D Car — July 2004

Air Cobra is a new kind of suspension that combines conventional spring-based coilovers with an air-bag height-adjustment system. The package includes Tanabe springs, dedicated KYB dampers, and Dunlop air bags with helper springs inside. The full kit also includes an air tank, compressor, and dedicated controller. Ride height can be changed with the air bags while the suspension is fitted; the coilovers are adjusted with a special wrench. The air system is controlled with a switch built into its monitor or the included remote. It improves ride comfort while remaining capable on the circuit—a confident new design.

Latest parts — special express

Fortunately, the weather was unsettled that day, so testing covered both wet and dry conditions. Once those results are fed back, it will be close to finished!

EUROLITE

AIR COBRA

height-adjustable suspension

TANABE

Air suspension +

AIR COBRA

Release planned for July 2004

Inquiries: Tanabe, Tel. 072-728-6700

We got an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the installation!

Experienced technicians finished the installation in just over three hours. It is best to leave this kind of job to a professional.

D CAR / development

A D CAR exclusive! Inside the secret circuit-development tests

Installation support

Installing the suspension itself follows the usual replacement procedure. Because it is designed for this vehicle, fitting it is straightforward.

Cut the air-bag hose with some extra length, and install it carefully so the tube does not kink.

Tire Select Sagamihara They helped us document the installation. Air Cobra can also be installed at Tire Select Sagamihara, 2-28-8 Yunodai, Sagamihara, Kanagawa. Tel. 042-754-6261 (closed Wednesdays).

Sagamihara

The air tank is usually mounted in the trunk or behind the rear seats. Needless to say, secure it firmly.

For the front suspension, it is best to route the hoses through the service opening in the bulkhead.

AIR COBRA

That is the basic rule.

Power for the dedicated controller is taken from the audio circuit. Hide the wiring carefully for a tidy appearance.

at the front.

Connect the air tank, compressor, and front and rear air bags, and the installation is complete.

Adjust ride height using the included remote. Remote operation lets you fine-tune while watching the car, and it is sure to attract attention at events!

The air bags provide about 6–7 cm of vertical travel—not as much as a full air suspension. But the benefits of combining them with adjustable coilovers are considerable.

The air-pressure monitor lets you save your preferred settings and reproduce them any time. If a problem occurs, you can check it on the monitor.

D Car — July 2004

About this issue

Page 89 — English draft translation