19th January 2009 - Camaro SS Sports Brembo Brakes

Focus on Weight Savings and Improved Vehicle Dynamics

Long known as the supplier of high-performance brakes to the premier European auto manufacturers, Brembo is the brake of choice for the second-straight year for GM’s featured vehicle, the Camaro SS, at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

Last year it was the Corvette ZR1, the highest-performing production car in General Motors’ history, sporting Brembo’s award-winning carbon ceramic brake discs.  In addition, the Cadillac CTS-V was introduced in 2008 with Brembo’s unique dual-cast brake rotors made of cast iron and aluminum.  Both of these fitments were the only North American vehicles fitted with these state-of-the-art brake technologies.

This year it’s the 420-hp, V8-powered Camaro SS that Motor Trend magazine calls “the most anticipated American musclecar in decades” that is equipped with four-piston, two-piece aluminum calipers and 14.0-in. (355mm) and 14.4-in. (365mm) rotors front and rear respectively.  The two-piece aluminum front calipers are designed to weigh 32% less than the ones on the V6 and yet provide increased stiffness to reduce fluid displacement and caliper deformation. The overall effect enhances vehicle efficiency and dynamics.

In addition to being the innovator of the aluminum caliper, the patented Brembo pillar-vented rotor design improves cooling and crack resistance of the braking surface, while a geomet coating prevents rust for an improved aesthetic appearance.  With the calipers sporting a black-anodized ‘musclecar’ finish instead of paint, Brembo further employs “green technology” in manufacturing by reducing the number of processes.

Why did GM choose Brembo for a repeat performance?

Since it was established in 1961, Brembo has supplied high-performance brake systems to the most prestigious brands of cars and motorcycles worldwide for several reasons.  Brembo can guarantee the best standards of quality and most advanced technological skills that, together with incomparable knowledge in the manufacturing of brake systems for high-performance vehicles, make it the leading company in its segment on the world market.

Brembo also views top-level motorsports as the ideal workshop to test innovations in terms of product engineering and materials in the toughest of conditions. Brembo has proven dominant in motorsports with its products winning more than 200 world championships, including more Formula One, MotoGP, World Superbike, NASCAR and 24 Hours of Le Mans championships than anyone else.

Brembo, a world leader in engineering, development and production of high-performance braking systems and components, was established in 1961 in Bergamo, Italy.

Brembo is an engineering company with over nine percent of its 5800 employees dedicated to research, development and innovation.  Brembo has 32 plants and offices in 14 countries worldwide.  Each product is designed with performance and styling uniquely matched to the vehicle that it equips. Of equal importance is Brembo’s total commitment to manufacturing and quality assurance. Brembo controls every step of the process, from design to iron casting through to assembly, by means of testing and simulations in the laboratory, as well as on the road and track to assure performance.

Brembo offers a comprehensive line of brake components and systems ranging from original equipment and aftermarket replacement parts, to racing and high-performance upgrades, as well as performance motorcycle components and systems.

As a global supplier, Brembo manufactures over 32 million brake rotors a year for more than 30 different OEMs, including Aston Martin, Audi, BMW, Chrysler, Ford, Ferrari, General Motors, Lamborghini, Lexus, Maserati, Mercedes, Nissan and Porsche. 2007 sales were $1.249 billion.

Brembo, AP Racing, Marchesini and Sabelt are wholly owned brands of Brembo S.p.A.

Source: Brembo Press Release