Power Means Nothing Without Control
A good braking system is crucial to maximizing a car’s performance. AP Racing is among the notable brands in this space, as is Wilwood, as is Wilwood, a popular choice for restomods and classic-car builds in the U.S. Of course, this conversation wouldn’t be complete without Brembo, which supplies factory braking systems to automakers, including for track-ready performance cars such as the Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing and Chevrolet C8 Corvette Z06.
But this time, Brembo, an Italian automotive-parts manufacturer, is expanding into heavy-duty pickup trucks and SUVs – a development American car owners may appreciate, given the strong demand for these types of vehicles in the U.S. Dubbed Boldika, the new brake caliper is debuting on the Chevrolet Silverado EV RST Stars and Steel Edition, though additional trucks and SUVs will follow. Because the product is designed for both combustion-powered vehicles and EVs, it could eventually appear on a wide variety of models, perhaps the Ford F-150 and Ram 1500.
The Weight of the Matter
The Boldika is a six-piston fixed caliper specifically designed for large trucks and SUVs. It provides more than 8,500 Nm (6,269 lb-ft) of braking torque, making it the most powerful caliper the company has ever built for a passenger-vehicle application. That is crucial because these vehicles are commonly used for off-roading and towing, two demanding situations that can place additional strain on their brakes.
The use of lightweight aluminum helps reduce weight compared with a fully cast-iron alternative, though the three-piece caliper still applies Brembo’s cast-iron central-bridge concept to a six-piston design for the first time. It also features the brand’s Enesys zero-drag technology, which helps the pads return to their resting position after braking, reducing residual brake torque to potentially extend EV range and brake-pad life.
When it comes to compatibility, the caliper can fit behind wheels measuring 20 inches or larger.
Big Brakes for Big Business
The Boldika fitted to the Chevy Silverado EV is finished in Torch Red. However, like other Brembo brakes – including the gold calipers on the Subaru BRZ tS – the Boldika will also offer customizable color options.
Brembo did not disclose pricing for the Boldika. For reference, the Silverado EV RST Stars and Steel Edition – a special-edition trim commemorating America’s 250th anniversary this year – starts at around $99,945 with the Extended Range battery.
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