Since the first automobile bumped down the road, there's been a problem that's plagued the auto industry. How do you increase handling and performance without sacrificing ride comfort? Consumers had to choose between the two because there was no middle ground - until now.
With the launch of Koni's FSD (Frequency Selective Damping) comes new technology and not just another shock with a fancy name. It takes the world of suspension to a new level. Not only does it increase handling but ride comfort too. It works so well that FSD was first introduced on the Lamborghini Gallardo as an OE product. And now it's available for your car.
With standard shocks, the damping force is caused by a piston moving through oil. However, FSD has a parallel pathway with a special valve controlling the flow of oil. The valve opens when hitting hard bumps and potholes, and the oil flows too fast for the special valve to close. This allows more flow, resulting in a softer damping force and a more comfortable experience.
While turning and cornering, the oil flows at a much slower, steadier rate. This lets the pressure build and closes the valve. As a result, the damping force increases, producing better handling, better stability and faster cornering.
It may seem a bit confusing, but "simply put, the FSD feature is a hydraulic amplifier that delays the buildup of pressure," explained Todd Schrienrenbeck of Koni. And it really works.
The good people at The Tire Rack supplied us with three identical BMW 330i's. One was equipped with Koni FSD and another with Koni Sport, which was tuned to the softest setting. The third car was stock. On any other day, we would complain about the horrible road conditions of South Bend, IN; however, they were an excellent testing ground for the shocks.
As expected, the Koni Sport was harsh on the rough roads, but on the autocross it handled like a dream. Unexpectedly, the stock suspension was fairly stiff too. The ride comfort was rated as fair and handling average. When we hopped into the FSD-equipped car, we were extremely surprised at its comfort. It was the difference between night and day on the hard bumps, and the handling was excellent. The dampers responded better than stock and were more forgiving than the Sport on the autocross. FSD not only improved ride comfort but handling as well.
The design of FSD is completely mechanical, utilizing hydraulic principles rather than electronics. Because of this, it's a low-cost upgrade and will be applicable to most vehicles. It's for the everyday driver who doesn't want to sacrifice ride comfort for handling, but Koni engineers don't recommend using it with lowering springs, as it will perform outside of its operating conditions. "The shocks will last anywhere from 110,000 to 150,000 miles. They'll be the last shocks you will ever need," said Lee Grimes of Koni.
Currently Koni is creating applications for the new Audi A3, Mini Cooper and Mk5 Golf. For more information, visit www.koni-fsd.com.