Carbon Stoppers For the Street

CARBON STOPPERS FOR THE STREET

Grand Prix roadracers have used carbon/carbon brake discs for years, but these expensive, lightweight rotors I have never been available for street use. Until now, that is. Brembo is preparing to launch a carbon-composite setup said to be capable of meeting stringent streetbike reliability and safety standards. The search for the right stuff to replace traditional cast-iron and steel discs has led to promising ceramic (silicon-carbide) and carbon-based compounds. Brembo's Composite Carbon Material is said to offer precise, instantaneous and reliable response even when the rotor is deadcold It's also long-lasting, with minimal wear and no need for replacement throughout the full life of the vehicle Besides generating increased levels of braking torque, CCM rotors are claimed to be 60 percent lighter than current applications, thus improving steering and suspension response Brembo plans to unveil the new CCM rotors and their accompanying calipers and pads at September's Milan Show So far, we see only one fundamental flaw: They will be very pricey.

Bruno de Prato