There is a story on Insideevs about Tesla using smaller brake calipers on their Model Y-performance trim. That's not much of a story, but it's odd that they used a larger than normal plastic cover for the caliper. It's almost like they are hiding the smaller brakes from the consumer. Or maybe they are just trying to make it look sportier? Tesla Model Y Performance Has Smaller Rear Brake Calipers With Fake Covers From that article: ZEVcentric measured the rotor diameter and it is still the same as in the Model Y LR, but just like before the caliper change, it’s 2 millimeters thicker in order to extend its life. The Performance version of the Model Y, let’s not forget, has 450 horsepower and is really quick, being able to sprint to sixty in 3.5 seconds, so it needs all the stopping power it can get...
No, but the driver'll be reaching 60mph between every two stop signs, in exactly the same way other drivers aren't.
Many car designs have fake ducts, inlets, and grills. Plenty of discussion about Lexus' spindle grill has happened here. They'll also put plastic shrouds all over the engine bay. Don't care for the aesthetic, but some like it. Most of the braking work happens on the front axle. That still has upgraded brakes. The motor is also more powerful than the other trims, so more regen braking can occur there. The rotor size seems unchanged. What is the difference in surface area for the pads between the old and new? Tesla is shady for doing this, but I doubt it is a safety issue like some are crying. Unlike the sensor shenanigans, an owner could upgrade the rears to previous build parts. Those stops need to be pretty close together for the 3.4s Performance to reach 60mph, and the 4.4s LR to not.
All I remember about pads and braking is that there were more brake surface area on the more powerful Porsche cars than on the more modest ones ... you know modest as in those limited to 155 MPH. And the bigger the calipers came in different paint colors with a paint to order sample being a super high priced option selected by maybe 3%. Standard 3 colors were often black, red and yellow.
why would anyone presume owners are compelled to floor it - every stop sign .... our Tesla had 0-60 in the 3's but ..... since there was never a vehicle approaching from behind at high speed - throttle stuck ..... as we sat there at a stop - we never once had to floor it to get away. Never did that anyway. Still - my better ½ loved to floor it at speed to beat yellow lights. That's likely why Tesla implemented 'chill' mode .... so you can help those without willpower. As for the OP concern for the size of rotors or calipers, all decisions are made on a cost versus benefit analysis. That's why the model y performance (for instance) does not have ceramic carbon disks. Is the $10,000 cost worth the extra grabbing power and Heat RESISTANCE / higher performance? How many sales would be lost for that much extra $$. .
