The Porsche Panamera (971) is the ultimate executive express, capable of crossing continents at speed. But at over 2,000 kg (4,400 lbs), bringing this mass to a halt repeatedly can overwhelm the standard iron brakes. For the owner who demands the absolute pinnacle of performance without the "PCCB Tax," this bespoke Custom Big Brake Kit featuring Akebono 10-piston calipers and StopFlex Carbon-Ceramic rotors is the definitive solution.
The Struggle
Even Porsche's engineering faces physics. The standard braking system has specific compromises:
- Thermal Saturation: High-speed autobahn stops or spirited mountain driving generates immense heat. Iron rotors can heat soak, leading to a soft pedal and reduced confidence.
- Unsprung Mass: Massive 410mm iron rotors act as heavy anchors on the suspension, transmitting impact harshness into the cabin and dulling steering response.
- Brake Dust: The high-friction factory pads generate corrosive black dust, ruining the look of the 21-inch or 22-inch wheels within days.
Technical Specification
This is a complete Custom Big Brake Kit (BBK) overhaul. It replaces the factory calipers with a mix of top-tier OEM suppliers (Akebono/Brembo) and pairs them with massive StopFlex Carbon-Ceramic rotors, fitting perfectly within 22-inch wheels.
| Vehicle | Porsche Panamera (971) |
|---|---|
| Front Hardware | Akebono 10-Piston Caliper + 440mm CCB |
| Rear Hardware | Brembo 4-Piston Caliper + 410mm CCB |
| Weight Saving | ≈ 32 kg (70 lbs) Total Reduction |
| Pad Material | StopFlex Low-Dust Ceramic Compound |
Compatibility Redline
This is a Custom Big Brake Kit (BBK) application. It upgrades the front axle to the massive Akebono 10-piston fixed calipers and the rear to Brembo 4-piston calipers. This system requires 21-inch wheels (minimum) or 22-inch wheels for clearance and is not a direct replacement for standard calipers.
Engineering Validation
1. 10-Piston Authority
The Akebono 10-piston caliper provides a massive swept pad area and immense rigidity. Combined with the 440mm (17.3 in) StopFlex rotor, this system offers limitless thermal capacity and consistent modulation, ensuring fade-free braking that exceeds even the factory Turbo S setup.
2. "Gliding" Ride Quality
StopFlex carbon-ceramic discs are over 45% lighter than factory iron discs. Removing ~32 kg of rotating unsprung mass transforms the Panamera's ride. The air suspension can react instantly to road imperfections, filtering out harshness and making the car feel like it's gliding over the pavement.
3. Clean, Silent Luxury
Our ceramic pads are formulated for virtually no dust, keeping your intricate 22-inch wheels pristine. The corrosion-proof rotors eliminate the unsightly rust ring common on iron discs, ensuring the car always looks showroom-ready and operates silently.
4. Balanced Performance
The rear Brembo 4-piston caliper is selected to maintain perfect hydraulic balance with the massive front system. Paired with a 410mm StopFlex rotor, the rear axle contributes effectively to stability under hard braking without locking up or triggering ABS prematurely.
Installation Gallery
In-Depth Panamera Bespoke FAQ
Q: Why choose Akebono 10-piston calipers?
The Akebono 10-piston caliper is the gold standard for stopping heavy, high-speed vehicles (used on Urus/Cayenne Turbo GT). It provides a massive pad surface area and even pressure distribution, perfectly leveraging the friction of our 440mm carbon-ceramic rotors.
Q: Is this system harsh for daily driving?
Not at all. Despite its massive performance potential, the system is engineered for refined, smooth operation. The pads provide excellent cold bite, and the reduced unsprung weight actually improves the car's ride quality over bumps and expansion joints.
Q: Will this help with brake dust?
Yes, significantly. Our performance ceramic pads generate virtually no dust compared to standard semi-metallic pads. Your 22-inch wheels will stay clean for much longer, preserving the car's premium aesthetic.
Q: What is the lifespan of these rotors?
For a street-driven Panamera, StopFlex long-fiber rotors are effectively a "lifetime" component. They resist wear and oxidation far better than iron, typically lasting over 250,000 km without needing replacement.
Q: Will this fit under my factory 21-inch wheels?
The 440mm front rotor and Akebono 10-piston caliper package is extremely large. While it fits some 21-inch wheels with high clearance (like the Cayenne Turbo GT wheels), we strongly recommend 22-inch wheels to ensure adequate barrel clearance and cooling.
