Brembo Sees Shift to Electric Brakes, Carbon Discs

Next-generation brakes will be colorful and increasingly lighter, more aerodynamic and electrified, predicts Italian braking specialist Brembo SpA.

Electrified brakes will become a “strong trend” over the next decade, Giovanni Canavotto, executive director for Brembo’s braking systems, tells Car and Driver.

Brake-by-wire systems have been used in Formula One race cars for years. But Canavotto envisions a gradual conversion on production vehicles, similar to the switch from drum brakes to disc brakes, as companies work to reduce costs and refine algorithms.

Electrified systems can reduce weight, improve performance and provide greater packaging flexibility and customization. In the future, electrification will be used to tailor the brakes to customer and driver preferences—such as pedal travel and firmness—similar to advanced suspension and steering systems, Canavotto says.

Brembo also is working on a production version of the aerodynamic brake caliper the company developed for racing applications. Canavotto also expects the trend toward carbon-ceramic discs will continue. But he says progress needs to be made to lower costs and reduce size.

High-end brake systems also are becoming more colorful. Brembo offers some 100 different color choices, including reds, yellows and at least seven variations of black.