The Lamborghini official webpage (n.d.) introduced
the new Lamborghini Huracán STO (Super Trofeo Omologata) on 18 November 2020.
The Lamborghini Huracán STO features a unique design engineered for competitive
racetrack and street-road purposes compared to its predecessor in the Huracán
series. What makes this track-oriented road-homologated super sports car unique
lies within the brake system of Huracán STO. According to Lamborghini (2021),
the system incorporates a cutting-edge Brembo carbon-ceramic material-racing
(CCM-R) design. This distinctive CCM-R design was derived from Formula 1 racing
technology, which offers superior quality in durability compared to the
traditional carbon-ceramic brakes (CCB) commonly found in other
high-performance vehicles. Furthermore, according to Lamborghini (n.d.), the
brake systems also incorporate a new front brake cooling duct to assist in
dissipating the heat from the brake disc during intense track sessions. In
addition, the braking system also features sophisticated electronic monitoring
systems that enable drivers to monitor the brake system condition and manage
the wear of the brake. With such advanced technology installed, the braking
system of the Huracán STO empowers drivers to enjoy a track-like experience on
the road with enhanced comfort and confidence. The synergy of the system's
components ensures swift and efficient braking without compromising performance
or safety during racetrack manoeuvres or regular road stops.
A distinctive feature of the Lamborghini Huracán
STO brake system that stands out is the unique brake disc. According to
Lamborghini (2021), the Brembo CCM-R disc brakes offer a magnificent
improvement in performance, boasting four times in thermal conductivity and a
60% boost towards stress resistance compared to traditional disc brakes.
Furthermore, the disc brake could also deliver a substantial 25% improvement in
maximum braking force compared to traditional CCB systems and a 7% enhancement
in longitudinal deceleration. These advancements in the brake discs
significantly enhance the cost-effectiveness and prolong the lifespan of
high-performance vehicles such as the Huracán STO over the long term.
In addition, the system also incorporates a unique
tire design to enhance its efficiency. According to motoring media, Torque (Lam
et al., 2021), Huracán paired with the stock Bridgestone Potenza Sports tires
are capable of delivering an outstanding braking performance in producing a
complete stop from a speed of 100km/h within a range of 30 meters. The
complementation of these tires paired with the braking system empowers drivers
with precise control at lower speeds, preventing the experience of sudden and
aggressive braking forces. At the same time, this outstanding performance also
aids drivers in efficiently cornering on the racetrack.
Another distinctive element of this braking system
is the innovative front cooling duct. According to a review of the Lamborghini
Huracán STO (Lyon, 2021), the cooling duct is engineered to efficiently
dissipate heat from the brake discs and calipers, especially during intense
track sessions. It ensures the brake discs operate at peak performance levels
consistently with minimal to zero brake fade. In addition to these air-cooling
duct features, the system also incorporates a unique and advanced electronic monitoring
technology known as Brake Temperature Monitoring (BTM). According to
Lamborghini (n.d.), the BTM employs a unique estimation algorithm, enabling
drivers to continuously monitor the brake system temperature and effectively
manage wear over its lifespan. The incorporation of such technology holds the
potential to extend the longevity and overall utility of the brake system.
Despite such cutting-edge technology, the braking
systems also have certain drawbacks. Even though the brake system is engineered
to deliver better efficiency, durability, and cost-effectiveness, the Brembo
CCM-R brake disc, in terms of maintenance, shares some similarities with the
traditional CCB brake discs. They are relatively expensive to replace.
According to Brembo (2022), the discs incorporate premium fasteners and
exceptionally robust materials. Moreover, the disc manufacturing process
involves multiple complex stages, requiring specialized workers and equipment.
Furthermore, the discs' production quantities are also limited, thus resulting
in a steep price tag.
Additionally, the effectiveness of the brake
system relies on specific tire usage. Hence, any deviation made may potentially
yield unexpected outcomes. According to Bridgestone (De Bock,2021), the tires
of the Huracán STO are meticulously engineered and manufactured by Bridgestone
to excel for both track and road. Being the sole tire supplier implies that any
deviation from these custom-made tires could adversely affect the braking
system performance and cost-effectiveness in maintenance.
In conclusion, the Lamborghini Huracán STO's
braking systems represent a masterpiece in advanced braking technology in
high-performance vehicles. The synergy of innovations like CCM-R discs, cooling
duct design, and advanced electronic monitoring ensures efficient performance
with minimal wear during intense tracking sessions consistently. While tire
choice and maintenance costs influence system performance, drivers' usage holds
the key to maintaining efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Furthermore, it also sets
a model for future advanced braking systems in high-performance automobiles and
their potential for improvement.
References
Brembo.
(2022, January 21). Jason Fenske explains why carbon ceramic discs are so
expensive. https://www.brembo.com/en/company/news/jason-fenske-explains-why-carbon-ceramic-discs-are-so-expensive
De
Bock, S. (2021, July 20). Bridgestone Partners with Lamborghini to Develop
Custom Potenza Race Tire for Huracán STO Supercar. https://www.bridgestoneamericas.com/en/press-release-details.en.2021.bridgestone-selected-oe-lamborghini-huracan-sto
Lam,
A., Chan, D., & Ming, F. (2021, December 25). Lamborghini Huracán STO
review: A breed apart. Torque. https://www.torque.com.sg/reviews/lamborghini-huracan-sto-review-a-breed-apart/
Lamborghini.
(n.d.). Racetrack to road: the new Lamborghini Huracán STO. https://preview.thenewsmarket.com/Previews/lamb/DocumentAssets/572482_v2.pdf
Lamborghini.
(2021, October 5). Huracán STO: New CCM-R Braking System.
Lamborghini.com. https://www.lamborghini.com/en-en/news/huracan-sto-new-ccm-r-braking-system
Lyon,
P. (2021, November 8). 2021 Lamborghini Huracán STO Review. Yanko Design. https://www.yankodesign.com/2021/11/08/lamborghini-huracan-sto-review/