Hi, Fred here from Blackwatch Racing. We've developed the bespoke Penske Damper solution for the Tesla Roadster with Medlock and Sons.
A few words on "why Penske" and what we've done for the TR.
Roger Penske realized in the 1980s that a better damper was needed for Indy car. From that start, Penske has gone over the world to participate in the highest levels of motorsport.
Penske Racing Shocks(dampers) have won in Formula 1, Indy, LeMans, NASCAR, Moto GP, and many more. They are the required dampers for Spec Miata. Penske has one line of components, the best.
Dampers are one place that OEMs can save significant money. Since the early days of Monroe/Bilstein, steel twin-tube dampers have been used for decades to control energy input and released to/from a spring. This is true for Lotus and true for Tesla. OEMs use narrow body and narrow shaft shocks to save costs. The smaller these components the less ability to control the wheel/spring with the fluid inside the damper. The key is to fit a wide-body damper with a big piston and big shaft. The shaft displaces more fluid and the large piston has more surface area to control the fluid and thus motion. This is why off-road dampers are HUGE. Additionally, Penske shocks are aluminum body for lower un-sprung weight and better heat control. All made in the USA.
For the TR, we use an integrated Canister Damper that eliminates the canister with hose that is inconvenient to find a home for; often requiring drilling into the car. These are the same components that Penske supplies to McLaren for the 570S. We designed a replacement front damper bracket set that is unique to the Tesla Roadster. The stock bracket is replaced to give room for the wider Penske dampers. Completely bolt-in and completely reversible. The valving is bespoke for the TR. I don't like bone-crushing cars, I like cars that work. Good damping, reduced judder, eliminate push-to-oversteer, and provide overall superior ride and performance.
The result is that you can run a stiffer spring and get better ride quality. You can dial the adjuster up for serious canyon carving or track performance. You can dial it down for plush commuting.
We have customers that have dropped 8 seconds around the track because of the confidence they had in the car after the upgrade(Lotus)! We have others that can't believe how much better the car rides vs stock.
Lastly, they are completely rebuildable. No chasing around to find someone to work on them or having to buy a whole new damper. They are available from Medlock and Sons here:
I hope that gives some perspective on why Medlock reached out to us and what you are getting when you buy these dampers.
Cheers
Fred @ Blackwatch Racing.
A few words on "why Penske" and what we've done for the TR.
Roger Penske realized in the 1980s that a better damper was needed for Indy car. From that start, Penske has gone over the world to participate in the highest levels of motorsport.
Penske Racing Shocks(dampers) have won in Formula 1, Indy, LeMans, NASCAR, Moto GP, and many more. They are the required dampers for Spec Miata. Penske has one line of components, the best.
Dampers are one place that OEMs can save significant money. Since the early days of Monroe/Bilstein, steel twin-tube dampers have been used for decades to control energy input and released to/from a spring. This is true for Lotus and true for Tesla. OEMs use narrow body and narrow shaft shocks to save costs. The smaller these components the less ability to control the wheel/spring with the fluid inside the damper. The key is to fit a wide-body damper with a big piston and big shaft. The shaft displaces more fluid and the large piston has more surface area to control the fluid and thus motion. This is why off-road dampers are HUGE. Additionally, Penske shocks are aluminum body for lower un-sprung weight and better heat control. All made in the USA.
For the TR, we use an integrated Canister Damper that eliminates the canister with hose that is inconvenient to find a home for; often requiring drilling into the car. These are the same components that Penske supplies to McLaren for the 570S. We designed a replacement front damper bracket set that is unique to the Tesla Roadster. The stock bracket is replaced to give room for the wider Penske dampers. Completely bolt-in and completely reversible. The valving is bespoke for the TR. I don't like bone-crushing cars, I like cars that work. Good damping, reduced judder, eliminate push-to-oversteer, and provide overall superior ride and performance.
The result is that you can run a stiffer spring and get better ride quality. You can dial the adjuster up for serious canyon carving or track performance. You can dial it down for plush commuting.
We have customers that have dropped 8 seconds around the track because of the confidence they had in the car after the upgrade(Lotus)! We have others that can't believe how much better the car rides vs stock.
Lastly, they are completely rebuildable. No chasing around to find someone to work on them or having to buy a whole new damper. They are available from Medlock and Sons here:
I hope that gives some perspective on why Medlock reached out to us and what you are getting when you buy these dampers.
Cheers
Fred @ Blackwatch Racing.
