Tanabe - Import Tuner Magazine

Tanabe Sustec Pro Seven & Teas
Tanabe is reinforcing their reputation as true innovators in the performance suspension field with the recent release of the Sustec PRO Seven adjustable suspension and its TEAS 'Active' electronic controller. What is the Seven you ask? Simply stated, the Seven is a groundbreaking 12-way adjustable coilover suspension featuring a variety of all new race developed technology that has never been available to the general public-until now. These crimson red coilovers have benefited in design from previous Tanabe coilovers, the DD and RR circuit-based suspension systems, to thrust itself into a class of its own using the latest in technological advancement. Tanabe engineers have implemented high quality craftsmanship and rugged construction from the shock piston to the internal seals; every known part on this suspension has been fully reinforced, and even exceeds the high standards of OEMs. Adding to the suspension's functionality and adjustments is the Seven's solid pillowball upper mounts used on both front and rear suspension (varying on vehicle) with full camber adjustments and one piece, dual reinforced steel brackets. With a simple click of the upper adjustment screw, the range and effectiveness of the Seven's 12-way manual setting alters both dampening and rebound, creating a dramatic change in the way the vehicle handles and reacts from straight line driving to tight cornering. Never before has a suspension of this magnitude been offered to the general public at such a competitive price.

Experience the new RevolutionSlide-Valve Technology
Although specifications of the Seven's internal construction are regarded highly confidential by the Tanabe team, we were able to disclose one key element that sets this suspension apart from its competitors. Unique to the coilover is the use of "slide-valve" technology to control the flow of oil and gas within the dampener. The slide-valve allows dampening to be quickly and accurately tuned across a much broader range in less time in comparison to the standard needle-type or rotary style configurations typically found in other coilovers. Devising a suspension with lightning quick response was Tanabe's master plan from the get-go and proved necessary for their optional TEAS active electronic dampener controller which works in conjunction with the Seven to function effectively.

Spring Rates
Because of the Seven's unique valving, this suspension can be used effectively with a variety of spring rates. Spring rates included (12kg front/ 10kg rear) are a perfect blend of functionality for both street driving and road racing. For those looking for a stiffer suspension setup, Tanabe offers their "Hard Drive" spring option (14kg front/ 12kg rear) which includes spring rates suitable for serious motorsport enthusiasts-don't forget to bring your kidney pads. Tanabe has the answer for even the most demanding customers. Custom spring rates and lengths can be ordered to dial in your suspension needs to your exact specs.

Features Overview:
Multi-Use (Comfort, Street, Competition)Dual AdjustableCase Length AdjustmentPreload AdjustmentSlide Valve Technology12-step dampening (16 w/ TEAS)Wide dampening RangeCan accept many different spring ratesShort Stroke / Short CaseReinforced BracketReinforced PistonReinforced SealsFull threaded bodyCorrosion resistantBillet Aluminum lightweight seatsPillowball upper mounts includedCan be used with TEAS

What is TEAS?
TEAS stand for "Tanabe Electronic Active Suspension" and are regarded as the counterpart for the SEVEN suspension. This compact-sized box is the brains behind Tanabe's extremely sophisticated suspension. The TEAS is a fully programmable dampener controller that allows for dampening force to be automatically adjusted while driving. Using the TEAS increases the adjustability rate from the standard 12-way to a 16-way adjustment setting to accommodate your driving conditions. These damper adjustments can be electronically adjusted from inside of the car, and under TEAS' special "Active Mode", damper force can auto-adjust itself by triggering changes across 9 programmable points that are based when hitting a specific vehicle speed (25mph-120mph) at intervals of 5mph. The TEAS accomplishes this by simply tapping into the vehicles ECU speed sensor which is also provided within the instruction manual.

Functionality?
The TEAS works by interacting with the vehicle speed sensor to change the settings of each of its four slim actuators. Fully programmable, the TEAS can automatically change dampening force when the vehicle reaches the programmed trigger speed. When this function is turned on, the suspension automatically adjusts itself as the car is being driven, and can be turned on or off with a simple press of the button. With the Active function turned off, dampening settings can also be manually adjusted for front and rear. TEAS can store up to four presets, and with 'Active Mode', can be used for up to 8 different forms of driving.

Speeds ranging from 25-120mph (40km-190km/h) are useable for programming the trigger settings. Intervals of as little as 3mph may be used for adjustment while a maximum of 9 triggers can be set. When it comes to changing road conditions, whether it is a circuit, the street, or a winding canyon road, it's a proven fact that there is never a single, perfect suspension setting for all applications. For the best performance in handling, a compromise would have to be chosen for the road in question and the suspension would have to be set accordingly. Even with a manual controller, it would be virtually impossible to change dampening force, while blasting mid-turn through a corner, quickly enough to provide any handling benefit. Unfortunately, that was always the case-until now. Functionality within the TEAS can be set so that dampening force and stability can be increased upon exiting the turn, as the speed increases upon exiting. Remember, the number of situations where TEAS "Active Mode" can be useful is only limited to how you choose to program the unit. The rest heavily relies on your Michael Schumacher-style driving skills.

TEAS Actuators?
The TEAS active dampening control is only as good as the actuators themselves. Using a slow moving actuator to make adjustments would decrease the overall handing of the vehicle and cause it to become unstable while hitting a chicane or high-speed bank. TEAS use a set of extremely quick slim profile mechanical actuators with amazingly silent operation. These high tech actuators are capable of changing dampening force settings at an amazing speed of 0.013 seconds, which proves beneficial since TEAS works diligently to quickly change dampening settings at various vehicle speeds.

Suspension Shakedown?
During final shakedown and development of the Seven and TEAS unit, Tanabe hired JGTC GT500 driver Katsumoto Kaneishi to test the suspension at Tsukuba Circuit of Japan. Currently hired by ARTA to drive both the NSX-GT and DTM AMG, Kaneishi played an integral role in determining which damping force was best suited for the Seven and at what speeds the actuators should respond. "The Tanabe engineer and I worked together to build a suspension that everyone can enjoy driving on and the final outcome was unbelievable," states Kaneishi. "Its amazing what Tanabe has accomplished with their Seven and TEAS package. They have taken suspension manufacturing and tuning to a whole new level".

Features:?
Physical Memory - Stores memory settings, even if battery is disconnected. Button Lock Out- prevents accidental change of settings Slim Actuator - changes settings in 0.013 sec. (That's 1/100ths of a second!), extremely quiet, and very slim to work with most tower bar designs. These actuators were built to exceed OEM quality and reliability. Sound - Electronic audible sound whenever settings change. Volume adjustable; may be turned off. LED Backlight - LED backlight can be brightened and dimmed, and can be set to become more visible for day and night time driving. Manual Mode - Front and rear adjustable, four settings may be stored. Active Mode - Can be programmed to change dampening force according to different speeds. Can be used in conjunction with Manual Mode presets. Speed Sensor Adjustment - can be calibrated, and adjusted for a variety of cars. Sensitivity can be adjusted to prevent interference from devices such as audio equipment. Voltage Meter - Voltage display to warn of low voltage to ensure proper function Wiring Harness - Comes with complete wiring harness with labels for simple installation. Compact Size - Allows for simple or discreet placement