Every RS-R spring and coilover begins with a single question: what does *this* car need?

At our facilities in Toyonaka, Osaka, engineers start with factory suspension geometry, OEM spring rates, shock damping curves, and intended use — daily comfort, aggressive stance, or track capability. That is why an [IS 350 Down Sus](/product/lexus-is-350-rwd-2021-down-sus-springs) does not share the same rate or drop as a [GR86 Super Down](/product/toyota-gr86-2022-super-down-springs).

## Track feedback, street validation

RS-R’s motorsport programs feed the lab. Lessons from Formula Drift, circuit testing, and customer vehicle inspections become spring-rate adjustments, damper valving changes, and mounting hardware refinements before a kit is released for street use.

## Materials that matter

Our Ti2000 series uses a proprietary titanium-composite alloy designed for high tensile strength, corrosion resistance, and consistent rate retention over years of street use. Pair that with ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certified processes and you get suspension that holds its height and feel.

## Eleven manufacturing steps

From wire forming and heat treatment through shot peening, load testing, and final inspection, each Ti2000 spring passes a multi-stage process before it ships. The result: Japan’s most trusted aftermarket lowering springs — ready for your driveway or your grid.

**Next:** [Inside the Ti2000 alloy →](/blogs/inside-ti2000-alloy) · [Shop suspension →](/products)

See how RS-R develops vehicle-specific lowering springs and coilovers in Japan — Ti2000 alloy, ISO-certified manufacturing, and track-to-street R&D.

RS-R Prototype to Production | Japanese Suspension

Vehicle-specific development, Ti2000 alloys, and an 11-step manufacturing process — developed from the track, perfected for the street.

From Prototype to Production: How RS-R Builds Suspension in Japan

Choosing suspension is less about “lowest” and more about *matched*. RS-R designs each kit for a specific chassis — so the right answer depends on how you drive.

## Lowering springs: Down Sus vs Super Down

- **Down Sus** — a balanced drop with daily comfort in mind. Example: [Lexus IS 350 RWD Down Sus](/product/lexus-is-350-rwd-2021-down-sus-springs), [Toyota RAV4 Down Sus](/product/toyota-rav4-awd-down-sus-lowering-springs-2019), [Sienna Down Sus](/product/toyota-sienna-awd-fwd-2021-down-sus-springs).
- **Super Down** — more aggressive stance and sharper response. Example: [GR86 Super Down](/product/toyota-gr86-2022-super-down-springs), [Q50 Super Down](/product/infiniti-q50-rwd-superdown-sus-springs-2014).

Both are vehicle-specific. Spring rates are chosen so the car still works with factory (or upgraded) dampers — which is why ride quality change is intentional, not accidental.

## Ti2000 springs

Want the same application focus with our most advanced alloy? Ti2000 Down / Super Down / Hard Down kits (such as [LC 500 Ti2000 Down](/product/lexus-lc500-ti2000-down-sus-springs-2018)) add titanium-composite durability for owners who keep cars long-term.

## Coilovers: Best-i Active and Sports-i

If you want height adjustability and damping control, look at Best-i Active — popular on [Civic Type R FL5](/product/honda-civic-type-r-2023-best-i-active-coilover), [FK8](/product/honda-civic-type-r-2017-2022-best-i-active-coilover), and [IS 500](/product/lexus-is-500-2022-besti-active-coilovers).

## Quick decision guide

| Goal | Start here |
| --- | --- |
| Subtle drop, daily comfort | Down Sus |
| Aggressive look | Super Down |
| Max material durability | Ti2000 |
| Adjustable height + damping | Best-i Active |

**Shop by vehicle** on the [store](/products) or dig deeper into [Ti2000 technology](/blogs/inside-ti2000-alloy).

Compare RS-R Down Sus, Super Down, Ti2000, and Best-i Active. Learn spring rates, drop, ride quality, and kits for IS350, Q50, GR86, and Civic Type R.

How to Choose RS-R Suspension | Springs & Coilovers

Down Sus vs Super Down vs Ti2000 vs Best-i coilovers — spring rates, drop, comfort, and which kit fits your goals.

How to Choose the Right Suspension for Your Car

In March 1968, what would become RS-R began as a car parts shop — To-a — in Sonezaki, Osaka. By 1972 the company was producing its own brand of suspension, coilovers, and mufflers. In 1980 a dedicated RS★R production and development department opened in Toyonaka. RS-R Co., Ltd. was established in 1999.

## Why the history matters on the street

That timeline is not nostalgia — it is why an RS-R spring for a Q50 or Civic Type R is engineered in Japan against the actual vehicle, not adapted from a generic catalog rate. Japan’s #1 aftermarket suspension seller reputation was built one chassis at a time.

## Explore the full timeline

Milestones from the 1968 founding through ISO certification, U.S. operations, and the 20th Anniversary Drift Festival live on our dedicated story page.

**[Read the complete Our Story timeline →](/our-story)**

RS-R company history: founded in Osaka in 1968, own-brand suspension since 1972, RS★R manufacturing from 1980. Why RS-R Japan remains the standard.

RS-R History | Made in Japan Since 1968

From an Osaka parts shop to Japan’s leading aftermarket suspension brand — founding, manufacturing, and why “RS-R Japan” still matters.

Made in Japan Since 1968: The RS-R Story

Japanese manufacturer of vehicle-specific lowering springs and coilovers. Founded in Osaka in 1968.

RS-R USA

Search interest in **RS-R Ti2000** is earned. The series uses a proprietary titanium-composite spring material formulated for high tensile strength, excellent corrosion resistance, and stable spring rates over long service life.

## Why alloy choice changes the drive

Conventional spring steel can sag or corrode depending on climate and load cycles. Ti2000’s chromium-nickel rich composition (with titanium as a trade-secret component of the mix) is built for the realities of year-round street use — including salted winters and coastal humidity.

## Where to use Ti2000

From sports cars like the [LC 500 Ti2000 Down Sus](/product/lexus-lc500-ti2000-down-sus-springs-2018) to daily platforms, Ti2000 kits keep the same vehicle-specific philosophy as our standard Down / Super Down lines — just with our flagship material.

Continue with [the manufacturing process](/blogs/rs-r-manufacturing-process) or [shop Ti2000 and Down Sus kits](/products/type/lowering-springs).

Learn what RS-R Ti2000 titanium-composite spring alloy is, how it compares to conventional spring steel, and which Ti2000 kits fit street and performance cars.

RS-R Ti2000 Alloy Explained | Lowering Springs

What makes RS-R Ti2000 different — titanium-composite chemistry, corrosion resistance, and why owners search for “rsr ti2000” by name.

Inside Ti2000: The Alloy Behind RS-R’s Most Advanced Springs

High-quality materials only pay off when the process matches them. RS-R’s spring production in Japan follows a disciplined sequence — commonly summarized as eleven manufacturing steps — covering forming, heat treatment, surface processing, load verification, and final inspection.

## Quality systems

Our plants operate under **ISO 9001** and **ISO 14001**, aligning product quality with environmental management. That matters when you expect a spring kit to hold height and rate for years, not months.

## From Osaka to your driveway

Finished goods move through RS-R’s Japanese distribution network and into RS-R USA inventory for ground shipping across the States. Special-order and Japan-stock items can ship by air freight when needed.

See also: [Prototype to production](/blogs/from-prototype-to-production) · [Shop the store](/products)

Walk through RS-R’s multi-step spring manufacturing process in Japan, from forming and heat treatment to inspection — the craft behind Ti2000 and Down Sus.

RS-R Manufacturing Process | Made in Japan Springs

Wire forming, heat treatment, shot peening, and load testing — how RS-R turns Japanese materials into street-ready suspension.

The RS-R Manufacturing Process: Eleven Steps to a Finished Spring

If a spring “fits” several cars, it was probably designed for none of them. RS-R engineers each application against:

- OEM spring rates and damper curves  
- Suspension geometry and scrub changes when lowered  
- Target drop that clears typical wheel/tire packages  
- AWD vs RWD mass distribution  

## Real catalog examples

- [IS 350 RWD Down Sus (2021+)](/product/lexus-is-350-rwd-2021-down-sus-springs)  
- [Q50 Super Down](/product/infiniti-q50-rwd-superdown-sus-springs-2014)  
- [GR86 Down Sus](/product/toyota-gr86-2022-down-sus-springs) and [Super Down](/product/toyota-gr86-2022-super-down-springs)  
- [Civic Type R FL5 Best-i Active](/product/honda-civic-type-r-2023-best-i-active-coilover)  

That is also why generic “[car] lowering springs” searches convert best when the product page and education content name the exact chassis — the approach behind RS-R’s fitment-first catalog.

[Choose the right suspension type →](/blogs/how-to-choose-the-right-suspension)

Why RS-R designs unique spring rates and drop for each vehicle. Examples for Lexus IS350, Infiniti Q50, Toyota GR86, and Honda Civic Type R FL5/FK8.

Vehicle-Specific Suspension Engineering | RS-R

Factory geometry, damper pairing, and model-year quirks — how RS-R engineers unique kits for IS350, Q50, GR86, Civic Type R, and more.

Vehicle-Specific Engineering: Why One Spring Does Not Fit All

“RS-R racing” is more than a search query — it is part of how we validate hardware. Working with elite drift programs, including Fredric Aasbø and Papadakis Racing, puts RS-R dampers and springs under loads no street commute will ever see.

## From podium to production

Data from competitive use informs valving, spring rates, and durability expectations for street lines like Best-i Active — the same family enthusiasts buy for [Civic Type R](/product/honda-civic-type-r-2023-best-i-active-coilover) and [IS 500](/product/lexus-is-500-2022-besti-active-coilovers).

## Celebrating the culture

Events like RS-R’s Drift Festival anniversary gatherings keep the brand connected to the community that made Japanese suspension tuning a global language.

Explore more on the [Motorsport hub](/motorsport) or revisit our [20th Anniversary Drift Festival announcement](/blogs/rs-r-drift-festival-20th-anniversary).

RS-R motorsport: Formula Drift collaboration with Fredric Aasbø and Papadakis Racing, and how racing programs shape street coilovers and springs.

RS-R Formula Drift & Papadakis Racing | Motorsport

How RS-R’s partnership with Fredric Aasbø and Papadakis Racing feeds street suspension development — and why fans search “rsr racing.”

RS-R in Formula Drift: Track Development with Papadakis Racing

![Drift Festival Logo Final Vertical V2.png](https://kddd-rsr-test.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/Drift_Festival_Logo_Final_Vertical_V2_9bf2b8ef8b.png)
## Celebrate the Art of Drift: RS-R's 20th Anniversary of Their First Event at Suzuka Twin Circuit! 
**Airing live on November 22nd 6pm PST** // **Nov 23rd, 11am JST Suzuka Twin Circuit**! 

Drift enthusiasts! If you're a fan of burning rubber and high-speed carving, gear up for an experience of a lifetime. On November 23rd, Suzuka Twin Circuit in Japan will host a spectacular drift event. This isn't just any drift event—it's a celebration of the 20th anniversary of RS-R's first Drift Festival held at Irwindale Speedway in 2003! In collaboration with Formula Drift and Formula Drift Japan, this promises to be the drift event of the decade. Trust me, you DON'T want to miss this! 

### 20 Years Since RS-R's First Drift Festival
Two decades ago, RS-R made a significant debut at Irwindale Speedway, marking its place in the world of drifting. Over the years, the brand has relentlessly sponsored events, developed high-performance parts, and contributed to drift culture. This upcoming event isn't just a competition; it's a tribute to RS-R's lasting impact on the sport.

### The Circuit: Suzuka Twin
Nestled in the heart of Japan, Suzuka Twin Circuit is a haven for drifters, known for its intricate layouts. These challenging tracks make it the perfect venue for an event that showcases the pinnacle of drifting skill.

### The Lineup: Star Drivers
Hold onto your hats! The event will feature a head-to-head showdown between some of the biggest names in the industry.
- **Orido, Taniguchi, Imamura, & Hibino**: Japanese legends that have been a part of the drifting scene for years.
- **Aasbo, Field, Bakchis & Hughes**: Formula Drift USA top drivers that have earned their reputation on circuits worldwide.

It's an East meets West showdown that's too thrilling to miss!

### Don't Miss Out!
Clear your schedule, set those alarms, and make sure you're part of this epic celebration. Whether you're a seasoned drifter or just breaking into the scene, this is one event that promises unforgettable excitement.

Suzuka Twin Circuit - Japan - If you're a fan of burning rubber and high speed carving you're in for a treat. This November 23rd, the Suzuka Twin Circuit in Japan is set to host an event like no other—a celebration of RS-R's 20th Anniversary!

RS-R's 20th Anniversary Drift Festival

_[Check out the video form of this blog post here](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ImZpMJ7zfRA&ab_channel=RS-RUSA)_

**Fredric Aasbø:**

23 championships has been kind of a roller coaster ride. It's not like it just happens like that. It's been up and down and some great seasons and some terrible seasons and some crashes and some jubilations, you know? It's been 12 years now here in FD working with the team, working with RSR for many, many years, improving the shocks that we have in the cars, improving our general cars set up, working on myself, building our racecraft, and eventually becoming back-to-back Champion over the last couple years. And it's one of those things where it felt great to earn the third championship, and we celebrated it for a good while, but now that's all in the past, and the focus is on this season.

After Irwindale, RS-R hooked me up with the sports-I coilover kit for my GR-86. Went to their shop and had the boys from Japan install it, and we celebrated there. And RS-R is like a family to me, so we ate lots of cake that day and really soaked it all up. And then the off-season came around. I went back to Norway. We fired up the ice practice cars and went to the frozen lakes, went up north, went deep into Sweden, deep into Norway, and I think I longed 18 days of ice practice this winter. A lot of that is just having fun with friends, but there's also a serious component to it where it's where I sharpen my skills and get ready for a new season.

RS-R is one of the companies here in the U.S that has had the longest history in drifting. They put on one of the first-ever drift events at Irwindale Speedway. They've been a major supporter on the sport and Formula Drift for many years since 2003. And I've been a driver on RS-R products since 2012, so that's a good 11 years.

**Stephen Papadakis:**

As the crew chief on the car, you know, we really have to make sure the car is set up in a way that's easy and competitive for Fredric Aasbø to drive. So obviously, make sure that it's reliable, making sure the engine is making the right power, and then we'll work on the suspension a lot as well, making sure it's handling the way that he wants, so it's quick, has a lot of steering angle, and then he can do what he wants and adjust the car so he can drive really competitive and close in tandem competition.

Because customers, whether it's the spring rates or the damping in the shock, and sometimes we'll need some engineering help. And they've been really good about even bringing engineers in from Japan, helping us get the car set up exactly the way that is competitive and Fredric likes it, and that helps us win more events.

**Fredric Aasbø:**

RS-R provides product support, on-track support. They're a solid spawn center of our program, and most importantly, they got our backs no matter what we do. I've competed with them in Japan, in Australia, in Malaysia, in Thailand, in Europe, and here in FD, and they're being part of the successful ad on track.

Here is a video showing Fredric Aasbø's gearing up for the 2023 Formula Drift Season. With a podium finish this past weekend, it must have worked! Big thanks to Papadakis Racing.

Gearing up Formula Drift's 2023 Season with Fredric Aasbø & Papadakis Racing!

RS-R manufactures vehicle-specific lowering springs and coilovers in Japan. Shop Ti2000, Down Sus, Super Down, and Best-i.

Developed from the track, perfected for the street

From Prototype to Production: How RS-R Builds Suspension in Japan

How to Choose the Right Suspension for Your Car

Made in Japan Since 1968: The RS-R Story

Technology

Inside Ti2000: The Alloy Behind RS-R’s Most Advanced Springs

The RS-R Manufacturing Process: Eleven Steps to a Finished Spring

Vehicle-Specific Engineering: Why One Spring Does Not Fit All

The Latest

RS-R in Formula Drift: Track Development with Papadakis Racing

RS-R's 20th Anniversary Drift Festival

Gearing up Formula Drift's 2023 Season with Fredric Aasbø & Papadakis Racing!

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