Corvette Grand Sport: everything there is to know about the brakes

9/13/2016

Secrets, details and options for the Brembo braking system on the most powerful street Corvette Grand Sport ever

Brembo helps the American supercar demonstrate performance beyond its category. Brembo offers various solutions for the latest model in the Corvette range.

At the Geneva International Motor Show in March, it caught the dreamy gaze of thousands of people who crowded around the Chevrolet stand to admire it. We are talking about the new Corvette Grand Sport, the sweet spot of the Corvette range.

A magnificent supercar with a 6.2 liter LT1 V8 beating heart that puts out 460 HP and 630 Nm of torque. Sensational statistics, in line with the racing character inherited from its 1963 namesake vehicle. In fact, every element of the new Grand Sport has been designed to enhance performance on the track: from the aerodynamic solutions to the lightweight frame, made following the same production processes used for race cars.

The braking system, naturally Brembo, is also in line with these aspirations: on the front there are 6-piston monoblock calipers that grip two-piece 370 mm (34 mm thick) floating discs. On the rear, on the other hand, the two-piece floating discs are 365 mm (26 mm thick) and they work with 4-piston monoblock calipers.

On a floating disc, the braking band and the housing are made with different materials. Since they are made in lightweight aluminum alloy, a floating disc housing is lighter than a traditional housing: therefore, by reducing the unsprung weight, the performance, comfort and handling of the vehicle increase.

The separation between the two parts also prevents the heat generated by the friction from being transmitted from the braking band, which can dilate both in the radial and axial direction, to the housing.

The front Brembo calipers on the Grand Sport are made of aluminum on the monoblock version, in other words, the version that is machined from a cast aluminum block, and they guarantee exceptional stiffness and less deformation. Overall, both front and rear fixed brakes improve the duration and efficiency of the system: in fact, thanks to the use of opposed pistons, they allow more precise action on the pads due to the smaller diameter of the cylinders, the lower pressure that acts on the individual piston and more even wear on the friction surfaces due to the larger surface dedicated to the action of the pads. In other words, braking is more responsive and decisive even in street use.
This result can already be perceived during street use, but it is emphasized on the track where braking efficiency is always at the maximum.

As if that wasn't enough, the Grand Sport calipers, available in black, red and yellow, are made up of different diameter opposed pistons.

Only the top range models have Brembo calipers

Brembo produces high-tech brake calipers installed as original equipment in the leading car models in every category. These monoblock or two-piece fixed calipers are made from aluminium for maximum lightweight and performance, while the number of pistons varies from 2 to 6 in relation to size.

If all of this doesn't seem to be enough, don't worry, there is always the Z07 Performance Package: along with the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires and a Z07 suspension that guarantee the possibility of taking turns at 1.2g (1.05g with the standard model), there is a more advanced braking system, also signed by Brembo.

Instead of discs with a cast iron braking band, the Z07 package uses larger, carbon-ceramic discs: 394 mm (38 mm thick) on the front and 390 mm (32 mm thick) on the rear. This makes for a considerable weight reduction: the braking system on each front wheel goes from 10.87 kg to 6.2 kg, with a 43 percent reduction, whereas the rear, also per unit, goes from 11.3 to 8 kg with a 29 percent reduction. This is a light weight that translates into quicker acceleration, shorter braking distance and even lower fuel consumption.

But the advantages of carbon ceramic do not stop here. This material is characterized by extremely low deformation at high temperatures, a peculiarity that reflects directly on vehicle performance. Also, carbon ceramic can be used repeatedly because even after multiple action the braking force remains unchanged. And even in the most demanding braking situations, a carbon ceramic disc is never at risk of fading.

Carbon-ceramic discs: High performance, minimum weight

Carbon ceramic offers substantial benefits in terms of performance - in both wet and dry conditions - weight, comfort, corrosion resistance, durability and high-tech appeal. .

Is your mouth watering already? Contain your excitement because we haven't finished yet. The Z07 package calipers also differ from the standard ones, not only with the shade of gray that replaces the black, but with the addition of red and yellow. While they are still 6-piston monoblock units, the front calipers are characterized by a different geometry in order to better integrate with carbon ceramic discs. The rear calipers, on the other hand, become 4-piston monoblock units.

Thanks to these specifications, the Z07 package braking force is impressive: 2,038 Nm for the front axle, 1,134 Nm for the rear axle. Incredible numbers, like all the rest that the Corvette Grand Sport demonstrates. You just won't be able put the brakes on your excitement.