So how about those brakes?

[the Teuton]

I didn't read all of the articles at the local bookstore because I have the mags waiting for me when I get back to school, but I just read that the carbon ceramic rotors in the ZR1 Corvette were designed for the Ferrari Enzo and FXX.  Technology from cars that cost seven to 18 times as much are trickling down to a Corvette.  Sure, the ZR1 will weigh 3,300-3,400 lbs., which is a little heavy, IMO, but I find the car to be amazing so far.

First, Cadillac has the Escalade's interior designed by the same people who do Maybachs and now Chevy steals some Ferrari parts.  Wow.  Way to go GM.

Oh yeah, they had to grind down the front brakes to clear the 19 inch wheels.  The car still comes with 11.5" rotors in the front and 11" rotors in the back.

[S204STi]

Yep, on paper the ZR1 seems like  a real killer.  Let's hope it lives up to it!

[280Z Turbo]

The Corvette ZR1 doesn't have 11" brakes. I think they're more like 15".

Hell, even my Z has 11.4" rear rotors.

[the Teuton]

When the Enzo came out, I distinctly remember them talking about how expensive the brakes were.  Porsche charges something like $10,000 for carbon ceramic brakes and Ferrari does it for about twice as much.  How can they afford to put them on a $100,000 Corvette?

[the Teuton]

The Corvette ZR1 doesn't have 11" brakes. I think they're more like 15".

Hell, even my Z has 11.4" rear rotors.

You might be right.  Like I said, I just glanced at the mags yesterday.

[Raghavan]

That's cool but I'd prefer the Z06 instead.
BTW doesn't the 'Vette already use a Delphi system designed for Ferrari's, or is that the other way around?

[280Z Turbo]

That's cool but I'd prefer the Z06 instead.
BTW doesn't the 'Vette already use a Delphi system designed for Ferrari's, or is that the other way around?

I think Corvette had it first, and Cadillac had it before that.

[the Teuton]

You're right.  It has 15.5 inch rotors in the front and 15s in the back.

The rear tires are 335/25R20s!!!

[280Z Turbo]

You're right.  It has 15.5 inch rotors in the front and 15s in the back.

I know.

I've been obsessed with brakes ever since I started re-engineering my own system.

[the Teuton]

I know.

I've been obsessed with brakes ever since I started re-engineering my own system.

How's that going? 

Apparently, the size of your brakes is a big thing in the auto industry.  I have a friend who interned at Bosch's US research facility.  They had to re-engineer the F-150's brakes after the Tundra came out just because Toyota boasted that their brakes were bigger.  I think that's a little silly, but to each his own.

[280Z Turbo]

How's that going? 

Apparently, the size of your brakes is a big thing in the auto industry.  I have a friend who interned at Bosch's US research facility.  They had to re-engineer the F-150's brakes after the Tundra came out just because Toyota boasted that their brakes were bigger.  I think that's a little silly, but to each his own.

My calipers don't clear my wheels. I need spacers and longer studs. I also need to pick up a proportioning valve and then the bleeding process begins!

A lot of people think that brakes stop the car, but it's really the tires. If you can lock 'em up, then they're good enough for daily driver. I'm not sure why a family car or pickup truck needs giant brakes.

You could have the greatest Wilwood brake package out there and still not be able to outbrake a car with better tires.

[GoCougs]

Chances are quite likely that the cost to develop the brakes was factored into the price of an Enzo/FXX - meaning the brakes probably cost but a fraction of what they did 7 years ago.

[Minpin]

Not to mention volume. Chevy will sell way more ZR1's than Ferrari sold Enzos thus making them cheaper for consumers.

[FordSVT]

A lot of people think that brakes stop the car, but it's really the tires. If you can lock 'em up, then they're good enough for daily driver. I'm not sure why a family car or pickup truck needs giant brakes.

I'm no expert on brakes, and I get why tires are the most important element when braking as far as actually bringing a vehicle to a halt, but there must be some benefits to larger brakes or engineers wouldn't bother.

Greater ability to cool might be the primary reason. Brake feel/control reasons? Longevity? Just throwing some shit out here. I'm sure plenty of cars have overkill brakes, but bigger brakes can't simply be for bragging rights.

[280Z Turbo]

I'm no expert on brakes, and I get why tires are the most important element when braking as far as actually bringing a vehicle to a halt, but there must be some benefits to larger brakes or engineers wouldn't bother.

Greater ability to cool might be the primary reason. Brake feel/control reasons? Longevity? Just throwing some shit out here. I'm sure plenty of cars have overkill brakes, but bigger brakes can't simply be for bragging rights.

Cooling is an issue on performance cars, but your grandma's Buick will never see track time. Maybe it's a benefit for people who tow or live in mountainous areas.

[CJ]

If I had a Park Avenue Ultra, it would sure as hell see track time.

[Raghavan]

If I had a Park Avenue Ultra, it would sure as hell see track time.

[CJ]

Park Avenue Ultras are seriously quick when modded correctly.

[S204STi]

Park Avenue Ultras are seriously quick when modded correctly.

Oh dear...not the ones I drive everyday. 

[MrH]

If I had a Park Avenue Ultra, it would sure as hell see track time.

[Raghavan]

He's an unthusiast.

[TheIntrepid]

If I had a Park Avenue Ultra, it would sure as hell see track time.

and I thought I liked boats...

[280Z Turbo]

I'd rather have a Regal GS.

[TheIntrepid]

I'd rather have a Regal GS.

I'd rather not drive a Buick. My mom's old Allure was many many versions of boring, ugly, and slow.

[CJ]

Did it have the 3.8 S/C?

[CJ]

Answer is no, because it wasn't available with that.

[TheIntrepid]

Did it have the 3.8 S/C?

Of course not. It had the stock 3.8. It was the CXL model though, midrange, with chrome package.

[The Pirate]

I'd rather have a Regal GS.

My brother has a Regal LS, with the Gran Touring suspension package from the GS.  The car is pretty decked out, the only thing it's missing is the supercharger.    Still a good car, and I love driving it.

[280Z Turbo]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=6141&viewitem=&item=230209320542&_trksid=p3907.m29

[TheIntrepid]

I'd rather eat my shorts than have an interior THAT bad...and that's coming from someone who drives a Chrysler.