Porsche has a new type of brake rotor called the Porsche Surface Coated Brake (PSCB) system.
Introduced in the current generation of Cayenne Turbo, PSCB uses tungsten carbide coated rotors designed to provide increased performance as well as some aesthetic benefits. Everything is detailed in this Engineering explained video.
It can detect a PSCB-equipped car because the rotors have a mirror finish. The tungsten carbide coating also reduces brake dust (by 90%, according to Porsche), something that Porsche tried to emphasize with the white calipers on the Cayenne Turbo Coupe seen in this video.
However, it is not just about appearance. Rotors help reduce brake fading, and their life is about 30% longer than alternatives, according to Porsche. Unlike conventional cast iron rotors, they won’t rust, either.
Porsche Cayenne Turbo 2019
PSCB tries to divide the difference between cast iron rotors and more expensive, but better performing carbon-ceramic brakes. Rotors start out as regular cast iron parts that are then galvanized and coated with tungsten carbide. The 0.1 millimeter coating is sprayed onto the rotors at supersonic speeds.
When that thin layer wears down, the entire rotor needs to be replaced. But Porsche claims the coating is so durable that PSCB rotors will still last longer than conventional rotors. Engineering explained Jason Fenske noted that brake pads tend to wear out faster than rotors anyway.
PSCB is standard on the Cayenne Turbo and Cayenne Turbo Coupe, and a $ 3,500 option on Cayenne base models. To put that in perspective, carbon ceramic brakes are a $ 9,000 option in Cayenne.
Fenske also received quotes on replacement costs (before labor) from a Porsche dealer. Standard iron rotors cost $ 2,343.15, PSCB rotors cost $ 11,095.10, and carbon ceramics cost $ 32,206.74. At that price, it might be better to buy another car.
