Audi to Offer High-Performance Ceramic Brakes on A8 W12

Ceramic Discs to Last Up to 300,000 KM

While airbags, safety cells and stability control systems are hailed as the latest and greatest features designed to protect the

Audi has announced that it will be offering ceramic brakes on its flagship vehicles, the A8 W12 and long-wheelbase A8L W12. (Photo: Audi of America)

lives of occupants of cars, the latest revolution comes in the form of brakes. Developed on race tracks in competition, as well as in safety labs, we have come to associate ceramic brakes with pedigree sports brands, such as Ferrari and Porsche. Offered on vehicles such as the F430, Enzo, Carrera GT and 911 Carrera S, this kind of technology is limited to the utmost high-performance driving machines and is out of the reach of the general public. That is, until recently, as Audi has announced that it will be offering ceramic brakes on its

With ceramic brakes, the material of choice is silicon carbide, an abrasion-resistant crystalline compound that's similar to diamond in structure. (Photo: Audi of America)

flagship vehicles, the A8 W12 and long-wheelbase A8L W12.

So, what exactly is a ceramic brake? The difference is not in the caliper, but rather, in the disc itself. Normal discs are made of steel, which is a formidable material for the job. With ceramic brakes, the material of choice is silicon carbide, an abrasion-resistant crystalline compound that's similar to diamond in structure. Embedded into the disc are fibers of carbon, which help the silicon carbide absorb and cope with the immense stresses that a brake disc would normally endure. Because of the material used in the composition of the discs, the brakes also have a uniform coefficient of friction, which provides consistent pedal feel and braking distances, regardless of weather or temperature.