Is the new app for KW's Golf R coilover package genius or a step too far?
Considering that, as a general rule, we at PH HQ tend to view adaptive damping packages with grave suspicion, you'd think that the e-mail that dropped into the PH inbox with the subject line 'iPhone App controls adaptive coilover kit for Volkswagen Golf 6 R' would fill us with dismay.
And yet the gadget fiends in us can't help but find the idea of adjusting your car's suspension via your mobile deeply appealing.
Basically the idea is that, when you buy the KW DDC ECU coilover kit, you get a free app for your iPhone that allows you to configure the dampers to 'comfort', 'sport' and 'sport+' modes with a swipe of your finger, and to lower the ride height between 5mm and 35mm.
There's also a more advanced mode that allows the user to make more complicated adjustments.
So, iPhone-adjustable suspension: brilliant gadgetry or unnecessary gimmickry? We honestly can't decide...
Brilliant idea for track days. Just hope the security settings are robust enough though - you could have hours of fun changing the settings on your mate's car!
Thats quite interesting really, not my cup of tea normally but if it works would bring addaptive dampers to be used in older car which could have pretty good results. Again if it works and is any good.
Definitely the best (well technically worst) part of this is the potential to hack your mates car and give them somewhat 'unusual' suspension settings.
For reasons of balance I feel the need to offer an alternative opinion:
In what way is this anything other than a stupid idea and marketing gimmick?
Imagine when your phone runs out of battery and it is stuck on 'race mode' and you actually have to drive it. Still, what with 20 inch low profile wheels that this car will have I am sure the ride is ranges from terrible to dreadful anyway.
I am, though, please to see the car in question is in white. And I expect it has privacy glass too.
So all the thousands of hours of ride and handling development, tuned and tweaked by numerous experts can be undone with the swipe of a finger, and turn your car into a understeery tyre destroyer... At least you can swipe it back
