Date: April 2003

Kayaba is about to launch an additional product line to its already comprehensive shock absorber range - AGX.

AGX is an adjustable gas charged shock absorber for high performance cars, and is available as a twin tube shock absorber, strut or cartridge.

Offering up to eight different damping characteristics from soft to firm, AGX has all the adjustability of a race-tuned shock absorber with the simplicity needed for day-to-day motoring.

The shocks allow drivers to ‘dial-in’ their preferred performance setting to match their style of driving. Whether commuting to work, cruising up the motorway, touring at high speed on rural back roads, or getting ready for a track test day, the driver can literally fine tune the shocks' damping rate accordingly.

(For normal running, the same setting should be made to both shocks on the same axle, but for track test or circuit use, the facility also exists to adjust settings so that the near side and off side perform differently.)

AGX is also particularly suitable for ‘enthusiasts’ wanting to tune or customise their cars by lowering the ride height, and the perfect complement to Kayaba’s new K-Force lowering kit.

The unique feature of the AGX shock absorber is its ability to change a vehicle's ride characteristics in seconds, and without the need for tools, having to jack-up the car, remove any components, or adjust the spring pre-compression.

Adjustments are made with either a knurled dial on the shock body or with a small screw head located at the top of the piston rod, depending on the model.

AGX shocks also feature Kayaba's unique progressive valving, which allows the shock's performance to adapt to road conditions. Under smooth conditions, the piston travels up and down slowly and the valving allows the shock to travel freely for a more compliant ride. When the wheels travel over rough conditions, however, the shock’s piston moves faster. The valve responds instantly to maintain good tyre contact and improve vehicle control.

This innovative valving varies both the rebound and the compression strokes of the shock according to the speed of piston travel.

The AGX range is available for both European and Japanese models including cars such as the Audi A3 and A4, VW Golf and Opel (Vauxhall) Corsa, Astra, Vectra and Calibra, the Mazda MX5, Nissan 200SX, Subaru Impreza, Toyota Celica and MR2.

Kayaba's new AGX line incorporates all of the key design advantages that make KYB products superior in terms of performance and reliability. A patented check valve is used to minimise oil foaming that can cause a shock's performance to fade under hard use. Sintered iron pistons and guide rods are used for greater strength and durability, while micro-smooth, hardened and chromed piston rods help to increase seal reliability and extend seal life. Multi-lip seals or self-sealing packing are used to keep oil in and contaminants out, even under rugged conditions, and seamless eye rings and cylinders are employed to eliminate the possibility of weld failures experienced with shocks using welded seam construction and rolled eye rings.

The company produces a full line of KYB suspension products and replacement parts for use in cars, 4x4s and light commercial vehicles (LCVs), including KYB branded shock absorbers - gas-filled monotube and twin tube shocks, gas cartridges and gas struts - protection kits and suspension mounting kits, as well as a complete range of K-Flex replacement coil springs and K-Force lowering kits.

Kayaba Europe is a wholly owned subsidiary of Kayaba Industry Company Ltd, a multinational organisation whose products are sold in over 100 countries. The company's primary expertise is in hydraulics technology, and established its initial hydraulics laboratory in 1919. Worldwide, Kayaba employs over 4,000 people and has annual sales in excess of $1.8 billion.

• To receive this release via e-mail, please contact: sue.hitchcock@lawsonclarke.co.uk
• To obtain this press release and any accompanying image via the Internet, please visit the LawsonClarke on-line press centre at: www.lawsonclarke.com

Ref: KYB05/2003