As one automaker launches a successful option, the others follow suit by launching their own variation of the same option. The new trend is to launch a performance line or package for "series" model vehicles. Although these new editions generally have ties to the brand's in-house performance division, the changes don't go as far as the vehicles coming from the division itself. There is not only a rise in the manufacturers' offerings of these performance editions, but more customers are electing to equip their vehicles with this extra.
It is uncertain as to who and when this practice was officially started, but it is most often associated with the big German automakers. Common nomenclature includes BMW's MSport or Audi's S line to name a few. These performance packages tend to all contain similar content. Typical upgrades include more aggressive exterior styling (front fascia, side skirts, and rear apron), different wheels and performance tires, heavily bolstered seats, different interior trim, and a new steering wheel. In some cases, changes can go as far as revised software (sometimes boosting power), sport suspension, upgraded brakes, and other manufacturer specific upgrades. One thing all automakers love to do is attach performance line badging in multiple places to remind occupants that they are in a "special" vehicle.
Many automakers use the reputations of their performance division to give these lines credibility. Some customers will pay for the option just to have an AMG or M badge on their car. While in many cases the performance package is dynamically superior to the base car, the engineering is still done by the larger automaker, not the performance division. Nonetheless, this option remains successful because it not only can make the car drive better, but also enhances the appearance of the car as well.
As performance packages have recently become so popular, automakers that have not traditionally had a performance line have begun to give their customers the option. While Lexus has its young F division, it has recently started to offer the F Sport upgrade on many of its vehicles. Infiniti, on the other hand, does not have an in house performance division but has instead launched its IPL line to compete with the performance variants of its competitors. Even Volkswagen now offers an R trim spec for some of its vehicles.
Automakers love performance editions more than their customers do. As with other options, performance packages are large sources of profit for auto companies. The individual components of the performance line generally are similar in cost to their base model equivalents. Consequently, it is not surprising that BMW has decided to expand from just performance packages to a "lines" concept. In addition to MSport, BMW offers Luxury, Modern, and Sport lines. Don't be surprised to see other brands offering similar trims in the future, as it is yet another way to make more money.
Carbon Ceramic Brakes (CCB) are often the most expensive item on a performance car's option list. For somebody who is often on the track, this can be one of the most useful investments. On the road, however, Carbon Ceramics are not as beneficial as their price would suggest.
In 2002, the Ferrari Enzo was the first road car to be launched with Carbon Ceramic Brakes. Since then, the technology has trickled down to more mainstream (relatively) cars. Carbon Ceramic Brakes are known for their resistance to fading. These brakes can get extremely hot after hard use, yet still provide little to no loss in stopping power. CCBs are also lighter than traditional iron brakes, reducing a vehicle's weight by approximately 40 pounds. The weight lost is unsprung weight. By taking out weight not supported by the suspension, both handling/control and ride quality are improved. CCBs also are extremely durable. All components will usually last the life of the car. Finally, Carbon Ceramic Brakes produce very little brake dust.
Although Carbon Ceramic Brakes are a pretty incredible piece of equipment, they do come at a cost, both monetarily and metaphorically. Generally speaking CCBs cost between $8,000 and $16,000! The only way to truly justify the price tag is if the car will be frequently tracked. Aside from their cost, there are a few drawbacks. Some brakes perform poorly, offering little feel, when cold and at low speeds. Some also have been known to be very noisy. That said, as manufacturers have gained experience with CCBs, these issues have been taken car of. Most importantly, should a rotor crack or get damaged, the cost of replacement is astronomically high. A single new rotor could cost over half the price of the entire option.
While Carbon Ceramic Brakes are a testament to how amazing brakes have become, they are currently too expensive to be tempting. Should CCBs become less expensive and more refined, they will surely be more accepted.
