Astemo Americas Inc. has introduced SHOWA Performance, a new premium shock absorber brand for off-road trucks and SUVs, at the 2026 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. The move marks SHOWA's entry into the four-wheel off-road market, building on more than 60 years of two-wheel racing and suspension work.
The shocks are designed and manufactured in the United States and are expected to become available in early 2027. The lineup covers three families, from entry-level off-road use to racing and custom builds.
"SHOWA has spent decades winning on two wheels, and everything we've learned is built into these shocks," said Nathan Beskow, general manager of SHOWA Performance. "Enthusiasts want to push hard on the trails, dunes, rocks and track, and they want more control and consistency from their shocks."
Three product families
SHOWA Performance ORC 2.0: Monotube shocks with a Cerakote-finished steel body, a 45 mm bore and a graphite-impregnated floating piston band meant to improve response across mixed terrain.
SHOWA PSD 2.25: Position-sensitive damping shocks with a 57 mm steel body and patented Hydraulic Compression Stop (HCS) and Hydraulic Rebound Stop (HRS) features that raise damping force near full compression and rebound.
SHOWA SPIRE 2.5: Adjustable, rebuildable aluminum-body monotube shocks with ARC 2 technology for tool-free low- and high-speed compression damping changes. Offered in universal and application-specific setups, including coilover and non-coilover options.
Racing and where to see them
SHOWA Performance plans to show the technology in 2027 through King of the Hammers, the Ultra4 series and Jeep Jamboree USA. Brian Novak will lead the racing program as director of motorsport, with Sergio Pinillos scheduled to compete in a SHOWA-equipped 4600-class vehicle at the 2027 King of the Hammers.
The line is on display at SEMA booth 55217. Astemo's related aftermarket news is at Astemo Americas.
