Greentell Brakes Debut

Revolutionary Braking Solutions: Brembo’s Greentell

Brake dust on those shiny rims isn’t just an eyesore; it’s a genuine environmental and health concern. That harmless-looking grime can become airborne, potentially affecting air quality and impacting human health. While the U.S. may not regulate this yet, European Union’s upcoming Euro 7 standards are setting strict limits on brake dust emissions. Cars will need to emit no more than 7 milligrams per kilometer, tightening to three by 2035. Even electric vehicles (EVs), which utilize regenerative braking, must adhere to these stricter standards. It’s becoming clear—reducing emissions involves more than just tailpipe regulations.

Brembo’s Innovative Approach

Enter Brembo’s Greentell rotors. The Italian brake powerhouse has crafted these new rotors to tackle the Euro 7 challenge. The Greentell line—which fuses “green” and “intelligent” in its name—introduces an innovation in how brake rotors are produced. Instead of the traditional cast-iron design, Brembo employs a cutting-edge production method.

Advanced Manufacturing

The secret lies in Laser Metal Deposition (LMD), a sophisticated process that uses powdered metals and lasers to “print” a specialized coating on the rotor’s surface. This coating significantly reduces the particulate matter that gets released during braking. In official tests adhering to the Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP), these rotors emitted 90% less brake dust compared to standard cast-iron rotors.

Minimized Dust Without Sacrifices

Along with slashing particulate emissions, these Greentell rotors show an 80% reduction in surface wear. The trade-off is that the discs are thinner, meaning their lifetime doesn’t vastly outpace their predecessors. However, this is where new brake pad materials come into play, specifically designed for this rotor coating, striking a balance between performance and longevity.

Built-in Wear Indicators

Brembo ditches traditional disc wear measuring methods for an ingenious new approach. Rotors include an etched logo that acts as a wear indicator—once it disappears, it signals the need for replacement. This motor-sport-inspired method is a smart twist enhancing practical usability.

Sleek Design

Unlike older designs replete with slotted or drilled holes, Greentell rotors offer a smoother surface. This streamlined form reduces abrasive wear, a significant improvement over conventional gas escape methods. Today’s advanced materials no longer require such heavy-duty designs, making these slots and holes obsolete in avoiding brake “gassing out.”

The Bigger Picture

While Greentell rotors are primarily developed for European markets to meet Euro 7 standards, their benefits are universal. Initially, one might see these appear on premium and high-performance vehicles. Although the U.S. hasn’t adopted these regulations yet, advancements in braking technology like Brembo’s could pave the way for cleaner air and superior performance parts, potentially changing the rules of the game across the pond.

For aftermarket enthusiasts, Brembo offers Greenance — another dust-reducing solution, highlighting a pivotal shift in the conversation about emissions. It’s more than just what’s spewing from the exhaust but also what settles silently from brakes.