Audi Designers?

[muddatrucker 125]

back to the original question, I would not be suprised if big car companies occasionally had a browse of some of the more technical based car forums (which I like to think this one usually is) for a bit of 'free inspiration'. I know plenty of other industries keep a close eye on what the smaller sects of the market are up to. and its much easier to pilfer ideas if theyve not been copyrighted/trademarked/patented!

Audi don't use cable ties and gaffa tape, don't be so silly!

[johnnyboy666 195 1 Cars]

maybe they should start!

[jonXS 30 1 Cars]

its lighter than nuts and bolts

Edited June 27, 2012 by jonXS

[Rippthrough 98]

1.) Lighter. Lots, for the same pad width and torque moment, not always a good thing mind, as with everything, a compromise.

2.) Longer leading edge gives more mechanical bite - you can use 'race' pads from clap cold with very little issues.

3.) Remove water/debris from pad (without the cracking issue from drilled discs) - even hard pads will still work after driving through a foot deep puddle of cold water - very little pad knockoff too.

4.) Keep the large pad area as per a standard disc for low wear and low heat buildup through the pad and caliper.

5.) Cool down faster between stops due to pumping more air both through the disc and across the pad surface than a standard disc.

6.) Can be designed with a mechanical cadance braking effect making it easier to hold the car right on the edge of lockup.

 

 

Do they have downsides? Absolutely. You'd never use them where you needed every last ounce of fade resistance or brake torque, or where you were struggling to control brake disc temperatures, or wear. As with everything, they're a compromise, which is why I do two versions for different applications.

 

Audi are using them because:

 

1: They look cool.

2: They let them use pads that otherwise would be a touch dicey in cold conditions, so they can take some weight off the disc as the pads have higher fade resistance.

3: They look cool.

Edited June 27, 2012 by Rippthrough