McLaren 720S ceramic brake system

McLaren 720S, the Carbon Ceramic Brake (CCB) system is a core performance feature designed to provide immense stopping power and thermal stability under extreme track conditions.

System Components

A complete factory-spec ceramic brake kit for the 720S includes:

• Carbon Ceramic Rotors: These utilize a carbon-fiber-reinforced silicon carbide (C/SiC) composite. The 720S features 390 mm discs at the front and 390 mm at the rear.

• Monoblock Calipers: High-performance 6-piston aluminum calipers in the front and 4-piston in the rear. These are often finished in signature colors like McLaren Orange, Polished Aluminum, or Yellow.

• Specific Brake Pads: You must use pads designed specifically for ceramic surfaces; using standard iron-rotor pads will cause permanent damage to the carbon discs.

• Brake Wear Sensors: Specialized sensors that monitor the physical thickness and density of the ceramic material.

Technical & Maintenance Advisory

• Weight Advantage: Swapping from a standard iron setup to CCBs reduces unsprung mass significantly, which improves steering feel and suspension response.

• Replacement Costs: Individual rotors are expensive (often over $5,000 each). In 2026, a complete new kit from a dealer can range from $35,000 to $45,000.

• Refurbishment: Unlike traditional rotors, ceramic discs can sometimes be refurbished by specialized companies (like Surface Transforms) if they haven’t exceeded their minimum weight threshold.

• Bedding-In: New CCBs require a specific thermal bedding-in procedure to transfer a layer of pad material onto the disc surface for optimal performance.