High Performance Braking System of the Maserati Granturismo

An In-Depth Look at Maserati Granturismo Brakes

The Maserati Granturismo is an elegant grand tourer that offers a blend of luxury, comfort and exhilarating performance. Under the hood lies a powerful V8 engine delivering up to 460 horsepower, allowing the Granturismo to accelerate from 0-60 mph in under 5 seconds. However, all that power needs to be kept under control, which is where the brakes come in.

The Granturismo utilizes a high-performance Brembo braking system to provide strong stopping power. All models come equipped with large 14.2 inch ventilated discs up front and 13 inch ventilated discs at the rear. The front calipers are fixed aluminum 4-piston units while the rear utilizes 2-piston floating calipers. This setup provides formidable braking power to rein in the Granturismo's energetic power plant.

Key Brake System Components

Here are some of the key components that make up the Granturismo's braking system:

• Brembo 4-piston front and 2-piston rear calipers - Made from aluminum to reduce unsprung weight. Pistons are designed for high clamping force.
• 14.2 inch ventilated front discs, 13 inch rear - Cross-drilled and ventilated for improved cooling and resistance to brake fade.
• High performance brake pads - Made from friction material optimized for low dust and noise while providing strong bite.
• Brake fluid reservoir - Holds DOT 4 brake fluid required by the high performance calipers and pads.
• Vacuum servo unit - Provides power assist to reduce pedal effort.
• Brake master cylinder - Converts pedal pressure into hydraulic pressure to activate the calipers.
• Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) - Balances braking force between front and rear wheels for improved control.

Vertically Opposed Front Calipers

A distinctive feature of the Granturismo's braking system is the vertically opposed front caliper design. This means that one caliper piston operates on each side of the rotor instead of the more common horizontal opposed layout. This vertical arrangement shortens the caliper span which reduces torque twist. The rigid calipers also enhance pedal feel and modulation.

Cross-Drilled Discs

The cross-drilled, ventilated discs play a key role in heat dissipation. The cross-drilling helps the discs better withstand intense heat buildup during repeated heavy braking. This reduces the chance of brake fade which is a decrease in stopping power after the brakes get hot. The vanes between the cross-drilled passages provide a large surface area for air cooling which also combats fade.

Advanced Compounds and Design

Brembo formulates the friction material on the Granturismo's brake pads for high bite with low dusting and noise. They are designed to handle the heat and stresses that the car's powerful brakes can generate without sacrificing longevity. Proper bedding-in of the pads helps ensure optimal performance. The Granturismo's slotted rotors also help the pads bite more effectively while allowing gas and dust to escape.

Reliable Stopping Power

The Granturismo's braking system utilizes robust, generously sized components designed for hard use. Combined with advanced engineering, they provide impressive stopping power from high speeds without fade or drama. Enthusiasts appreciate the firm pedal feel and precise modulation that inspires confidence when braking hard into corners. Yet the refined design means everyday driving is not compromised by noisy, grabby brakes either.

Service and Maintenance

Like any high performance braking system, the Granturismo's brakes require proper maintenance to keep performing at their best. Here are some tips on service and care:

Regular Inspections

Have a professional inspect the brake system at least annually. They will check pad wear, rotor condition, fluid level and look for any leaks or issues. This can catch problems before they lead to more costly repairs.

Quality Replacement Parts

When the time comes for replacement, always use quality OEM or performance grade parts specifically designed for the Granturismo. Avoid cheap aftermarket components that could compromise braking effectiveness and safety.

Proper Bedding Procedure

When installing new pads and rotors, follow the proper bedding-in procedure. This slowly heats up the components and transfers an optimal pad layer onto the rotors. Bedding the brakes properly maximizes performance and pad life.

Flushing Brake Fluid

Brake fluid absorbs moisture over time which lowers its boiling point. Maserati recommends flushing the Granturismo's brake fluid every 2 years to maintain the system's high boiling point for hard driving.

Check Wear Indicators

The Granturismo's brake pads have wear indicators that produce a screeching noise when the pad material has worn down to the point of requiring replacement. Heed this warning and get the pads swapped out promptly.

Conclusion

The Maserati Granturismo's Brembo braking system provides the serious stopping power required to balance the car's formidable performance capabilities. Large cross-drilled discs, rigid multi-piston calipers and advanced pads deliver impressive power and endurance without compromising everyday drivability. Proper maintenance and quality replacement parts will ensure the brakes continue performing at the highest level for many miles of enthusiastic driving.

FAQs

What size are the Granturismo's brake discs?

The Granturismo has 14.2 inch ventilated brake discs up front and 13 inch ventilated discs at the rear.

What type of brake pads does the Granturismo use?

The Granturismo uses high performance brake pads from Brembo that are designed to provide strong braking power with low dust and noise.

How often should the brake fluid be flushed?

Maserati recommends flushing the brake fluid on the Granturismo every 2 years to maintain proper boiling point and braking performance.

What causes brake fade?

Brake fade, a reduction in stopping power, is caused by excessive heat buildup in the brakes from repeated hard stops. The Granturismo's cross-drilled discs help dissipate heat to reduce fade.

Should OEM or aftermarket parts be used for the brakes?

Always use OEM or high performance brake parts specifically engineered for the Granturismo model. Avoid cheap aftermarket components not designed for the car.