Brembo's latest six-piston brake caliper is their strongest one to date.

      Brembo

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      With decades of experience in racing, Brembo has become a name that stands for performance. However, the company claims that its most potent brake caliper designed for road vehicles was created for a purpose that isn’t related to lap times.

      The Boldika (pronounced bohl-DEE-kah) is a six-piston caliper designed for large pickup trucks and SUVs, accommodating both electric and traditional internal combustion engines. As these hefty vehicles—especially the fully electric models—grow in power, the need for strong stopping capabilities has increased significantly. This is why the Boldika can generate a clamping force of 8,500 newton-meters, equating to 6,269 pound-feet of torque.

      To ensure consistent delivery of that force, the Boldika (the name combines “bold” and “like,” as per a press release) incorporates a three-piece design. It comprises aluminum components surrounding a cast-iron bridge, marking the first use of this construction method in a six-piston caliper by Brembo. Advantages of this structure include reduced weight compared to a fully cast-iron design, increased stiffness, and superior braking strength.

      Additionally, the Boldika features Brembo’s Enesys anti-drag technology, which guarantees that the brake pads return to their resting position after application. This technology helps eliminate any lingering friction between the pads and rotors when not braking, enhancing fuel efficiency and electric vehicle range, while also extending the life of the pads.

      In the press release, Brembo highlights the caliper’s "muscular" design and its engineering aimed at maximizing pad surface area, while also asserting that it is compact enough to fit within 20-inch wheels. This may not sound particularly impressive until you learn where Brembo intends to use these calipers.

      The first confirmed application will be in the Chevrolet Silverado EV RST Stars and Steel Edition, which is set to feature Boldika calipers in Torch Red upon its arrival at dealerships later this year. This all-electric pickup will sit on 24-inch wheels and weigh approximately 9,000 pounds, but is also expected to produce over 700 horsepower—similar to the previous RST model, which Chevy claimed could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. Achieving rapid deceleration for such a weighty vehicle (both sprung and unsprung) even with regenerative braking presents a challenge that aligns perfectly with Brembo's most formidable caliper.