22/03/2014
Unleash Stopping Power: Brembo Brakes for your VW Golf R MkVI Front
If you're the proud owner of a Volkswagen Golf R MkVI and you're seeking to elevate its performance beyond the standard, then upgrading your braking system is a crucial step. The Golf R, even in its stock form, is a potent machine, but to truly harness its capabilities, especially for spirited driving or track day enthusiasts, superior stopping power is paramount. Brembo, a name synonymous with high-performance braking, offers a compelling solution for your MkVI Golf R's front axle: the Gran Turismo Brake System. This article delves into what this exceptional upgrade entails, its components, benefits, and considerations for your specific vehicle.
The Brembo Gran Turismo System Explained
The Brembo Gran Turismo Brake System is engineered as a complete, high-performance upgrade. It's not just about slapping on larger discs; it's a meticulously designed package that integrates advanced components to deliver a significant improvement in braking performance. This system is designed to replace your vehicle's front brakes with a setup that offers both exceptional stopping power during everyday driving and the robust performance required for more demanding situations, such as track days. The system is manufactured to the highest standards, ensuring reliability and longevity.
What Fits Your MkVI Golf R Front?
For the VW Golf R MkVI (specifically from 2012 onwards), the Brembo 365mm 4-pot brake conversion kit is the recommended fit. This kit is tailored to integrate seamlessly with your Golf R's existing setup, ensuring compatibility with crucial OE (Original Equipment) parts and the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). This means you benefit from Brembo's superior technology without compromising your car's safety systems.
Key Components of the Brembo GT Kit
The Brembo Gran Turismo Brake System for your Golf R MkVI is a comprehensive package, typically including:
- Discs/Rotors: This kit features 2-piece, 365mm x 29mm discs. These are not your standard solid rotors. They are ventilated for improved cooling and can be specified as either cross-drilled or slotted. The two-piece design allows for greater thermal management and reduces unsprung weight compared to a single-piece disc.
- Calipers: The kit includes powerful 4-piston aluminium calipers. These are significantly more robust than standard OE calipers, offering greater rigidity and a larger surface area for the brake pads, which translates to more consistent and powerful braking.
- Brake Pads: High-performance friction pads are included, formulated with specific materials to complement the Brembo discs and calipers, ensuring optimal bite and fade resistance.
- Brake Lines: Stainless steel braided brake lines are often part of the package. These lines are more resistant to expansion under pressure compared to standard rubber hoses, providing a firmer and more responsive brake pedal feel.
- Fitting Kit: All necessary brackets and hardware required for installation are included, ensuring a proper fitment.
Disc Technology: Drilled vs. Slotted
The choice between cross-drilled and slotted discs is an important one, and both have their advantages:
| Feature | Cross-Drilled Discs | Slotted Discs |
|---|---|---|
| Heat Dissipation | Holes help vent gases and heat away from the pad surface. | Slots help sweep away gases and dust, and keep the pad surface clean. |
| Pad Knock-off | Can help prevent glazing of the pad surface. | Effectively cleans the pad surface, maintaining optimal friction. |
| Wet Weather Performance | Can improve initial bite in wet conditions. | Can improve initial bite in wet conditions. |
| Noise | Can sometimes be noisier than slotted discs. | Generally quieter than drilled discs. |
| Durability | The holes can be a point of stress concentration, potentially leading to cracking under extreme use. | Generally considered more durable for heavy track use as they lack the stress points of drilled holes. |
For the ultimate performance, especially if you frequent track days, slotted discs are often favoured for their durability and consistent performance under extreme heat. However, cross-drilled discs offer a visually striking appearance and excellent performance for spirited road use.
Performance Benefits: Road and Track
The Brembo Gran Turismo system is designed to offer tangible benefits:
- Enhanced Stopping Power: The larger discs and multi-piston calipers provide a greater braking surface and more clamping force, drastically reducing stopping distances.
- Improved Fade Resistance: Better heat dissipation through ventilated, drilled/slotted discs and advanced caliper design significantly reduces brake fade during prolonged heavy use.
- Consistent Pedal Feel: The braided stainless steel lines and more rigid calipers contribute to a firmer, more predictable brake pedal, giving you greater confidence.
- Durability: Brembo components are built to last, offering a long service life even under demanding conditions.
- Aesthetics: Beyond performance, the larger, more aggressive-looking calipers and discs significantly enhance the visual appeal of your Golf R, especially with aftermarket wheels.
Important Considerations and Fitment
While Brembo systems are designed for direct fitment, there are a few crucial points to be aware of:
- Aftermarket Wheels: Due to the increased diameter and caliper size of the Gran Turismo system, you may require aftermarket wheels to ensure adequate clearance between the caliper and the wheel spokes. It is essential to verify the clearance with your chosen wheels before purchasing.
- Dust Shields: In some applications, the original equipment dust shield or backing plate may need to be modified or removed to accommodate the larger brake components. Your installer should be aware of this possibility.
- Rear Brakes: While this kit focuses on the front, Brembo also offers Sport brake discs for the rear. Using matching Brembo components front and rear will provide a balanced braking system and a uniform aesthetic.
- Kit Pricing: Remember that the pricing is typically for a complete kit covering both front hubs.
- Caliper Colours: Brembo calipers are often available in a range of colours, commonly including Black, Red, and Silver, allowing you to personalise the look of your upgrade.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Will this Brembo kit fit my specific MkVI Golf R?
Yes, the 365mm 4-pot Brembo Gran Turismo kit is designed to fit the VW Golf R MkVI from 2012 onwards.
Q2: Do I need special tools to install this kit?
Installation should be carried out by a qualified mechanic experienced with performance brake upgrades. While no highly specialised tools are typically required beyond standard automotive tools, proper torque settings and procedures are critical.
Q3: Will this kit affect my car's ABS?
No, Brembo brake systems are designed to be fully compatible with your vehicle's OE ABS system.
Q4: Can I use my existing wheels with this brake kit?
It is highly likely you will need aftermarket wheels due to increased caliper and disc size. Always check wheel clearance specifications before purchase.
Q5: What is the advantage of 2-piece rotors?
2-piece rotors are lighter and allow for better thermal expansion and contraction, reducing the risk of warping and improving cooling efficiency.
Conclusion
Upgrading to a Brembo Gran Turismo Brake System is a significant investment in your VW Golf R MkVI's performance and safety. It transforms the driving experience, offering superior stopping power, enhanced fade resistance, and a more connected feel to the road. By understanding the components, the benefits of different disc finishes, and the necessary fitment considerations, you can make an informed decision to equip your Golf R with arguably the best braking performance available.
If you want to read more articles similar to Brembo Upgrades for your Golf R MkVI Front, you can visit the Brakes category.