New Rear Brake Calipers For non-Performance Model S and X

[Hubris]

New Model S and X are now being delivered with a different rear brake setup for non performance cars. (60/75/90kW cars) Performance trim cars retain the previous design.

Highlights

• Single Piston rear brake caliper now replacing 4 piston rear caliper for non performance models
• Integrated parking brake in the unit (no longer needs the smaller secondary caliper)
• Braking performance and safety remains unchanged (rear brakes only account for a small fraction of overall braking force)
• simpler overall design

Today I took a peek at our Model S 75D which was just dropped off at the SC yesterday. It now appears all new Model S and X cars that are not performance trim will be using the new unit. I will try and film a comparison when we take delivery of the car. I am curious to see if these new rear calipers are any quieter when engaging the parking brake than the previous design. (will try to get a better picture as well)

 

[gaswalla]

Seems like a big change. Thanks for the update

 

[Hubris]

Seems like a big change. Thanks for the update

I thought it would be worth knowing! I'm looking forward to testing them against the old rear brake design to find if there are any additional differences.

 

[MP3Mike]

Another interesting simplification and cost savings... Thanks for the information.

 

[msnow]

I wonder what's better about the previous design that they kept it on the higher priced "P" model.

 

[trils0n]

Interesting change. If performance actually remains the same, why have the original 4 piston design on the Performance vehicles? I suspect the original design is higher performance.

 

[Hubris]

Interesting change. If performance actually remains the same, why have the original 4 piston design on the Performance vehicles? I suspect the original design is higher performance.

The original design is inherently a higher performance unit, but it is important to remember how little force the rear brakes normally contribute to slowing the car. If this change was made in the front it would matter. I think they may only be keeping them on performance cars for looks. The older units may also cope better with heat or after heavy extended use.

 

[MP3Mike]

Interesting change. If performance actually remains the same, why have the original 4 piston design on the Performance vehicles? I suspect the original design is higher performance.

Aren't the calipers red on the performance model?

 

[Hubris]

Aren't the calipers red on the performance model?

They are however these new rear brake caliper units are for the non performance cars only. Performance cars still get the big red ones on the front and back

 

[MP3Mike]

They are however these new rear brake caliper units are for the non performance cars only. Performance cars still get the big red ones on the front and back

Maybe only until they run out of them.

 

[Hubris]

Maybe only until they run out of them.

Nope, they will continue to be sold with the 4 piston rear brakes in red only

 

[gaswalla]

seems like another change to the Model S based on Model 3 design.
In fact seems like a possible preview of how the Model S and Model 3 will be positioned. The performance S/X will be differentiated with multiple performance features.

 

[MP3Mike]

Nope, they will continue to be sold with the 4 piston rear brakes in red only

You know that for sure?

 

[Hubris]

You know that for sure?

yes

 

[MP3Mike]

yes

Do you have any other inside information you can share?

 

[Hubris]

Do you have any other inside information you can share?

I have no inside information, I am just speaking about the current Tesla line up. They could very well change the Performance rear brakes with these at some point but that is not their current intent from what I have heard

 

[cmd_keen]

Very interesting info, taking delivery of an inventory S on Friday, so I assume it should have the older 4 piston calipers...

 

[msnow]

Nope, they will continue to be sold with the 4 piston rear brakes in red only

How do you know that?

Edit: I see others are also questioning if this is a real source inside Tesla Corporate and not some speculation or rumor from Service Center or Sales personnel. I see you don't have a lot of posts so you may not be aware that we get a lot of speculation around here!

 

[lolachampcar]

One of the things that really caught my attention on my very first test drive (2012) was how the low CoG allowed Tesla to use such large rear brakes and associated more rearward brake bias. The car did not dive anywhere near as much as normal ICE and out stopped my Maranello. It would be interesting to see how reducing the stopping power of such a strong contributor actually affects stopping distance.

 

[Hubris]

How do you know that?

Edit: I see others are also questioning if this is a real source inside Tesla Corporate and not some speculation or rumor from Service Center or Sales personnel. I see you don't have a lot of posts so you may not be aware that we get a lot of speculation around here!

I dont make speculations, I am just relaying information that I have heard from Tesla Employees that know, it is reckless and a large cause of miss-information, which as many of you know is a large issue when it comes to Tesla. The assumption that they would be getting rid of performance brakes on performance cars is one of those.