Revolutionary “UFO” Brakes: How Audi’s Ahead-of-the-Curve Technology Fell Flat with Drivers
The Intriguing Story of Audi’s "UFO" Brakes
In the vast expanse of automotive history, there are times when innovative ideas fall flat, and others that fail to take off due to their unconventional nature. Such is the case with Audi’s "UFO" brakes, a groundbreaking, albeit short-lived, experiment in brake design. As we delve into the tale of these peculiar brakes, you’ll discover the unexpected twists and turns that brought them to life.
Audi’s Unconventional Approach
In the late 1980s, Audi was determined to address the stopping power woes of its V8 sedans. With 15-inch wheels limiting the room for large disc brakes, the company turned to innovative thinking. They extended the V8’s hubs and offset the rotor hat, allowing for a larger disc brake and a more conventional caliper placement. The result was a unique-looking brake design that earned its "UFO" nickname.
The Pros and Cons
On paper, the "UFO" brakes were a marvel. With a larger friction surface and pad, they excelled in heat exchange, reducing brake fade significantly. Additionally, the wider rotor provided better leverage, decreasing pedal force required for stopping. Audi was so pleased with the design that they even used it on select S4 models in specific markets.
However, like any innovative solution, this design came with its drawbacks. The "UFO" brakes were expensive to produce, with rotors costing the equivalent of $550 per corner. To put that into perspective, Audi dealers charged $100 per corner for conventional rotors. Furthermore, owners reported warping issues in regular driving conditions due to uneven heating and cooling.
A Rare Sighting
Today, the "UFO" brakes have largely disappeared from the market, replaced by conventional designs. Many owners have opted to convert their sedans, and Audi itself did the same. If you ever spot a UFO-braked Audi V8 on the road, consider it a rare sighting, akin to spotting a UFO – and be sure to grab a photo!
Explore the Full Story
Dive deeper into the intriguing tale of Audi’s "UFO" brakes with this article, which reveals the design’s development, benefits, and drawbacks.
[Image: Audi V8]
[Image: 1990 Audi V8 DTM]
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