The Understated Upgrade: An Audi S4 Avant (B9) STOPFLEX Carbon-Ceramic Brake Conversion
The Audi S4 Avant is the quintessential performance wagon, offering a masterful blend of daily practicality and all-weather capability. While its turbocharged V6 provides effortless power, spirited driving can reveal the thermal limits of the factory iron brakes. This case study showcases how an S4 owner unlocked a new level of performance with a **STOPFLEX Front Axle Carbon-Ceramic Rotor Kit**.
The Front Axle Rotor & Pad Upgrade
This popular upgrade focuses on the front axle, which handles the majority of the braking force. It’s a highly effective way to gain the core benefits of carbon-ceramic technology while integrating perfectly with the factory S4 calipers.
- Vehicle: Audi S4 Avant (B9)
- Front Rotors: STOPFLEX 380mm Carbon-Ceramic Discs with custom-fit billet aluminum hats
- Brake Pads: STOPFLEX Performance Pads formulated for Carbon-Ceramic
- Brake Lines: STOPFLEX Stainless Steel Braided Lines
Key Advantages for the S4 Avant Platform
This upgrade enhances the S4's dual character, improving both its aggressive performance and its premium daily-driving experience.
- Sharper Handling Through Weight Reduction: Our 380mm carbon-ceramic disc saves over **5 kg (11 lbs) per corner** compared to the factory iron rotor. This significant reduction in unsprung mass makes the S4's front end feel lighter and more agile, sharpening steering precision and improving how the suspension responds to the road.
- Engineered to Eliminate Brake Fade: The superior thermal conductivity of our carbon-ceramic material ensures the brakes stay within their optimal temperature range, even during repeated hard stops. This completely eliminates the brake fade common to stock brakes during spirited driving, providing consistent and confidence-inspiring stopping power when you need it most.
- Built for Extreme Longevity: Unlike conventional iron discs that wear with every stop, our carbon-ceramic rotors are engineered for extraordinary durability. Under normal street driving conditions, they are designed to last for well over 100,000 miles, making them a wise long-term investment.
- Refined for Daily Driving: The S4 Avant is a premium daily driver, and our system enhances this quality. The low-dust pad formulation keeps your 19-inch wheels looking pristine, while the inherent corrosion resistance of the rotors eliminates the rust and noise associated with iron discs after washing or rain.
Installation Gallery
Frequently Asked Questions for S4 Owners
Q: Why upgrade only the front brakes?
A: The front brakes on an all-wheel-drive vehicle like the S4 handle the vast majority of the braking load (typically 70-80%). Upgrading the front axle provides the most significant improvement in thermal capacity and fade resistance, making it a highly effective and popular performance enhancement.
Q: Will this front-only upgrade upset the car's brake balance?
A: No. Our system is engineered to work in harmony with the factory rear brakes and the vehicle's sophisticated ABS and stability control systems. The result is a substantial increase in overall performance and heat capacity without compromising the factory-designed safety and stability.
Q: Do I need to "warm up" the brakes for them to work effectively in daily driving?
A: While all carbon-ceramic brakes achieve their absolute peak performance at temperature, our specialized pad formulation is designed to provide confident and effective stopping power from the very first stop, even on a cold morning. You can drive with complete peace of mind in all daily situations, with the added benefit of massive thermal reserves when you need them.
