Monroe has a new line of products apparently directed at "today's foreign nameplate vehicles":
http://www.monroe.com/products/OESpectrum
Appearing to be more than just a re-label of their bottom-tier products, the OESpectrum dampers seem to have some unique technology, such as Twin Technology:
Quote:
Impact Control Valve (ICV), which delivers exceptional control under virtually all driving conditions, and a patented Low Speed Tunability (LST) piston design that isolates impact-related noise, vibration and harshness.
And from this link:
Skid-Pad Tests Demonstrate Improved Stability, Tighter Control on Foreign-Nameplate Vehicles Equipped with New Monroe Technology
LAS VEGAS, NV, November 2, 2010 – The results of sophisticated stability and steering tests conducted on several popular foreign-nameplate applications show that new Monroe® OESpectrum® shocks and struts help improve overall vehicle handling in a variety of common driving situations.
In addition to providing increased stability and control, OESpectrum shocks and struts help eliminate the ride harshness commonly encountered in many foreign-nameplate models due in part to the stiffer spring rates and lower profile tires on many of these vehicles. “The owners of foreign-nameplate vehicles often complain about the harshness that comes with low profile tires and a stiffer suspension, yet they appreciate the tighter control their vehicles provide when they’re brand new,” said Bill Dennie, director, channel management, North American Aftermarket, Tenneco. “OESpectrum units help eliminate the tradeoff between control and ride quality and our testing has shown that consumers notice and appreciate the difference.”
Vehicles included in the tests were the Toyota Camry, Mazda 6, Volkswagen Passat, Nissan Maxima, Volvo V70, Mitsubishi Diamante, Hyundai Sonata, and Honda Accord. Separate tests of luxury foreign-nameplate models were conducted on BMW 3 Series and Mercedes C Class sedans.
“There is a clear need in the foreign-nameplate category for shocks and struts that outperform conventional aftermarket units and provide a true OE-style ride,” said Dennie. “Third-party testing and our own extensive in-field validation shows that Monroe OESpectrum shocks and struts address this need, and at a fraction of the price of many products sold through the dealership channel.”
OESpectrum shocks and struts utilize Tenneco’s “Twin Technology Active Control System,” consisting of its latest Impact Control Valve (ICV), which delivers exceptional control under virtually all driving conditions, and a patented Low Speed Tunability (LST) piston design that isolates impact-related noise, vibration and harshness.
http://www.monroe.com/products/OESpectrum
Appearing to be more than just a re-label of their bottom-tier products, the OESpectrum dampers seem to have some unique technology, such as Twin Technology:
Quote:
Impact Control Valve (ICV), which delivers exceptional control under virtually all driving conditions, and a patented Low Speed Tunability (LST) piston design that isolates impact-related noise, vibration and harshness.
And from this link:
Skid-Pad Tests Demonstrate Improved Stability, Tighter Control on Foreign-Nameplate Vehicles Equipped with New Monroe Technology
LAS VEGAS, NV, November 2, 2010 – The results of sophisticated stability and steering tests conducted on several popular foreign-nameplate applications show that new Monroe® OESpectrum® shocks and struts help improve overall vehicle handling in a variety of common driving situations.
In addition to providing increased stability and control, OESpectrum shocks and struts help eliminate the ride harshness commonly encountered in many foreign-nameplate models due in part to the stiffer spring rates and lower profile tires on many of these vehicles. “The owners of foreign-nameplate vehicles often complain about the harshness that comes with low profile tires and a stiffer suspension, yet they appreciate the tighter control their vehicles provide when they’re brand new,” said Bill Dennie, director, channel management, North American Aftermarket, Tenneco. “OESpectrum units help eliminate the tradeoff between control and ride quality and our testing has shown that consumers notice and appreciate the difference.”
Vehicles included in the tests were the Toyota Camry, Mazda 6, Volkswagen Passat, Nissan Maxima, Volvo V70, Mitsubishi Diamante, Hyundai Sonata, and Honda Accord. Separate tests of luxury foreign-nameplate models were conducted on BMW 3 Series and Mercedes C Class sedans.
“There is a clear need in the foreign-nameplate category for shocks and struts that outperform conventional aftermarket units and provide a true OE-style ride,” said Dennie. “Third-party testing and our own extensive in-field validation shows that Monroe OESpectrum shocks and struts address this need, and at a fraction of the price of many products sold through the dealership channel.”
OESpectrum shocks and struts utilize Tenneco’s “Twin Technology Active Control System,” consisting of its latest Impact Control Valve (ICV), which delivers exceptional control under virtually all driving conditions, and a patented Low Speed Tunability (LST) piston design that isolates impact-related noise, vibration and harshness.