Brakes

Quick Summary

The Nissan GT-R R35 is one of the most celebrated performance cars ever built, a twin-turbo AWD supercar killer that has dominated track days since 2007. Its braking system is central to its legendary performance, and carbon ceramic is the definitive upgrade for R35 owners seeking reduced unsprung weight, zero brake fade during aggressive track driving, and NISMO-level capability on every variant. This guide covers carbon ceramic options for the standard R35, NISMO edition, and Track Edition, including CCB versus CCM selection, brake pad pairing for the R35's massive factory calipers, and how carbon ceramic integrates with the GT-R's brake cooling design. AME Motorsport brings this technology to every R35 owner through its commitment to technology for everyone.

The GT-R R35: Why Braking Performance Defines the Platform

Few production vehicles are as defined by their braking performance as the Nissan GT-R R35. From its launch, the R35 stunned the automotive world not just with its acceleration but with its stopping power. The massive factory brake system, with large-diameter rotors and multi-piston calipers, was a core element of the R35's ability to demolish lap times that should have been impossible for a vehicle of its size and mass.

But the R35's extraordinary performance comes with extraordinary demands on the braking system. Weighing approximately 1,740 kg, the GT-R is heavy by sports car standards. Its twin-turbo V6 produces enormous speed that must be scrubbed off at every corner entry. And its enthusiast owners routinely push the vehicle to its absolute limits on track.

Why the R35's Mass Makes Carbon Ceramic Essential

At approximately 1,740 kg, the GT-R is significantly heavier than many of its performance peers. At 200 km/h, the 1,740 kg GT-R carries approximately 15% more kinetic energy than a 1,500 kg sports car at the same speed. This additional energy must be absorbed by the braking system as heat.

During sustained track driving, the R35's mass means each braking event generates more heat than a lighter vehicle. Over a session of 20-30 minutes, this cumulative heat build-up pushes iron rotors toward their thermal limits, causing friction degradation and stopping power loss.

Carbon ceramic rotors fundamentally change this equation. Their superior thermal capacity absorbs the R35's substantial braking energy without approaching fade temperatures. Their consistent friction characteristics mean braking performance remains identical from the first lap to the last. And their reduced mass, approximately 25-35 kg lighter across all four corners, addresses the root cause by reducing the total vehicle mass that must be decelerated.

For detailed performance comparison: Carbon Ceramic vs Steel Brakes.

ATTESA E-TS AWD: Why All Four Corners Matter

The GT-R's ATTESA E-TS (Advanced Total Traction Engineering System for All-Terrain with Electronic Torque Split) continuously varies torque distribution between front and rear axles based on driving conditions. During braking, this means all four wheels manage significant loads in a dynamic, continuously varying pattern.

This architecture has direct implications for carbon ceramic upgrades. A four-corner upgrade is essential because the ATTESA system sends significant braking torque to the rear, meaning a front-only upgrade addresses less than the expected proportion of braking load. Even heat distribution across all four corners ensures consistent thermal management. And reducing unsprung mass at every corner improves the vehicle's overall dynamic balance, with suspension at each corner responding more quickly and tyre contact improving across the board.

For a complete overview: Carbon Ceramic Brakes: The Complete Guide.

GT-R R35 Model Variants: Carbon Ceramic for Every Edition

Standard GT-R R35

The standard R35 represents the core GT-R experience, with the twin-turbo V6 producing approximately 420 kW in later model years, dual-clutch transmission, ATTESA E-TS AWD, and sophisticated chassis electronics.

Standard R35 owners use their vehicles across a broad spectrum. For daily driving, carbon ceramic's corrosion immunity, reduced brake dust, and extended service intervals make it an excellent upgrade. No more rust rings after overnight parking and no more dark metallic dust coating the wheels. For weekend spirited driving on favourite back roads and mountain passes, carbon ceramic delivers consistent, fade-free performance matching the GT-R's extraordinary dynamics. And for occasional track days, carbon ceramic eliminates the brake fade that is otherwise one of the R35's most significant track limitations.

AME Motorsport product: The AME Motorsport GT-R R35 NISMO carbon ceramic kit is engineered for the R35 platform and compatible across all R35 variants.

NISMO Edition

The GT-R NISMO represents the ultimate expression of the R35 platform. Nissan's in-house motorsport division applies racing expertise to every aspect, with enhanced aerodynamics, revised suspension, increased power output, and chassis tuning refined through extensive track testing.

For NISMO owners, carbon ceramic brakes are a logical extension of the NISMO philosophy. The track-grade thermal management ensures the braking system sustains the intensity that NISMO owners demand, session after session. The weight reduction of 25-35 kg of unsprung mass continues the NISMO engineers' philosophy of reducing mass wherever possible. And carbon ceramic's consistent friction characteristics across its entire operating temperature range mean the driver can push harder for longer without progressive degradation.

Track Edition

The GT-R Track Edition sits between the standard R35 and the NISMO, with focused track enhancements including revised suspension, brake ducts, and specific chassis tuning. Track Edition owners routinely drive 30-minute or longer sessions at full intensity. Iron rotors on a 1,740 kg vehicle generating repeated high-energy stops will inevitably fade during sessions of this length. Carbon ceramic maintains its performance throughout, allowing drivers to use the entire session productively.

For track day strategies: Track Day Carbon Ceramic Brake Guide.

CCB vs CCM for the GT-R R35

The choice between CCB and CCM is particularly relevant for R35 owners, who span a broad spectrum from daily drivers to dedicated track warriors.

CCB (SiC Coated): For Street and Mixed Use

CCB rotors feature AME Motorsport's proprietary silicon carbide coating, applied to a thickness exceeding 0.8mm, providing approximately 5x the wear resistance of uncoated surfaces. CCB is ideal for R35 owners who drive on the road regularly, participate in occasional track days (4-8 per year alongside regular road use), want maximum service life with the lowest total cost of ownership, and value daily drivability with consistent friction characteristics from cold starts.

CCM (Uncoated): For Track Warriors

CCM rotors use uncoated C/SiC material, optimised for maximum thermal performance in sustained high-temperature environments. CCM is the choice for dedicated track cars that see minimal road use, competitive time attack or motorsport where absolute performance outweighs service life, and NISMO or Track Edition vehicles primarily driven on circuit.

For most R35 owners, even enthusiastic ones who participate in regular track days, CCB is the recommended technology.

Weight Savings: Transforming the R35's Dynamic Character

A full carbon ceramic conversion removes approximately 25-35 kg of unsprung, rotating mass from the R35. This single modification produces measurable improvements across every dynamic parameter.

Acceleration: Less rotating mass at each corner means the engine and transmission spend less energy spinning wheel assemblies. The R35's already formidable acceleration becomes noticeably sharper, with more immediate throttle response. The sensation of the twin-turbo V6 pulling forward becomes more direct and connected.

Braking response: Lighter rotors respond more quickly to caliper clamping force. The brake pedal, already one of the R35's most praised attributes, becomes even sharper and more progressive. For track driving, this improved response translates directly to later braking points, enabling the driver to carry more speed into corners.

Handling and turn-in: Reduced unsprung mass allows the R35's sophisticated suspension to react more quickly to inputs. Turn-in becomes sharper, with the vehicle changing direction with less inertia to overcome. The electronic systems (ATTESA E-TS, Vehicle Dynamic Control) can react more quickly and precisely because the mechanical components they control respond faster.

Ride quality: Reducing unsprung mass at all four corners allows the suspension to absorb bumps and surface irregularities more effectively. For R35 owners who use their vehicles as daily drivers, this ride improvement is a welcome secondary benefit.

Installation and Bedding on the GT-R R35

Professional Installation

Carbon ceramic brake installation on the R35 should be performed by a qualified workshop experienced with the GT-R platform. AME Motorsport provides detailed, R35-specific installation documentation with every order, including torque specifications, caliper alignment verification procedures, rotor-to-hub fitment confirmation, and ABS/VDC compatibility notes.

The installation process involves removing existing iron rotors, cleaning hub surfaces, installing bridge adapters where applicable, mounting carbon ceramic rotors, installing compatible brake pads, verifying caliper alignment, and torquing all fasteners to specification. No modifications to the R35's ABS, Vehicle Dynamic Control, or ATTESA E-TS systems are required.

For comprehensive installation guidance: Carbon Ceramic Brake Installation & Maintenance Guide.

R35-Specific Bedding Procedure

The bedding procedure for the R35 accounts for the vehicle's substantial mass and the high energy levels generated during each braking event. AME Motorsport provides R35-specific bedding instructions that include progressive stops from moderate speed, cooling intervals between sets, final high-speed confirmation stops, and a complete cooling period before aggressive use. Proper bedding is essential for optimal performance, minimum noise, and even wear patterns.

For detailed procedures: Carbon Ceramic Brake Bedding Procedure.

Long-Term Ownership and Maintenance

Carbon ceramic brakes on the R35 require significantly less maintenance than the iron system they replace. Visual inspection at each service interval covers minimum thickness, surface condition, and wear patterns. Brake pads require periodic replacement, though pad life is typically extended on carbon ceramic surfaces.

The R35's iron rotors are notorious for developing surface rust quickly, particularly in humid environments, creating grinding sensations and visible rust rings. Carbon ceramic eliminates this entirely. Whether the vehicle sits for days, weeks, or months, the rotors remain in perfect condition.

For R35 owners who have already invested in engine, exhaust, and suspension modifications, carbon ceramic brakes complete the upgrade package. Every other modification delivers more when the braking system can match the vehicle's enhanced performance capabilities.

Recommended Brake Pads for Carbon Ceramic Rotors

When upgrading to carbon ceramic rotors, selecting the correct brake pad compound is essential. Standard metallic pads must never be used on carbon ceramic surfaces. AME Motorsport recommends these proven carbon ceramic compatible compounds:

• Pagid RSC Series — European racing heritage, three compounds (RSC1 street, RSC2 endurance, RSC3 sprint) covering every driving scenario from daily commuting to professional motorsport
• Barbaro Racing — Italian motorsport lineage with compounds ranging from the whisper-quiet C-01 street pad to the RS-635 competition compound
• NetzschRacing — German precision engineering with Street, Race, and purpose-built Carbon Ceramic Series compounds
• Schaffen ZZ Racing — Asian touring car championship pedigree, validated in extreme heat and humidity conditions

For detailed compound comparisons and selection guidance: Best Brake Pads for Carbon Ceramic Rotors

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the AME Motorsport carbon ceramic kit compatible with all R35 model years?

The AME Motorsport GT-R R35 NISMO carbon ceramic kit is engineered for the R35 platform. The R35's fundamental brake architecture has remained consistent across model years. The kit works with factory calipers and requires no caliper replacement or electronic recalibration. Contact AME Motorsport to confirm compatibility with your specific R35 variant and model year.

How much weight does the carbon ceramic conversion save on an R35?

A full four-corner conversion saves approximately 25-35 kg of unsprung, rotating mass compared to the factory iron system. This weight reduction occurs at the most dynamically significant location on the vehicle, where every kilogram removed has a disproportionate effect on acceleration, braking response, handling agility, and ride quality. For a 1,740 kg vehicle, this represents a meaningful improvement across every dynamic parameter.

Will carbon ceramic brakes eliminate brake fade during track days?

Yes. Brake fade on iron rotors is caused by friction characteristics degrading as temperature increases beyond a threshold. Carbon ceramic rotors maintain consistent friction from ambient temperature to over 1,000 degrees Celsius, well beyond anything a production GT-R generates during track use. The result is consistent braking from the first lap to the last, without progressive pedal degradation or increased stopping distances.

Should I choose CCB or CCM for my street-driven R35?

For a street-driven R35 or one used for mixed road and track driving, CCB (SiC-coated) is the recommended choice. The proprietary coating exceeds 0.8mm thickness and delivers approximately 5x the wear resistance of uncoated carbon ceramic, translating to significantly longer rotor life. CCB handles track temperatures easily. CCM is recommended only for dedicated track cars where maximum sustained thermal performance is the priority and longevity is secondary.

Do I need to modify my R35's ABS or traction control for carbon ceramic?

No. AME Motorsport's carbon ceramic rotors are engineered to work with the factory ABS, Vehicle Dynamic Control, and ATTESA E-TS systems without any recalibration or modification. These electronic systems respond to wheel speed signals and deceleration rates and function identically regardless of rotor material. Factory calipers, brake lines, and electronic systems remain completely unchanged.

Is the carbon ceramic upgrade worth it for a street-only R35?

Yes. While the anti-fade benefit is most dramatic on track, street-driven R35 owners benefit from the 25-35 kg unsprung weight reduction improving ride quality, handling, and acceleration feel, complete corrosion immunity eliminating rust rings after parking, dramatically reduced brake dust keeping wheels cleaner, and extended service life reducing total ownership costs. The R35's mass makes it particularly responsive to unsprung weight reduction.