July 31st , 2006 -- Cordoba, Argentina

RS&SP has begun production on a new evolution of their suspension system. The new suspension features some detail changes to improve damping consistency under the most extreme conditions. In addition, the suspensions features a striking new look with the utilization of chrome plating on the strut body for better durability as well as a switch to gold anodizing on the damper reservoirs. One other but very important change is an engeering revision to the strut top mounting portion which allows dual useage with either the standard strut top mounts or the newly homologated spherical bearing top mounts from STi.

RS&SP has always been focused on the continual evolution and advancement of their suspension designs in order to keep them on the leading edge of performance and reliability. This new suspension simply advances the design in several areas at one time as a result of their dyno and real-world test programs. First of all, the front reservoirs have been extended in length to increase the gas volume while at the same time allowing the fill valve to be recessed into the reservoir body to eliminate the possibility of damage to the valve. The rear reservoir volume remains unchanged but the recessed valve design has been incorporated. Additionally, the dust wiper seal has been changed to a spring-tensioned teflon design and the regulators have been re-engineered for even better reliability and more consistent damping adjustments. In the front struts, the nut securing the insert to the body has been re-engineered for better reliability and ease of disassembly. Probably the key reason for making a major revision to their suspension design has been that the top mounting design has been modified to allow fitment of either standard design top mounts or the new MY06 homologation top mounts by simply changing the top nut and utilizing a special spacer. Previous designs required the client to indicate a top mount preference during the original build so the suspension could be designed accordingly. Lastly, RS&SP has changed the strut body coating to a chrome plating as a result of testing on their team cars which showed much better life expectancy under harsh gravel rally conditions. To compliment the chrome strut body, the reservoir body anodizing has gone from a grey to a gold finish.

As a result of manufacturing cost increases and the rise in transport costs, RS&SP suspension prices are increasing effective August 1st, 2006. All new suspension systems will rise in price to $5250 for the standard system and $6200 for systems with the optional hydraulic bump stop. These prices do not include top mounts. We recommend purchasing top mounts with the suspension to allow us to bleed and charge the rear suspensions prior to shipping. We believe you will still find that these prices represent the best value in rally suspension on the market today.