KW Suspensions is expanding its Safari Style product line with new suspension kits designed to give vehicles not originally built for off-road driving greater ground clearance and overlanding capability. The line initially includes selected Porsche and Volkswagen models, with more vehicles planned for the future.
KW Expands Its Safari Style Line
KW initially developed and sold its overlanding products for older air-cooled Porsche 911 models in North America through its special construction and custom build department. The company is now establishing a dedicated product line designed for a wider range of vehicles.
The Safari Style lineup is intended to cover more than SUVs. KW says station wagons, compact cars, sedans and sports cars are also on the list. While the company’s current materials feature numerous Porsches, KW has indicated that other vehicle models will become available in the future.
Suspension Designed for Off-Road Travel
The goal of the Safari line is to give vehicles that were not designed for off-road use the ability to travel away from paved roads and handle the demands of overlanding.
KW defines “overlanding” as “self-sufficient, vehicle-supported travel away from paved roads, combining camping and off-road activities,” according to the brand’s press release.
The first V3 Safari Style suspension systems come with approval certificates and are currently available for selected Porsche and Volkswagen models. KW plans to expand the range further.
Safari Style Coilovers Add Ground Clearance
The Safari Style coilovers feature stainless-steel construction. Depending on the model, they include multi-valve dampers, specific spring rates and spring lengths, along with adjustability. The key difference is their ability to increase ride height.
“You can increase ground clearance within a tested and vehicle-specific adjustment range,” KW said.
For the initial launch, V3 Safari Style kits are available for the Porsche Cayenne (9PA), Volkswagen Touareg (7L), and the Porsche 996 and 997 911 models.
KW says the Cayenne and Touareg kits provide up to 30 millimeters of additional ground clearance at the front and rear once installed. The 911 kits increase ground clearance by between 20 and 30 millimeters.
Longer Components Designed for Overlanding
Compared with KW’s other coilover kits, the Safari Style suspensions use longer struts, damper housings, spring rates and piston rods. The components are designed to allow adjustable increases in ride height while accommodating off-road tires.
KW Suspensions emphasized that the systems are not intended to serve as professional rally equipment.
“Nevertheless, our KW V3 Safari Style suspensions are not competition suspensions for professional rally use. They are raised suspension kits designed for overlanding tours,” KW Suspensions said.
KW’s new Safari Style line currently focuses on Porsche and Volkswagen models, while the company has indicated that its offerings will expand beyond those brands as the product range grows.
