Mustang GT Koni Active Suspension: Perfectly-balanced Performance
Koni Active Supsension
Now, onward to the suspension. Koni’s new Active damper system sets out with the intention of allowing drivers to have their cake and eat it, too. It’s a damper that’s intended to offer improved cornering performance without any of the drawbacks usually inherent in upgraded suspension systems. That means that an excessively rough ride and a fidgety, darty character are out of the question.
This is no easy task in a sports car, especially the Mustang GT. A side effect of its long-hood, short rear decklid styling is that the driver sits far back enough to feel both the front and the rear suspension as they soak up road imperfections. While the S550’s independent rear suspension is a definite improvement over the previous live axle configuration, it’s not perfect.
Finally, the Perfect Mustang GT
The Koni Active suspension, however, does what is seemingly impossible: Isolating the driver from those imperfections without losing road feel or responsiveness. The difference is dramatic, and is most noticeable in the steering wheel.
Our drive was over Midwestern county highways, rolling and tumbling through pastoral farmland landscapes. Usually, it’s nearly impossible to fully appreciate those views. The narrow lanes, coupled with potholes, cracks, and frost heaves, require a firm, authoritative grip on the steering wheel.
You don’t realize how tiring this is, as it’s a normal, accepted part of the driving experience at this point. I didn’t realize this until after driving the Mustang with Koni’s Active suspension installed. I still got all of the feedback and road feel I wanted, with none of the bumpiness, tramlining, or twitchiness I’d come to expect in my years of driving roads like these.
Still, what’s most important to most of us is performance. And I’m pleased to say that new new dampers inspired confidence during low speed corners and on higher-speed sweepers alike. It’s a definite upgrade, however, unlike most suspension upgrades, it actually improves ride quality instead of reducing it.
For a daily-driven pony car that sees the occasional autocross, track day, or backroads barnstorming, I can’t imagine a better setup. When you’re shopping for suspension for your Mustang GT, it’s hard to separate marketing BS from real data. Unlike a power upgrade, the benefits aren’t always so quantifiable or cut and dry.
I recommend driving a friend’s modified cars and taking notes on what you like and dislike and choosing accordingly, especially if your friend has Koni’s Active suspension installed. I think you’ll like it.
Join the Mustang Source Forums now!
