01/05/2003
For owners of the iconic Audi RS4 (B7), the quest for ultimate performance extends beyond raw engine power; it encompasses every aspect of the driving experience, and critically, the ability to stop with absolute confidence. The brakes on a high-performance vehicle like the RS4 are not merely a safety feature, but a crucial component that dictates lap times, enhances driver control, and ultimately, defines the limits of what the car can truly achieve. When considering an upgrade that delivers both day-to-day reliability and track-day supremacy, the Brembo Gran Turismo Brake System stands as a benchmark, specifically tailored to elevate your RS4's stopping capabilities.
The Ultimate Braking Solution for Your Audi RS4 (B7) Front
Your Audi RS4 (B7), manufactured between 2006 and 2008, is a machine built for exhilarating performance. To truly harness that power, a braking system that can match its intensity is paramount. The Brembo Gran Turismo Brake System is precisely that upgrade. This isn't just a simple component swap; it's a comprehensive, high-performance brake conversion kit designed to replace your vehicle's front braking system entirely, offering a significant leap in both stopping power and thermal management.
This particular Brembo kit features an impressive 380mm two-piece disc paired with powerful 6-piston calipers, a setup far superior to the original equipment for demanding use. It's engineered to provide exceptional performance under all conditions, from daily commuting through urban streets to the rigorous demands of a full-throttle track day. The attention to detail in its design ensures that it integrates seamlessly with your vehicle's existing setup, including full compatibility with your Audi's anti-lock braking system (ABS), meaning no compromises on safety or electronic stability.
What's Inside the Brembo Gran Turismo Kit?
The Brembo Gran Turismo system is renowned for its completeness and the quality of its components. When you invest in this kit for your Audi RS4 (B7), you're receiving a meticulously curated collection of parts, each designed to work in harmony for optimal braking performance:
- Two-Piece Discs: The heart of the system, these 380mm x 34mm discs are available in either cross-drilled or slotted finishes. Their two-piece design offers reduced unsprung weight and better heat management compared to single-piece rotors.
- Six-Piston Cast Aluminium Calipers: These robust calipers are engineered from high-quality cast aluminium, providing superior rigidity and lighter weight than conventional cast iron calipers. The multi-piston design ensures even pressure distribution across the brake pads for consistent, powerful braking. They are available in a range of striking colours: Black, Red, and Silver.
- High Performance Friction Pads: A complete set of specially formulated high-performance brake pads is included, designed to provide optimal friction with the Brembo discs across a wide range of temperatures.
- Stainless Steel Braided Brake Lines: These metal braid tubes are TÜV/DOT homologated, offering a firmer pedal feel and significantly reducing line expansion under pressure compared to standard rubber hoses.
- Fitting Kit: Where required, a comprehensive fitting kit is supplied to ensure a precise and secure installation.
The Engineering Behind Brembo's High-Performance Rotors
The discs supplied with the Brembo Gran Turismo kit are a testament to advanced braking technology. Whether they are floating or integral (depending on the specific car model, though for the RS4 B7 front kit, they are two-piece), they incorporate an exclusive venting system. This innovative design dramatically improves cooling capacity, a critical factor in maintaining consistent performance during heavy braking. Furthermore, this enhanced cooling significantly increases resistance to cracking caused by thermal shock by over 40%, ensuring greater durability and safety, especially during spirited driving or track sessions.
The choice between cross-drilled and slotted finishes is not merely aesthetic; it serves a crucial functional purpose. Both designs are executed with meticulous precision:
- Cross-Drilled Discs: The holes on the braking surface help to dissipate heat more effectively and allow for the escape of brake dust and gases that can build up between the pad and rotor, maintaining a clean and consistent friction surface.
- Slotted Discs: The slots continuously clean the surface of the brake pads, providing a consistent bite and helping to vent hot gases and debris. They are generally preferred for more aggressive track use due to their increased durability against cracking compared to drilled rotors under extreme thermal cycling.
Both options contribute to optimal performance by ensuring a fresh friction surface and efficient heat and gas evacuation.
Performance Redefined: Road and Track Capabilities
The Brembo Gran Turismo Braking System isn't just about raw stopping power; it's about control, consistency, and confidence. For day-to-day driving, you'll experience a noticeable improvement in pedal feel and responsiveness, making urban and motorway driving safer and more predictable. The ability to stop shorter and with greater stability provides a tangible enhancement to your driving experience.
However, it's on the track where the true potential of this system shines. The motorsports-derived components deliver the ultra high performance you'd expect from Brembo. Under sustained heavy braking, typical of track conditions, the advanced cooling and robust construction of the GT system resist fade and maintain their effectiveness, allowing you to push your RS4 harder and for longer without compromise. This consistency is vital for maintaining lap times and preventing dangerous brake fade.
Important Considerations for Installation and Compatibility
While Brembo brake systems are designed for a perfect fit and full compatibility with your vehicle's original setup and ABS, there are a couple of crucial points to consider before committing to the upgrade:
- OEM Dust Shield/Backing Plate Modification: Due to the upgraded aluminium calipers and larger diameter brake discs of the GT system, many applications will require modification to, or complete removal of, the OEM dust shield or backing plate. This is a common requirement for big brake kits to ensure proper clearance and fitment.
- Aftermarket Wheel Clearance: In certain applications, the larger diameter brake discs and upgraded calipers of the GT system may necessitate the use of aftermarket wheels to ensure the necessary brake clearance. It is highly recommended to check wheel fitment prior to purchase or installation. While many OEM wheels might fit, some might not provide adequate clearance for the significantly larger calipers and rotors.
Professional installation is always recommended for brake system upgrades to ensure safety and optimal performance.
Completing the Braking Picture: Rear Discs
While the Brembo Gran Turismo Brake System is specifically developed to replace your vehicle's front brakes, it's often desirable to have a matched appearance across all four wheels, especially on a performance vehicle like the RS4. For the rear axle, we recommend Brembo Sport brake discs. These are designed to replace your standard rear discs and provide a consistent visual aesthetic with the high-performance front setup, ensuring your RS4 looks as good as it stops.
Product pricing for the Brembo Gran Turismo kit covers one complete kit, meaning it includes all necessary components for both front hubs of your Audi RS4 (B7).
Comparative Overview: Stock vs. Brembo Gran Turismo
To highlight the significant upgrade this kit provides, let's look at a general comparison:
| Feature | Standard Audi RS4 (B7) Front Brakes | Brembo Gran Turismo Front Brakes |
|---|---|---|
| Disc Diameter | Typically smaller (e.g., 365mm) | 380mm |
| Disc Type | Single-piece, typically cast iron | Two-piece, ventilated (cross-drilled or slotted) |
| Caliper Type | OEM multi-piston (e.g., 8-piston) | 6-Piston Cast Aluminium |
| Thermal Management | Standard venting | Exclusive venting system (+40% resistance to thermal shock) |
| Brake Lines | Rubber (OEM) | Stainless Steel Braided |
| Performance Focus | Road use | Road & Track Day Use |
Frequently Asked Questions About the Brembo GT Kit for Audi RS4 (B7)
Here are some common questions regarding this high-performance brake upgrade:
Q: Will this Brembo kit fit all Audi RS4 B7 models?
A: Yes, this specific Brembo 380mm 6-pot conversion brake kit is designed to fit your Audi RS4 Front (B7) from 2006 to 2008 model years.
Q: Do I need to buy anything else for the installation, or is it a complete kit?
A: The Brembo Gran Turismo Brake System is a complete high-performance brake upgrade system for your front hubs. It comprises discs, calipers, high-performance brake pads, metal braid tubes, and high-quality small parts, including a fitting kit where required. It's designed to be a comprehensive solution for the front.
Q: What are the benefits of cross-drilled versus slotted discs?
A: Both designs improve performance. Cross-drilled discs excel at dissipating heat and allowing gases and dust to escape, maintaining a clean pad surface. Slotted discs continuously wipe the pad surface clean and are often preferred for very aggressive track use due to their slightly higher resistance to cracking under extreme thermal stress.
Q: Will these brakes be compatible with my Audi's ABS system?
A: Absolutely. All Brembo brake systems, including this Gran Turismo kit, are designed to fit perfectly onto the vehicle's original setup and are fully compatible with the vehicle's OE parts and anti-lock braking system (ABS).
Q: Do I need new wheels to accommodate these brakes?
A: Potentially. In certain applications, as a result of the GT's upgraded aluminium calipers and larger diameter brake discs, aftermarket wheels may be required to ensure the necessary brake clearance. It's crucial to check your wheel clearance before or during installation.
Q: Is this kit suitable for track days?
A: Yes, unequivocally. The Brembo Gran Turismo Braking Systems are engineered to provide amazing stopping power during day-to-day use, as well as the ultra high performance you would expect from Brembo products when used for demanding track days. They consist of motorsports-derived components offering superlative performance.
Q: What caliper colours are available?
A: The six-piston cast aluminium calipers are available in Black, Red, and Silver, allowing you to choose a look that best complements your RS4.
Q: Do I need to modify my car for these brakes to fit?
A: Many of the GT systems, including this one for the RS4 B7, require modification to, or removal of the OEM dust shield or backing plate to accommodate the larger components.
Conclusion
Upgrading your Audi RS4 (B7) front brakes with the Brembo Gran Turismo system is more than just a performance enhancement; it's an investment in safety, control, and the pure joy of driving a truly capable machine. With 380mm two-piece discs and powerful 6-pot calipers, engineered for both daily commutes and the most demanding track sessions, you're not just improving your car's stopping power; you're elevating its entire dynamic performance. Experience the confidence that comes from knowing you have one of the finest braking systems available, perfectly matched to the spirit of your Audi RS4.
If you want to read more articles similar to Brembo GT Brakes: Audi RS4 (B7) Front Upgrade Guide, you can visit the Brakes category.