The Evolution of High Performance Brakes in the Last 10 Years.

Over the past decade, automotive technology has undergone significant advances, and performance braking systems have been no exception. These crucial components have evolved dramatically, not only to meet increasing demands for safety and efficiency, but also to enhance the driving experience in high-performance vehicles. In this article, we will explain how performance brakes have changed over the past 10 years, highlighting the key innovations and trends that have defined this evolution.

1. Braking Materials: From Traditional to Exceptional

A decade ago, high-performance braking systems already used advanced materials such as steel and carbon, but the development of new composites has led to significant improvements in terms of weight, durability and stopping power. Carbon ceramic brakes, once a luxury reserved for supercars and racing cars, have become more affordable and common in high-end vehicles. These brakes offer exceptional performance in terms of heat dissipation and wear resistance, making them an ideal choice for high-performance applications.

In addition, the friction compounds have been optimised to improve efficiency in a variety of climatic conditions, providing consistent and reliable braking in both cold and hot climates. This has been crucial in ensuring safety and performance in vehicles used in a variety of geographies and driving conditions.

Electronic Brake Technology: Accuracy and Control

One of the most significant developments in the last 10 years has been the integration of electronic systems into high performance brakes. The evolution of technologies such as ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and EBD (Electronic Brake Distribution) has enabled more precise and adaptive braking control. These technologies, now standard on most high-performance vehicles, work together to optimise the distribution of braking force to each wheel, improving stability and reducing stopping distances in critical situations.

Cornering Brake Control, an innovation derived from these technologies, has enabled drivers to maintain control of the vehicle even in the most challenging conditions. This system adjusts the braking force on the outside wheels during cornering, reducing understeer and improving traction.

3. Regenerative Braking: Beyond Conventional Braking

The increasing adoption of electric and hybrid vehicles has driven the development of regenerative braking, a technology that not only decelerates the vehicle, but also recovers energy during the braking process. Over the last decade, this technology has evolved significantly, improving the efficiency of braking systems and extending the range of electric vehicles.

Regenerative braking is now more efficient and better integrated with vehicle energy management systems. In addition, improvements in programming and electronic control have enabled a smoother transition between regenerative braking and conventional braking, improving the driving experience and maximising energy recovery.

4. Design and Aerodynamics: Beyond Aesthetics

The design of high-performance braking systems has also evolved in response to aerodynamic and aesthetic demands. Perforated and slotted brake discs, which were initially introduced to improve heat dissipation and reduce wear, have been refined to offer even greater performance.The brake calipers, meanwhile, have been redesigned to reduce weight without sacrificing stiffness, thus improving braking response.

The focus on aerodynamics has led to brake designs that minimise air resistance and optimise airflow around components, helping to keep temperatures under control during intensive use. This is especially important in high-performance vehicles, where thermal management is crucial to keep brake performance at optimum levels.

5. Sustainability and the Environment: Cleaner Brakes

In the last decade, sustainability has become a priority in the automotive industry, and high-performance brake manufacturers have not been left behind. Progress has been made in reducing harmful materials in the manufacture of brake components, as well as reducing particulate emissions during braking. New friction compounds are less harmful to the environment, and manufacturing processes have been optimised to reduce the carbon footprint.

In addition, the trend towards electric vehicles has driven the development of brakes that are more efficient and less polluting, in line with increasingly stringent environmental regulations.

Innovation in brakes

The last 10 years have seen an impressive evolution in high-performance brakes. From innovation in materials to the integration of advanced electronic technologies, brakes have improved in every aspect, providing drivers with greater safety, control and efficiency. As automotive technology continues to advance, we can expect performance brakes to continue to evolve, adapting to the new demands and challenges of modern mobility.

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Our R&D makes our brakes avant-garde and sustainable products, eliminating environmentally harmful substances. No copper, nickel or other polluting materials are used. We have even gone further by reaching the N level of the Leaf Mark.

SDT Brakes HIGH PERFORMANCE brakes comply with the ECE R 90 global standard for brake pads for road and public road use.