Reader Response Draft #3 - Brembo GT Braking System

The Brembo GT braking system is designed to meet the rigorous demands of both on-road and track driving. Utilizing Brembo's experience in designing advanced braking technologies, the Brembo GT braking offers features such as monobloc aluminum calipers, two-piece floating discs, and high performance braking pads (Brembo, n.d). The Brembo GT braking system is a substantial upgrade over stock and standard braking systems. Offering improvement in braking consistency, reduced wear and tear, and enhanced durability (Brembo, n.d). Its nickel-plated calipers also ensure a premium, corrosion-resistant finish with a lot of different options in colours to choose from, to provide an aesthetic appeal (Brembo, n.d.). Brembo offers a lot of customizability in their GT braking system to cater for the demands of each user and having multiple options in size to widen the range of compatibility with vehicles (Brembo, n.d.).

For track driving and car enthusiast, the Brembo GT braking system offers great reliability, brake performance and high industry reputation and is a good choice of upgrade despite its price point.

One feature of the Brembo GT braking system is its monobloc calipers, machined from a solid aluminum block. This design reduces the unsprung weight of the car, which improves the vehicles dynamics and also provide better breaking performance (Brembo, n.d.). Unsprung weight of a vehicle refers to any weight of a vehicle that does not support suspension system (Valor Offroad, n.d.). Reducing unsprung weight will improve the vehicles' dynamic as it allows the suspension to react more quickly to road conditions, improving the responsiveness of the car (Valor Offroad, n.d.). The calipers are also available in different configurations, 4 or 6 pistons. These pistons includes stainless steel radiators which significantly reduces the amount of heat transfer (Brembo, n.d.). This consequently helps maintain braking performance during prolonged drives and also prevents brake fade, ensuring that the driver experience constant feel in the pedals (Brembo, n.d.). Brake fade occurs when the brakes overheat and loses its ability to stop overtime (Tires Plus, n.d.). Thus, having better heat transfer reduces the chances of the brakes to overheat, preventing accidents to occur.

Another feature of the of the GT braking system is its two-piece floating discs. The discs are available in sizes ranging from 345 mm to 405mm and thickness ranging from 28mm to 34mm (Brembo, n.d.). These discs are deigned to minimise unpsrung weight and also maximise heat dissipation, further improving the cars dynamics and mitigating the risk of brake fade during repeated hard breaking (Brembo, n.d.). The floating design allows for some movement between the discs and the hub, improving the users experience as its helps reduce the noise level and vibration of the car when driving and braking (Brembo, n.d.).  A test drive was conducted comparing the Brembo GT braking system with the stock brakes of a Golf VII R. In this test, both braking system was given a similar scenario, simulating a car with a load of 4 passengers, the cars was subject to emergency braking (Brembo, 2022). To give a more accurate answer, the tests was repeated multiple times and the average score was taken (Brembo, n.d.). The results of the test showed that the Brembo GT braking system manage to stop in a shorter distance of 6m compared to the stock braking system on average (Brembo, 2022). Thus, concluding that the Brembo GT braking system allows for better braking over repeated use and tests.

When it comes to the safety of the Brembo GT system, Brembo provides a significant improvement as compared to stock braking systems such as a reduction in their stopping distance. This can be the difference between avoiding an accident or becoming involved in one. To add on, Brembo included a ‘Brembo Check’ app to verify their product authenticity (Brembo, n.d.). This ensures that users are installing genuine parts that maintains the system’s reliability and safety (Brembo, n.d.). Brembo also has established itself as a leader in high-performance braking performance, being the choice for many high-performance vehicles. In 2024, Brembo received 72.7% of the 92,798 votes for 'Best Brakes/Brake Pads' class as part of Auto Motor und Sport's prestigious BEST CARS 2024 awards (Brembo, 2024). Such achievements from industry professionals and consumers alike indicate that Brembo are trusted for their performance and safety.

Despite Brembo’s impressive performance in the GT braking system, it has one notable drawback, which is concerning its high price. According to Race Technologies (n.d.), the Brembo GT braking systems are priced ranging from $1,595 and $9,995, depending on the specifications and configurations which the user selects. The cost reflects on the premium materials, advanced technology and aesthetic appeal that Brembo used to create their product. Due to this high cost, it could deter some users from buying their top of the range specifications, as it may limit accessibility to users looking for affordable options.

In conclusion, while the price is somewhat high for the Brembo GT braking system, the quality in performance and safety that it provides justifies this investment. Advanced engineering combined with high-quality materials creates an improved braking efficiency and overall better driving experience. Ultimately, the Brembo GT Braking system improved safety and reliability make Brembo GT a compelling option. 

REFERENCES

Brembo. (2024, April 1). Stock brakes vs. Brembo upgrade brakes. https://www.brembo.com/en/company/news/stock-brakes-vs-brembo-upgrade-brakes

Brembo. (2024, September 30). Brembo voted best brake brand 2024. https://www.brembo.com/en/company/news/brembo-voted-best-brake-brand-2024

Tires Plus. (2023, July 14). What is brake fade? https://www.tiresplus.com/blog/brakes/what-is-brake-fade/

Valor Off-Road. (2023, July 12). How wheel weight impacts your vehicle. https://www.valoroffroad.com/blogs/the-source/how-wheel-weight-impacts-your-vehicle?srsltid=AfmBOor4NuccBAjeAGXAvKLOa25tGBG9aP2cXtF5raKkIzen_tnr6sf1

Brembo. (n.d.). GT-R braking system. https://www.brembo.com/en/car/sporting-use/gt-r-braking-system

Race Technologies. (n.d.). Brembo performance systems. https://www.racetechnologies.com/product-line/brembo-performance-systems

Race Technologies. (n.d.). What are the benefits and features of the Brembo GT brake system? https://racetechnologies.com/article/what-are-benefits-and-features-brembo-gt-brake-system