The Lamborghini official webpage
(n.d.) introduces 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 article states that 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, it 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 instilled, the braking system of the
Huracán STO empowers drivers to enjoy a road-worthy experience akin to a
track-built automobile with enhanced comfort and a heightened sense of
confidence, as the synergy of the system's components ensures swift and
efficient braking without compromising performance or safety when cornering on
the racetrack or coming to a complete stop at any point on the road.
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. Furthermore, it
delivers 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 enhanced the
cost-effectiveness and prolonged 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), the article states that Huracán
paired with the stock Bridgestone Potenza Sports tires will deliver 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. On the other
hand, 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. On the other hand, the discs' production
quantities are 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. 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
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/
