Episode #20
What goes into designing premium 4WD Parts? Talking R&D
What actually goes into designing, developing and testing Australia's most premium hardcore 4WD parts, so you can just bolt onto your rig and hit the tracks? In this episode of The Superior Podcast, The boss man Mick joins the head of R&D Angus and Mitch from Superior Engineering for a proper chat about Research & Development, 4WD product development, engineering, Australian manufacturing and real-world testing.From deciding which 4WD platforms are worth developing products for, to dealing with customer feedback, revising products and putting new designs through their paces, we get an inside look at what happens behind the scenes at Superior Engineering.We talk about why not every idea makes it to production, why R&D has to balance engineering, customer demand and commercial reality, and how real-world abuse helps shape the next generation of 4WD products.The conversation also covers newer 4WD platforms like the BYD Shark, the challenges modern vehicles create for aftermarket manufacturers, the return of Stealth Sliders, vehicle technology, sensors and safety systems, Australian manufacturing and why getting products out into the real world is such an important part of the R&D process.And, because this is Superior Engineering, there is plenty of discussion about building products that are actually designed to be used. Towing bigger loads, driving into places you probably shouldn't, seeing what gets punished and learning from what breaks are all part of developing better 4WD gear.This is a look inside the R&D process at Superior Engineering and how an idea goes from a problem on the trail to a tested, manufactured and ready-to-use 4WD product.If you're into 4WDs, off-road driving, 4x4 accessories, suspension, vehicle engineering, Australian-made products, product development, fabrication, manufacturing or seeing what goes on behind the scenes of the 4WD industry, this one's for you.Whether you're driving a Patrol, LandCruiser, Hilux, Ranger, D-MAX, Triton, Prado, Jimny, BYD Shark or another 4WD, the aftermarket parts you use don't just appear overnight. There's a huge amount of engineering, testing, manufacturing and refinement that happens before a product ever reaches your vehicle.Superior Engineering is an Australian 4WD engineering and manufacturing company developing suspension, GVM upgrades, underbody protection, steering and drivetrain components, chassis products and other 4x4 accessories for Australian conditions.Built in Australia. Tested in the real world. Engineered for people who actually use their 4WDs.If you enjoy the podcast, hit subscribe, drop a comment and let us know what you want Mitch to ask the R&D team next.
