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, fitting inside the factory 21-inch wheels. The front axle was transformed with a full big brake kit, while the rear was upgraded to match, creating a perfectly balanced system.
- Vehicle: Porsche Panamera (976)
- Front Calipers: AKEBONO "976 Special" 10-Piston Calipers
- Front Rotors: STOPFLEX 440mm (17.3 in) Carbon-Ceramic Discs
- Rear Rotors: STOPFLEX 380mm (15.0 in) Carbon-Ceramic Discs (with factory rear calipers)
- Brake Pads: STOPFLEX Performance Pads formulated for Carbon-Ceramic Discs
Important: System Compatibility
This STOPFLEX Carbon-Ceramic Disc (CCB) kit is engineered to pair with high-performance fixed multi-piston calipers, like the AKEBONO 10-piston system shown here, as well as the factory Porsche calipers.
Please note: Our disc-only kits cannot be directly installed if your vehicle has factory floating calipers on the front axle or if your original front disc diameter is less than 330mm.
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 (17.3 in) 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 (15.0 in) 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 smooth, refined 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 no 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.