Astemo Launches SHOWA Performance Off-Road Shocks
Astemo Americas introduced its premium off-road shock absorber brand at the 2026 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Auto Parts
Astemo Americas Inc. introduced SHOWA Performance, a new premium shock absorber brand for off-road trucks and SUVs, at the 2026 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Nevada. The shocks are designed and manufactured in the United States and are expected to become available in early 2027.
Why it matters
The launch marks SHOWA's entry into the four-wheel off-road market, extending a brand with more than 60 years of experience in two-wheel racing and suspension technology. It signals growing competition among aftermarket suspension makers serving off-road enthusiasts.
The ORC 2.0 monotube shock uses a 45mm bore with a corrosion-resistant Cerakote-finished steel body, while the PSD 2.25 uses a 57mm steel body. The SPIRE 2.5 is an adjustable, rebuildable aluminum-body monotube shock with ARC 2 technology.
The players
Astemo Americas Inc.
Astemo Americas is the North American arm of Astemo, a Japanese automotive components supplier that produces suspension and other vehicle parts.
Sergio Pinillos
Sergio Pinillos is an off-road racer who is scheduled to compete in a SHOWA-equipped 4600-class vehicle at the 2027 King of the Hammers.
The details
The three product families include ORC 2.0, PSD 2.25 and SPIRE 2.5 shocks. The SPIRE 2.5 lets drivers adjust low- and high-speed compression damping without tools, while PSD 2.25 uses patented Hydraulic Compression Stop and Hydraulic Rebound Stop technologies.
Timeline
2026 SEMA Show: SHOWA Performance introduced its off-road shock brand in Las Vegas.
Early 2027: SHOWA Performance shocks are expected to become available.
2027: SHOWA plans to demonstrate its technology through off-road racing and events, including King of the Hammers, the Ultra4 series and Jeep Jamboree USA.
Roadmap
SHOWA's launch extends a pattern in which aftermarket suspension brands validate new products through high-profile off-road competition such as King of the Hammers. The move places a two-wheel racing veteran directly into the four-wheel off-road shock market.
Off-road truck and SUV owners looking for premium aftermarket shocks will have a new option once the product line reaches dealers in early 2027. Buyers should compare adjustability and rebuildability features when evaluating the SPIRE 2.5 against existing suspension upgrades.
The takeaway
Off-road drivers evaluating suspension upgrades should watch for early 2027 availability and real-world performance results from SHOWA's racing program before committing to a purchase.
What happens next
SHOWA Performance shocks are expected to become available in early 2027, and Sergio Pinillos is scheduled to compete in a SHOWA-equipped vehicle at the 2027 King of the Hammers.
Further reading
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