It goes without saying that brakes are extremely important to any car, no matter how slow or fast it may be. And they’re not only about being able to slow it down or bring it to a halt – they also need to provide a good, consistent feeling to the pedal as well as the best stopping power, as even a few feet can make a difference between avoiding or engaging in an accident.
In recent years, technology has advanced quite a bit, with even low-end models featuring discs all-around and carbon-ceramics being optional in many sports cars, and standard in high-end ones. However, braking isn’t just about brakes, as the car’s weight and tires also play a huge part in the process.
In every vehicle Car and Driver tests, they perform a 70-mph-to-zero braking test, using a GPS-based VBOX data logger from Racelogic. To put things into context, full-size pickups often need nearly 200 feet, whereas sports cars are down in the 150-foot range, with the best even lower.
So, here’s a rundown of the 16 models ever tested by the magazine that recorded the shortest stopping distances. And it’s no surprise that all of them are sports cars, although there are a few surprises in the rankings…
13. 2019 McLaren Senna (tie) — 136 ft
Brakes (F/R): 15.4-in vented, cross-drilled carbon-ceramic disc/15.4-in vented, cross-drilled carbon-ceramic disc
Tires: Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R
13. 2017 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport (tie) — 136 ft
Brakes (F/R): 14.6-in vented, grooved disc/14.4-in vented, grooved disc
Tires: Michelin Pilot Super Sport ZP
13. 2015 Ferrari LaFerrari (tie) — 136 ft
Brakes (F/R): 15.7-in vented, cross-drilled carbon-ceramic disc/15.0-in vented, cross-drilled carbon-ceramic disc
Tires: Pirelli P Zero Corsa
13. 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Convertible Z51 (tie) — 136 ft
Brakes (F/R): 13.6-in vented disc/13.3-in vented disc
Tires: Michelin Pilot Super Sport ZP
11. 2018 Lamborghini Huracán Performante (tie) — 135 ft
Brakes (F/R): 15.0-in vented, cross-drilled carbon-ceramic disc/14.0-in vented carbon-ceramic disc
Tires: Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R
11. 2017 Porsche 911 Carrera (tie) — 135 ft
Tires: Pirelli P Zero
10. 2014 Porsche 911 GT3 (tie) — 135 ft
Brakes (F/R): 16.1-in vented, cross-drilled carbon-ceramic disc/15.4-in vented, cross-drilled carbon-ceramic disc
Tires: Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2
8. 2017 Dodge Viper ACR (tie) — 134 ft
Brakes (F/R): 15.4-in vented, cross-drilled carbon-ceramic disc/14.2-in vented, cross-drilled carbon-ceramic disc
Tires: Kumho Ecsta V720 ACR
8. 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Convertible (Z07) (tie) — 134 ft
Brakes (F/R): 15.5-in vented, cross-drilled carbon-ceramic disc/15.3-in vented, cross-drilled carbon-ceramic disc
Tires: Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 ZP
6. 2018 Porsche 911 Turbo S (tie) — 133 ft
Brakes (F/R): 16.1-in vented, cross-drilled carbon-ceramic disc/15.4-in vented, cross-drilled carbon-ceramic disc
Tires: Pirelli P Zero Corsa (PZC4)
6. 2018 Mercedes-AMG GT R (tie) — 133 ft
Brakes (F/R): 15.8-in vented, cross-drilled carbon-ceramic disc/14.2-in vented, cross-drilled carbon-ceramic disc
Tires: Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 ZP
4. 2018 Porsche 911 GT2 RS Weissach (tie) — 129 ft
Brakes (F/R): 16.1-in vented, cross-drilled carbon-ceramic disc/15.4-in vented, cross-drilled carbon-ceramic disc
Tires: Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2
4. 2017 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport (Z07) (tie) — 129 ft
Brakes (F/R): 15.5-in vented, cross-drilled carbon-ceramic disc/15.3-in vented, cross-drilled carbon-ceramic disc
Tires: Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 ZP
2. 2019 Porsche 911 GT3 RS (tie) — 128 ft
Brakes (F/R): 16.1-in vented, cross-drilled carbon-ceramic disc/15.4-in vented, cross-drilled carbon-ceramic disc
Tires: Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R
2. 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 (Z07) (tie) — 128 ft
Brakes (F/R): 15.5-in vented, cross-drilled carbon-ceramic disc/15.3-in vented, cross-drilled carbon-ceramic disc
Tires: Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 ZP
1. 2019 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 — 127 ft
Brakes (F/R): 15.5-in vented, cross-drilled carbon-ceramic disc/15.3-in vented, cross-drilled carbon-ceramic disc
Tires: Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 ZP