The Bespoke Build: A Porsche Panamera with AKEBONO Calipers & STOPFLEX Carbon-Ceramics
For some Porsche owners, "factory best" is simply the starting point. This case study is for them. It showcases a truly bespoke braking system for a Panamera, born from a desire for ultimate, no-compromise performance. The owner selected a set of rare and powerful aftermarket **AKEBONO 10-piston front calipers** and chose to pair them with the definitive rotor solution: a full **STOPFLEX Carbon-Ceramic System**.
A Bespoke Braking System
This build is a masterclass in component synergy. The front axle was transformed with a full big brake kit, while the rear was upgraded to match, creating a perfectly balanced system. The complete package includes a powerful set of **"976 Special" AKEBONO 10-piston front calipers** matched with our **STOPFLEX 440mm Carbon-Ceramic Discs**. The rear axle features our **STOPFLEX 380mm Carbon-Ceramic Discs** paired with the factory calipers. Tying it all together are our proprietary **STOPFLEX Performance Pads formulated for Carbon-Ceramic Discs**.
Fitment Requirements for STOPFLEX Rotors
Our carbon-ceramic rotors are high-performance components requiring a compatible setup. This Panamera's bespoke system meets both critical conditions:
Caliper Type: The chosen aftermarket AKEBONO front calipers and the factory Porsche rear calipers are both the required opposed multi-piston (fixed) design.
Minimum Size: The system is designed for massive 440mm and 380mm discs, well above our 355mm minimum.
The Result: A Symphony of Performance
Unrivaled Stopping Power with a 10-Piston Front Setup. The heart of this upgrade is the incredible synergy up front. The massive Akebono caliper provides immense, evenly distributed clamping force across the pad surface. This power would easily overwhelm a lesser rotor, but our 440mm carbon-ceramic disc provides the thermal stability to handle it without a hint of fade. It's a combination that delivers a level of stopping power and consistency beyond factory options.
Perfectly Balanced and Responsive Dynamics. A powerful front brake setup must be balanced by the rear. By upgrading the rear rotors to our 380mm carbon-ceramics, the Panamera’s braking bias remains perfect, ensuring stable and predictable handling even during hard deceleration. At the same time, because our discs are up to 50% lighter than iron, this full system sheds a huge amount of unsprung mass, making the large sedan feel shockingly nimble and more like a 911 in the corners.
The Intersection of Performance and Luxury. A bespoke build demands flawless refinement. This system delivers on that promise for the daily drive. The silent, smooth operation of the pads and the corrosion-proof nature of the rotors create a premium experience. Most importantly for a custom car, our system produces virtually zero brake dust, keeping the stunning 21-inch wheels immaculate and preserving the car's head-turning aesthetic.
Installation Gallery
Questions About a Bespoke Build
Q: What are these "AKEBONO" calipers? Are they better than the factory Porsche ones?
A: Akebono is a world-renowned Japanese brake manufacturer that supplies elite components for many supercars and motorsport teams. This 10-piston caliper is a specialized aftermarket solution chosen by the owner for its incredible power and rigidity, representing a step beyond even the excellent factory Porsche options for those who want a truly unique, custom setup.
Q: Why upgrade the front calipers but only the rear rotors?
A: This is a highly effective "pro-level" strategy. The front brakes handle the vast majority of the work. Installing a full big brake kit up front provides the biggest possible gain in stopping power and thermal capacity. Upgrading the rear rotors to our carbon-ceramics ensures the rear system can keep up thermally, maintains perfect brake balance, and provides the weight-saving and low-dust benefits at all four corners.
