7th September 2005 - Bugatti Veyron Brakes with TMD Friction

TMD Friction is a step ahead of the rest when it comes to the development and production of brake pads for ceramic brake discs. This has been confirmed by technical releases issued by all the well-known car makers that fit their models with ceramic brake discs. Additional evidence is provided by the recent release for original equipment for the Bugatti Veyron. This supercar was first presented to a selected audience at a Bugatti event in Molsheim/ France and with 1001 horsepower and a top speed of 407 kph.  It is a true racer.

The success story of TMD Friction and its partner BT Bremsen Technik in this area began in 1998, initially comprising cooperation with Mercedes and Porsche. Today, TMD Friction supplies discs brake pads for models such as the AMG SLR McLaren from Mercedes-Benz, the Porsche GT 3, the Porsche Carrera GT, 996 GT 2 and 996 Turbo, and for various Ferrari models. Buyers of the Porsche Boxster can also opt for ceramic brake discs with brake pads from TMD Friction. New additions are the Audi A8 W12 and the Lamborghini L147 GTT, also known as the Murciélago. Production of these two cars is due to commence shortly.

What are the special challenges that such sports cars pose for the brake friction parts? Due to its low material density, a ceramic brake disc is up to 55 percent lighter in comparison to cast iron and possesses lower thermal capacity and conductivity. This results in a significantly lower surface temperature on the brake disc. Temperatures up to 1200 degrees Celsius occur in the area touching the friction material. The brake pad must absorb this temperature, transport it away again and ensure constant friction performance. "Due to its surface integrity and composition, a conventional brake pad could not do this", says Ludwig Ervens, Group Executive R&D and Customer Programmes at TMD Friction. "We developed new recipes and a special bonding system to meet these particular requirements. Naturally, our many years of experience in the development of road vehicles and racing cars stood us in very good stead."

Working in close cooperation with brake and car manufacturers, it was possible to develop brake friction parts which achieve both a constant friction coefficient of µ=0.45 and the desired wear behaviour. A further benefit is the high degree of braking comfort. It must be ensured that there is no judder. (Note: judder = loss of comfort when braking from high speeds, noticeable by steering wheel vibration and booming of the brake.) At TMD Friction, these and other properties are checked initially on the test stands of the development centre in Leverkusen and subsequently in driving trials on international courses and test circuits, where the brakes are subjected to extremely tough tests.

To date, cars are frequently only fitted with ceramic discs at an extra charge. In return for this higher price, the manufacturers promise the higher thermal load capacity of the brake disc, greater braking comfort due to reduced unsprung masses and above all a life expectancy of up to 300,000 km.

About TMD Friction

The TMD Friction Group is one of the world's leading manufacturers of brake friction products for original equipment in the automotive and brake industries. The product portfolio embraces disc brake pads and drum brake linings for passenger cars and commercial vehicles, as well as brake friction parts for racing cars and friction materials for industry. In 2004, the company generated turnover totalling EUR 641 million at its locations in Germany, the rest of Europe, the USA, Brazil, Mexico and China. At the end of last year, the TMD Friction Group employed 4,500 people. With the brands Textar, Pagid, Mintex, Don, Cobreq and Cosid, TMD Friction also supplies the worldwide replacement market.

Source: TMD Friction Press Release