Sponsored by Hotchkis Sport Suspension
When John Hotchkis founded Hotchkis Sport Suspension more than 30 years ago, American musclecars were famous for straight-line power--and infamous for their lack of handling. Drawing from his background in road racing and autocross, Hotchkis saw an opportunity to apply race-proven suspension knowledge to transform musclecars into machines that could carve corners with confidence.
That simple mission--to make cars handle with easy-to-install sport suspension--would help change the performance aftermarket forever.
From the Track to the Street
In the early '90s, Hotchkis and his small team began developing precision suspension systems for classics like the Chevelle, Camaro, Mustang and Mopar B- and E-Bodies, translating lessons from the race track into components designed for the street.
Long before track days were common, Hotchkis organized enthusiast driving events at California's Willow Springs and Buttonwillow Raceways, where everyday owners could experience what balanced handling felt like. Chevelles mixed it up with Mustangs and Challengers while Corvettes, BMWs and Audis joined in--and the message spread fast.
"A well-tuned musclecar is more fun to drive than ever imagined."
Those early track days ignited a handling revolution and built a loyal community around the Hotchkis brand.
Innovation in Motion: Project F-71
Hotchkis' racing pedigree led naturally to bold engineering projects--none more groundbreaking than Project F-71, a '71 Camaro built in collaboration with GM Performance Parts.
In 2000, the team swapped an all-aluminum LS1 into the car, making it the first known classic musclecar LS1 conversion outside of GM. Paired with a Tremec six-speed, full Hotchkis suspension system and 315mm rear tires, the F-71 debuted on the 2000 HOT ROD Power Tour and stunned the industry.
It was far ahead of its time, previewing the Pro-Touring movement that would soon dominate the performance aftermarket. More than two decades later, that same Project F-71 Camaro still runs strong--proof of the engineering and spirit behind every Hotchkis innovation.
The Rise of the Total Vehicle System
As Hotchkis evolved, so did its philosophy. Instead of selling isolated components, the company engineered Total Vehicle Systems (TVS)--complete, balanced suspension packages designed to work as an integrated performance solution.
Each Hotchkis TVS system includes fabricated A-arms, trailing arms, sport springs, tubular sway bars and Hotchkis tuned-by-Fox shocks, optimized together for dramatically improved handling balance, cornering grip and ride quality. Applications for GM A, F and G Bodies, Ford Mustangs and Mopar classics made it easy for enthusiasts to transform their cars in a weekend, with results that felt like an entirely new machine.
Hotchkis later expanded into sport trucks, JDM platforms and European performance cars, developing sway-bar and suspension packages for Nissan, Infiniti, BMW, Mini, Audi and Volkswagen. Whether domestic or import, every system shared one core outcome:
"Dramatically improved handling with excellent sport ride quality for the ultimate driving experience."
Built in America. Proven Everywhere.
From day one, Hotchkis Sport Suspension has proudly designed, tested and manufactured its products in the United States. CNC-bent tubular sway bars, precision-welded fabricated suspension and CNC-machined components all reflect the company's commitment to engineering excellence and craftsmanship.
Every component is tested on the street and validated on the track--often by the same team that builds it. That approach has earned Hotchkis a reputation for quality, durability and performance recognized across the automotive community.
From Goodguys Autocross events to Holley MoParty, enthusiasts trust Hotchkis products to deliver real results--and an even bigger smile behind the wheel.
The Present: Reborn and Reenergized
Today, Hotchkis Sport Suspension operates from Race City, USA--Mooresville, North Carolina--the heart of America's motorsports industry. Under renewed leadership, the company has revitalized its manufacturing, reestablished strong supply chains and expanded its product lineup to meet the demands of modern enthusiasts.
Production of lightweight tubular sway bars is in full swing, and the engineering team continues to release new applications for classic musclecars and modern performance vehicles--including Camaro, Mustang, Challenger, Corvette and BMW platforms.
Years ago, Hotchkis teamed with Fox Factory to launch the Hotchkis-by-Fox shock absorber line--performance-tuned dampers that combine Hotchkis' decades of suspension expertise with Fox's race-proven damping technology. The result: adjustable shocks that deliver motorsport-level control with refined street comfort. Now Hotchkis and Fox are working even closer together on new applications for 2026.
The Future: Handling the Next Generation
Looking ahead, Hotchkis Sport Suspension is embracing both tradition and transformation. New coil-over systems, sport-truck suspensions and modern performance packages are in development--and the team is exploring opportunities in next-generation performance platforms.
The company's guiding principle remains unchanged: to create world-class suspension systems that make every car more enjoyable to drive.
Whether it's a vintage Chevelle, a late-model Challenger or a European or JDM sports car, Hotchkis continues to engineer products that blend precision, performance and passion--just as it has for more than 30 years.
"At Hotchkis, it's never just about going fast. It's about how well you get there."
About Hotchkis Sport Suspension
Hotchkis Sport Suspension designs, tests and manufactures premium suspension systems and components for classic and modern performance vehicles. With headquarters in Mooresville, North Carolina, Hotchkis proudly builds its products in the United States and continues to set the standard for precision handling and excellent ride quality for the ultimate driving experience.
Visit www.hotchkis.net for more information and product applications.
