In the early 2000’s KONI introduced a new damper technology in Formula 1, which has since been used in many other race classes. This technology is still being used today in GP2, GP3, Formula 3 and many other GT Series.
As these racing Series require maximum performance, combined with repeatable and solid damping forces, KONI uses a valve preloaded port system. This valve system has been recognized over the years as a very solid base for optimum handling and tuning. In many competitor racing damper designs, a needle valve system is used to try to achieve this. However, although the needle valve system is a simpler mechanism, it has many drawbacks. For KONI, repeatability, consistency and ease of use are a must for every racing damper, so the preloaded port sytem is used.
KONI is now introducing this technology even further into applications for track day use. A complete damper and spring kit, the TrackDay kit is capable for standard road use, but is specifically designed to have an optimum handling on the track. The wide range of 64 predefined damping curves, and the ability the change springs and use several different spring rates, provides adaptability for many track and road conditions. The cooperation between KONI and H&R Springs will prove to be an asset, giving you the option to best tune your car to the maximum setup for both road, as well as track day use.
When deciding which strut design to be used for the TrackDay kit suspension, KONI and H&R have chosen an up-side-down configuration of a mono tube damper. This configuration allows a very high side load, combined with a very solid damper setup; a must when it comes to real race dampers. For applications which use standard shock absorber designs, a coil-over mono tube damper is also used, applying the same F1 technology that is used in the struts.
Eight adjustment positions are available in both rebound as well as bump, which are all easily adjustable and felt by distinct stops, or clicks, to assure that each port can only be either open or closed. Each of these positions will give a noticeable and repeatable damper curve change. This is in contrast to adjustment systems which use a needle valve mechanism, with up to 40 clicks in each direction, they will only be confusing and make an accurate setup impossible without the use of a test machine.
KONI's Trackdaykit is currently available for Golf 5, 6 and 7. More applications are coming soon. Please contact your
KONI Distrbutor for more information.