Friday, September 22, 2023

Assignment 1b - Reader Response (Summary) Draft 1

According to Lamborghini's media information webpage (Lamborghini, n.d.), the Lamborghini Huracán STO (Super Trofeo Omologata) is a high-performance track-oriented supercar, equipped with an advanced braking system engineered for optimal stopping power. According to Lamborghini's webpage regarding its latest braking system innovations (Lamborghini, 2021), the Huracán STO incorporates the cutting-edge Brembo carbon-ceramic material-racing (CCM-R) system, a technology drawn from Formula 1 racing, which offers superior durability in comparison to the traditional carbon-ceramic brakes (CCB) commonly found in other high-performance vehicles.

The Brembo CCM-R disc brakes offer magnificent enhancements in performance, boasting four times in thermal conductivity and a 60% boost in stress resistance. Furthermore, they deliver a substantial 25% improvement in maximum braking force compared to traditional CCB systems and a 7% enhancement in longitudinal deceleration. These improvements contribute significantly towards bolstering the cost-effectiveness and extending the lifespan of high-performance vehicles such as the Huracán STO over the long term.

According to a review conducted by a local motoring media, Torque (Lam et al., 2021), the Huracán STO boasts impressive brake components. At the front wheel, there is a substantial 390mm brake disc paired with a six-piston caliper, while at the rear wheel, a 360mm disc was paired with a four-piston caliper. When combined with the stock Bridgestone Potenza tires, these components produce an outstanding braking performance, allowing the car to come to a complete stop from a speed of 100km/h within a range of 30 meters. This capability empowers drivers to maintain precise control at lower speeds, preventing the experience of sudden and aggressive braking forces. This performance also enables the driver to cut through corners efficiently on the race track. 

According to a separate review conducted by Yanko Design (Lyon, 2021), Huracán's braking systems feature an innovative front cooling duct designed to efficiently dissipate heat from the brake discs and calipers, especially during intense track sessions. This cooling mechanism ensures that the brake discs consistently operate at peak performance levels, with minimal to zero brake fade. In addition to these thoughtful design features, Huracán's braking system is equipped with an advanced electronic monitoring technology known as Brake Temperature Monitoring (BTM), as detailed on Lamborghini's media information webpage (Lamborghini, n.d.). This electronic system employs a unique estimation algorithm, enabling drivers to continuously monitor the brake system's temperature and effectively manage wear throughout its lifespan. The incorporation of such a sophisticated monitoring device may have the potential to extend the brake system's longevity and overall utility.

The Huracán STO's advanced brake system technology enables drivers to enjoy a road-worthy experience akin to a track-built automobile. This not only enhances comfort but also instills a heightened sense of confidence, as it ensures swift and effective braking at high speeds without compromising performance or safety. Nonetheless, despite the advantages of this cutting-edge brake technology, there are certain drawbacks to consider like the cost of maintenance and etc. 

While the brake system is engineered to produce better efficiency, durability, and cost-effectiveness, the Brembo CCM-R brake disc, in terms of maintenance, aligns with the characteristics of traditional CCB brake discs. Notably, they remain prohibitively expensive when the need for disc replacement arises. An enlightening article authored by Brembo in collaboration with Jason Fenske, shedding light on the reasons behind the exorbitant cost of carbon ceramic discs (Brembo, 2022), reveals that these discs incorporate premium fasteners to ensure their longevity, necessitating the use of exceptionally durable materials. Furthermore, the disc manufacturing process entails an extensive number of processing stages, each marked by its intricate complexity, demanding a cadre of highly specialized workers and specialized equipment to manufacture. The discs are also produced in limited quantities, thus resulting in a demanding price tag.

Additionally, the effectiveness of the brake system is closely tied to the utilization of specific tires. Any deviation from this may potentially yield unexpected results. This assertion finds a support according to an information provided on the webpage of the tire company, Bridgestone (De Bock, 2021), where it highlights that the tires of the Huracán STO have been thoroughly crafted and tailored by Bridgestone to optimize performance both for track and road purposes. Bridgestone serves as the exclusive tire supplier for the Huracán STO model, implying that any deviation from these custom-made tires may have adverse consequences on the braking system's performance, potentially resulting in reduced durability and increased maintenance costs in the long term.

In conclusion, the braking systems integrated into the Lamborghini Huracán STO stand as a advanced braking technology masterpiece within contemporary high-performance, street-oriented vehicles. It exemplifies how the fusion of state-of-the-art innovations such as the CCM-R discs, advanced cooling duct design, and sophisticated electronic monitoring systems synergize to enable the braking system to consistently deliver optimal performance with minimal to negligible wear during intense tracking sessions. While the system's performance relies on specific tires and involves significant maintenance costs when needed, the ultimate responsibility for preserving its efficiency and cost-effectiveness over time rests with the drivers and their prudent usage. This also serves as an exemplary model for the future of advanced braking systems in high-performance automobiles and how they can improve.

References


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/

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/

Brembo. (2022, January 21). Jason Fenske explains why carbon ceramic discs are so expensive. Brembo. 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




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Assignment 1b - Reader Respond (Summary) Draft 4

The Lamborghini official webpage (n.d.) introduced the new Lamborghini Huracán STO (Super Trofeo Omologata) on 18 November 2020. The Lamborg...