Ohlins launches new road and track fitments at Autosport
Respected Swedish suspension manufacturer Ohlins has chosen the 2013 Autosport International Show in Birmingham to launch three exciting new Road and Track products that have been directly derived from its motorsport and development programmes. The lucky recipients for the exquisitely engineered units this time are the E46 and E92 BMW M3 and the car of the moment, the ‘Toyobaru’ in both its BRZ and GT86 guises.
Although Ohlins benefits from a simply remarkable competition heritage, its engineering and design teams have gone to great lengths to ensure that these units are equally at home both on and off the track. In a hard-driven circuit or ‘B’ road environment, the Road and Track range offers a peerless ability to imbue the recipient vehicle with incredible levels of precision and feedback, but the drive home can be similarly rewarding thanks to Ohlins unique Dual Flow Valve (or DFV) technology which allows these race-quality units to follow road irregularities in a way much more akin to a conventional damper. The result is a smooth and cossetting ride when needed and unparalleled precision when it isn’t.
The E46 M3 kit has been designed to make a great car even greater, with a spec sheet that doubtlessly impresses any true enthusiast. Derived from Ohlins competition range, each of the units is fully rebuildable allowing for a long service life, or the individual tailoring of damper set-up by an approved Ohlins dealer to suit a driver’s wishes or requirements. The front units are of a McPherson strut type and feature a single bleed adjustment. The spring rate has been carefully selected, at 70 N/mm to offer the perfect ride and handling compromise, which can be adjusted either towards outright performance or greater comfort with the simple damper adjuster. The spring preload adjuster allows the car to sit some 20mm lower than standard, allowing for a degree of lowering to be undertaken before the spring rate is changed. Naturally, being set up for UK roads, a full dust-cover is included. The rear units are conventional damper units with 110N/mm springs fitted. Both front and rear units bolt perfectly to the OEM top mounts for a fast and easy fitment.
The E92 M3 kit follows this with a similar design philosophy, but using a 60/120 N/mm spring rate front to rear. Both BMW kits enjoy light weight when compared to their OEM counterparts, thanks to Ohlins insistence on the use of high-quality alloy componentry wherever possible. This kit can also be fitted to EDC-equipped cars with no further issues thanks to the provision of an optional ‘EDC Cancellation Kit’ which prevents any dash warning lights coming on, whilst leaving all other salient safety systems in place. For the discerning M3 owner looking to achieve handling nirvana on a daily-driven vehicle, this kit is the only option.
First teased at the recent SEMA show, the European launch of the BRZ/GT 86 at ASI is a welcome addition to the R&T line-up. For a car that has received so many handling plaudits, the Ohlins team were careful to ensure that the character of this relatively under-powered vehicle wasn’t lost during the development process. Their elegant engineering riposte is a kit that is heavy on features and light in weight. Featuring a McPherson Strut front and conventional rear damper design, this kit also offers niceties like integral front and rear top mounts (with full camber adjustment up front), height adjustment, full dust-covering and a matched 60/60 N/mm spring rate all round to reflect the BRZ/GT86’s balanced chassis. As a way of exploiting this wonderful sports car’s untapped potential, this kit is the perfect first improvement.
The prices are as follows:
BMS MI30 BMW M3 E46 - £1993.82+VAT
BMS MI40 BMW M3 E92 - £2101.55+VAT
SUS MI20 Subaru BRZ/Toyota GT86 - £2277.00+VAT
All three kits benefit from a class-leading 2 year warranty and salt-spray corrosion testing that exceeds ISO 9227. As well as the DFV technology, each unit can be rebuilt or customised at any Ohlins service centre worldwide.
As well as these new kits, Ohlins will also be flying the flag for fine Swedish engineering on their stand with the first public outing of Volvo’s all-new Polestar S60. Another reason, if needed, to visit them in Hall 7, stand 7600.
For more information on the Ohlins range of road and track products, visit roadandtrackbyOhlins.com.
