I found it interesting reading this months Car@Driver review of the new 350Z. While most of the reviewers found it to be an exceptional value, one statistic that jumped out at me were the braking distances. Even though the 350Z tested was equipped with the optional Brembo brakes, the stock S2000 still out braked it. I'm curious as to how a base model 350Z's brakes will fair. Although at 3300 lbs. I shouldn't be surprised its braking distance didn't fair as well as the S2000's. I was looking forward to this new Z but admit to being a little disappointed. Hopefully Mazda will be keeper of the "lightness is sacred" flame with the release of its RX8 next year. Mazda bend over backwards to keep the last generation RX7 TT at around 2800 lbs. And that reasonable curb weight, I think was the primary reason that the 3rd gen. RX7 was as sweet a ride as it was.

 

Yea, I noticed that too, I had though with aftermarket brakes coming stock, the numbers will be best of class. I guess the weight didn't help any.

 

"Weight is the enemy of performance."
-- Colin Chapman

 

"To go fast, add lightness."
-- Colin Chapman

 

yeah the s2k brakes are amazing

 

check out the write up and the video on the new 350 Z, you can see it in action.

287 @ 6200 is pretty damn good for a V6 naturally aspirated. at 9 minutes and 30 secoonds this guy takes an on ramp and 1st gear scratches, 1-2nd and 2nd to 3rd scratch the tires. There is plenty of interesting facts on the site about the car and in the video.

the braking set up is very similar to our car as far as disk diameter. 500lbs+ more in weight and 53% of it in the front, so it is 53/47 ratio, 10.3:1 compression ratio leaves the car wide open for FI. Aluminum suspension is nice. and the intergrated factory strut tower braces front and rear are nice, the rear is actually welded in to the strut towers.

I just might trade in #4848 for it next year or better than that, keep #4848 and trade the civic in for one.http://www.350zforum.com/

 

i hope they come out with a lighter version in the later years, perhaps maybe a targa roof or big sunroof would be nice too?

 

February 2003 release of the convertible.

 

this proves what I predicted all along, our single piston calipers will beat most multi-piston calipers out there...

 

if you can lock the brakes it is tires, suspension and weight causing it. it has nothing to do with the calipers or rotors. braking distance is a factor or tires first. they are the only thing in contact with the road. Until we know the exact tire it comes out with and how it compares to the S02...i'm not going to make any assumptions.

i would recommend reading a bunch of this thread before making assumptions about braking performance.
http://corner-carvers.com/altimathread.php.html

if you can lock the tires you are exceeding the tires. my guess is the tires are just not up to the task. Or the suspension is not keeping the tires in contact with the road as well as they should. I really doubt it has anything to do with rotors or calipers.