When purchasing a new car, many factors come into play, including design, interior features, and engine performance. However, the braking system, a critical safety component, often receives less attention than it deserves. This oversight is especially important when considering a sports car, where the choice between standard brakes and carbon-ceramic brakes can make a significant difference. While most high-performance car manufacturers offer carbon-ceramic brakes as an option, with some exceptions like Ferrari, Lamborghini, and McLaren, which include them as standard, it’s a decision worth considering for anyone looking at street-legal supercars.
Carbon-ceramic brakes are crafted through a sophisticated process involving a mixture of resin powders and fibre filaments, a technology that has been used in aerospace since the 1970s and in automotive racing since the 1980s. Since 2000, this material has also been applied to the braking systems of sports cars, bringing numerous advantages such as improved performance in various weather conditions, reduced weight, enhanced comfort, and greater resistance to corrosion. Additionally, they offer an impressive lifespan and a strong technical image.
One of the key advantages of carbon-ceramic brakes is their unparalleled braking performance. These discs have a higher friction coefficient than traditional cast iron discs, which means they can bring a car to a stop more quickly. Studies have shown that, under similar conditions, carbon-ceramic brakes can reduce the braking distance by nearly 10 feet when stopping from 62 mph. This difference could be the crucial factor in avoiding an accident or saving a life.
Another benefit of carbon-ceramic brakes is their resistance to brake fade. For sports cars, this ensures consistent braking performance even after repeated use. Unlike cast iron discs, which can overheat and lose efficiency when used extensively, carbon-ceramic discs maintain their effectiveness at high temperatures. This makes them particularly reliable in extreme driving conditions, such as mountain roads or racetracks.
The aesthetic appeal of carbon-ceramic brakes is also noteworthy. These brakes are larger and have a distinctive texture that is visible, enhancing the car’s overall look. Their unique style not only catches the eye but also signals the presence of high-quality engineering. In fact, the Brembo carbon-ceramic braking system was awarded the Compasso d’Oro in 2004, marking the first time a braking component received this prestigious design award.
In addition to performance and style, carbon-ceramic brakes contribute to better vehicle handling. They are significantly lighter than traditional cast iron discs, reducing the unsprung mass of the car. This reduction in weight improves various aspects of driving, including fuel efficiency, comfort, deceleration, and acceleration. Moreover, the lighter weight enhances the car’s responsiveness when changing directions, making for a smoother driving experience.
Lastly, the longevity of carbon-ceramic discs is a major advantage. Traditional cast iron discs typically last around 62,000 miles before needing replacement, whereas carbon-ceramic discs can last three to four times longer. This means they can effectively serve for the entire lifespan of the vehicle without losing performance, offering car owners peace of mind and long-term value.
Carbon-ceramic brakes offer superior performance, style, handling, and durability, making them a valuable consideration for anyone looking to invest in a high-performance sports car.
Surface Transforms plc (LON:SCE) is a manufacturer of next-generation carbon-ceramic brake discs for automotive and aircraft applications and has been certified to IS9001-2000 since 2008 and was certified to TS16949 automotive quality accreditation and AS9100C aerospace quality accreditation in 2015.
