light weight, simple layout, and massive aftermarket support.

KW automotive is adding another serious suspension option for the platform under its ST suspensions brand with the release of the ST XTA plus 3 coilover kit for the Nissan S13. Designed for the 180SX, 200SX, and 240SX, the kit adds adjustable dampers, aluminum uniball top mounts with camber adjustment, and linear motorsport springs.

The ST XTA plus 3 kit is TĂśV-approved and road legal in markets including Austria, Switzerland, and Germany. It is also suitable for track day use when paired with road-legal sport tires, making it a strong option for S13 owners who want a suspension setup that can handle both street driving and more aggressive weekend use.

The dampers offer independent adjustment for high-speed compression and low-speed compression, with 24 clicks of adjustment for each. Low-speed rebound can also be adjusted separately with 16 clicks, giving owners a wide tuning range to fine-tune steering response, body control, and ride behavior.

The kit is manufactured to order at KW automotive’s facility in Fichtenberg, Germany. While KW suspensions coilovers use stainless-steel strut housings, the ST XTA plus 3 system uses a high-strength steel alloy with a galvanized surface finish for corrosion protection. Thanks to its internal valve technology, the system does not require external reservoirs.

For the S13 chassis, the approved lowering range is continuously adjustable from 30 to 60 millimeters at the front axle and 30 to 65 millimeters at the rear. The front aluminum top mounts feature maintenance-free uniball bearings with integrated camber adjustment, while the rear top mounts are fixed.

Like other ST coilover systems, the XTA plus 3 kit is part of the brand’s “Make it Yours” customization program. Customers can order the coilovers in 18 different surface colors through authorized dealers or directly from ST suspensions, with custom spring labeling also available.

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Photos Courtesy of KW automotive

BMW’s latest M5 is already a heavy hitter, but KW automotive is giving owners a way to fine-tune its stance without giving up the factory adaptive suspension. The company has released a height-adjustable spring kit for the current BMW M5 Sedan (G90) and M5 Touring (G99), offering a modest drop with the flexibility of continuous ride-height adjustment.

Sold under the KW suspensions brand, the kit is designed to work with the original BMW suspension struts and electronically controlled dampers. Instead of replacing the full suspension system, the upgrade swaps in KW springs, auxiliary springs, elastomer spring elements, dust protection components, and aluminum threaded sleeves.

Those threaded sleeves allow the factory dampers to function with adjustable ride height, giving both the M5 Sedan and M5 Touring an approved lowering range of 5 to 20 millimeters at the front and rear axles.

“To do this, the original springs, elastomer spring elements, and dust protection components are replaced with our parts,” explains KW Product Manager Sascha Daucher.

KW says the progressive-rate spring setup was developed specifically around the 727-horsepower BMW M5 platform, including the car’s adaptive dampers and BMW M drive modes: Comfort, Sport, and Sport Plus. The company says the kit is designed to sharpen steering response while maintaining ride comfort and factory damper functionality.

The application covers both versions of the new M5, including the Sedan with an EU curb weight of 2,510 kg and the Touring with an EU curb weight of 2,555 kg. Installation can be handled by a qualified workshop or KW-authorized dealer, and the kit is available now with parts approval.

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Fichtenberg, Germany (May 11, 2026) – KW automotive has introduced its new DDC plug-and-play coilover suspension kit for the facelifted Tesla Model 3 Performance and Tesla Model Y Performance models equipped with factory adaptive dampers.

The KW DDC system is designed to work directly with Tesla’s factory adaptive damper control system without requiring modifications to the vehicle’s electronics or software. Installation replaces the factory dampers with KW’s adaptive dampers while retaining OEM functionality through plug-and-play connections.

The coilover kit allows drivers to retain factory drive mode functionality while adding adjustable ride height and revised suspension tuning. Depending on the selected driving mode, the system can deliver comfort-oriented, sporty-harmonious, or more dynamic handling characteristics.

Ride height adjustment is handled through KW’s stainless-steel threaded struts up front and rear spring height adjustment system. According to KW, the Tesla Model 3 Performance facelift and Tesla Model Y Performance facelift can be lowered continuously between 25 and 50 millimeters on both axles.

KW automotive says the DDC plug-and-play system builds on the company’s previous Tesla suspension development work dating back to 2018, when KW first introduced a coilover suspension for the Tesla Model 3.

The company also noted feedback from Tesla owners who reported improved driving efficiency after installing KW coilover systems. KW references testing by German EV rental company Nextmove, which reportedly recorded up to a seven percent increase in range after suspension installation.

KW continues to expand its EV suspension offerings across multiple platforms, including the BMW i4, Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, Kia EV6 GT, Ford Mustang Mach-E, VW ID.7, and others.

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Designed specifically for Air Lift Performance 3P and 3H systems, the ALP4 upgrade allows users to modernize their setup without replacing their entire system. The result is a streamlined, plug-and-play solution that delivers improved performance, enhanced diagnostics, and updated connectivity.

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Simplified Upgrade, Smarter Control

At the heart of the ALP4 system is a compact, all-in-one manifold, integrating the ECU, solenoids, and pressure sensors into a single billet aluminum housing. This redesigned architecture simplifies installation while improving reliability and overall system efficiency.

The upgraded platform introduces advanced ride adjustment algorithms, including adaptive learning and road filtering. These features help maintain more accurate pressure readings and reduce unwanted adjustments caused by braking or cornering—an important step forward for real-world drivability.

Users retain full control through multiple preset ride pressures, manual four-corner adjustment, and wireless mobile app connectivity, allowing for seamless monitoring and tuning directly from a smartphone.

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Enhanced Performance and Expandability

Beyond convenience, the ALP4 Upgrade Kits focus heavily on system performance and long-term usability. Enhanced onboard diagnostics provide clearer system feedback, while improved internal components increase reliability under demanding conditions.

The system is also designed with future expandability in mind, including compatibility with height-based control, giving users flexibility as their builds evolve.

“The ALP4 Upgrade Kits give our customers a simple way to bring their existing systems up to the latest standard without starting from scratch,” said Michael Alexander, Performance Division Director at Air Lift. “It’s about delivering smarter control, improved performance, and a better overall experience with the systems they already trust.”

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A Practical Evolution for Air Management

With the introduction of ALP4 Upgrade Kits, Air Lift Performance continues to refine its approach to air suspension technology—focusing on ease of use, intelligent control, and real-world performance gains.

For current 3P and 3H users, the upgrade represents a cost-effective and efficient way to step into the next generation of air management without a full system overhaul.

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KW’s V3 coilover kit brings modern adjustability to the Mercedes-Benz W140 platform. Designed for street performance, it features independently adjustable rebound and compression damping, allowing precise tuning for comfort or handling. Built from stainless steel with KW’s proven valving technology, the system delivers a refined balance of ride quality and control—making it an ideal upgrade for dialing in both stance and performance on classic S-Class builds.

KW suspensions has announced an expansion of its hydraulic lift system lineup with the new KW HLS Evolution, a retrofit solution designed to give low-slung performance cars extra ground clearance at the push of a button. Developed by KW Suspensions, the system can raise a vehicle while driving at speeds up to 80 km/h, helping drivers clear steep driveways, speed bumps, and parking garage ramps without risking damage to front splitters or underbody components. The system is available as the HLS 2 kit for the front axle or the HLS 4 kit for both front and rear axles.

Compared with previous versions, the new HLS Evolution system is significantly smaller and lighter thanks to a redesigned hydraulic pump and updated components. According to KW, the new pump reduces system weight by more than 50 percent, with the hydraulic module weighing as little as 1.66 kilograms depending on the reservoir configuration. The setup uses Kevlar-reinforced hydraulic lines, quick-release connectors, and new solenoid valves to improve reliability while reducing power consumption.

Unlike air suspension lift solutions, the HLS Evolution system takes up far less installation space and retains the vehicle’s intended handling characteristics. Vehicle-specific springs maintain factory-like driving dynamics whether the system is raised or lowered, while the lift cylinders can raise the front of the vehicle by up to 45 mm in roughly four seconds. When equipped on all four corners, the system can lift the entire vehicle in about six to eight seconds, then automatically lower itself again once the car reaches approximately 65 km/h.

Electric BMWs are becoming a regular sight on European roads, and as more of them roll off dealer lots, their owners are looking for familiar upgrades that bring back some of the engagement they miss from traditional platforms. KW automotive has been paying attention. With coilover options already available for EVs like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, KIA EV6 GT, Tesla Model Y, and VW ID. Buzz, the company is continuing its push into the segment by developing a KW V3 kit for BMW’s all-electric i5 (G60E).

The first release focuses on the xDrive40 and M60 xDrive variants. Both models use a five-link rear axle with factory air suspension, similar to the setup in the BMW i4. Instead of replacing the system entirely, KW created a V3 damper that integrates directly with the factory air bellows. Installers simply transfer the air components onto the new damper bodies, and KW includes the required specialty tools to make the swap straightforward. Once fitted, the car gains the ability to dial in a stepless drop of up to 50 mm.

This approach isn’t new for the brand. As KW Brand Manager Florian Johann notes, “We are developing coilovers for an increasing number of BMW models with standard air suspension and can mount the original spring bellows on the KW rear axle dampers.” He adds, “We already offer such a solution in our range for the BMW G31, G32 and G26 models.”

The i5 fits neatly into that lineage. Both AWD versions can now run the V3 setup, which uses shorter stainless-steel front struts and shortened rear dampers. Out of the box, the kit provides a baseline 25 mm drop on all driven wheels. From there, owners can fine-tune height to their preferred stance: up to 50 mm at the front and 45 mm at the rear. As Johann explains, “While the lowering of the front axle struts is adjusted via the trapezoidal thread, adjustable joint rods are used on the rear axle.”

Once installed, the factory air suspension works in harmony with KW’s damper tuning, giving the i5 more composed body control without sacrificing the daily comfort that EV owners tend to prioritize. The V3 uses KW’s multi-valve approach - adjustable low-speed valves paired with fixed high-speed valves - to manage different types of chassis movement. Long, smooth transitions and gentle weight shifts happen in the low-speed range, where adjustability matters most. Harsh, quick impacts open the high-speed valves to prevent sharp jolts from transferring into the cabin.

KW sets the V3 with a balanced baseline, but users can still tweak the suspension to suit their driving style. Rebound can be adjusted across 16 clicks - opening the valve brings more comfort, while closing it tightens body response and reduces pitch and roll. Compression follows a 12-click range to help shape steering feel and traction. As KW explains it: rebound connects the body to the road, while compression handles chassis support under load. Even at lower ride heights, the high-speed valve design maintains residual comfort, making the i5 livable whether it’s commuting, corner carving, or doing both in the same day.

For those stepping into the electric BMW world but still wanting control over how their car behaves on the road, this V3 kit adds back some of the tunability BMW enthusiasts expect. More information is available at kwsuspensions.com.