Check out KW's V3 coilovers for the EV6 GT
Kia's 585hp EV flagship doesn't look all that racy as standard - KW can help with that
Here’s a tip if you’re ever looking for something interesting in the PH classifieds: enter ‘KW coilover’ in the keyword search. From restomod Porsches to modern hot hatch icons and classic M cars to fast Audi heroes, something worthwhile always pops up. Because KW doesn’t really do suspension for boring cars, and if you’re invested enough to be upgrading springs and dampers then you’re likely to have something cool already. There won’t be many, but there’ll always be a car you’ll like.
There might even be an EV on that results page soon, as KW now offers suspension kits for more than 40 electric cars. Its latest is the Kia EV6 GT, the 585hp rocketship that’s already made many more expensive alternatives look a bit unnecessary. Why pay more than 50 per cent extra again for an Audi SQ8 e-tron that’s slower, heavier and less efficient? But while the GT has been stunning with its stats, there isn’t much to mark it out from the standard 229hp single motor or 326hp dual-motor models. Not everyone notices acid-green calipers. So KW has a solution (with a little help from BBS): its V3 coilover, with up to 45mm of ride lowering possible.
Combined with 22-inch BBS CC-R Unlimited wheels in White Gold, the new suspension definitely ensures an impact for the EV6 GT. Riding so much closer to the ground helps it convey the futuristic coupe vibe a lot more convincingly; the quasi-SUV stance has been eradicated almost as convincingly as the gap between wheelarch and tyre. However, there’s no obligation to run it so low all the time, of course, and this is KW - it didn’t get the reputation it has by making more aggressive suspension kits that only ruin rides.
"When driving the Kia over poorly maintained roads, our suspension system gracefully dampens the ride, even with a maximum lowering of up to 45 millimeters, and the tires maintain grip, even in a tightly tuned setup.” That’s according to Brand Manager Florian Johann.
There’s adjustment for both low-speed compression (12 clicks) and rebound (16) via adjustment knobs on the damper. As for high-speed adjustment, KW says that the valves ‘are delivered during manufacturing with a non-adjustable damper characteristic specific to the vehicle’. Still, there’s enough to be getting along with there given the ride height adjustment (from -20mm to -45mm) as well.
KW reckons that the result of its suspension swap is ‘neutral steering precision and sporty ride comfort.’ The latter might be helped by the wheel change, too, which is an additional cost. And not a cheap one: even in smaller sizes, the BBS are around £2,500 for a set. The V3 Street Performance coilovers are currently £3,085 excluding on KW’s website but with an eight-week delivery time - couple of pay days to save up for the wheels, perhaps. But then GTs are now for sale at £44k, a healthy saving off list and a lot of performance for the money. A little more than £50k and you’d have an EV showstopper on the drive. Just be mindful of kerbs.
Albert Biermann recommends putting everything on max (accelerator map, traction control, e-diff, steering) but leaving the suspension on comfort when you set up the GT button (KIA's version of the configurable M button on the steering wheel.) In particular the accelerator map changes from fast to savage when you engage the GT mode
That's what I do, even on track I don't think you need the hardest setting, maybe if you're going to the 'ring, but few other situations.
The thing is the body roll is very well controlled as the weight is so low down so you don't need to make it harder, it handles very well as it is.
It's a pretty engaging drive and of course mind bendingly fast, that never gets old
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