When it comes to high-performance vehicles, rapid acceleration is exhilarating, but the ability to stop swiftly and safely is equally crucial. MotorTrend’s rigorous braking tests reveal the top five cars that redefine braking performance with cutting-edge technology, precision engineering, and exceptional stopping distances. Here’s a closer look at the best of the best.
The 2019 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 stands out as one of the most powerful front-engine Corvettes ever made, but its stopping power is just as impressive as its acceleration. Equipped with the ZTK Track Performance package, the ZR1 showcases stiffer suspension tuning, a flat undercarriage for enhanced aerodynamics, and Pilot Sport Cup 2 ZP tires designed for superior grip.
With its 6.2-liter supercharged V-8 producing an astounding 755 horsepower, the ZR1 accelerates like a rocket. However, its Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes deliver unparalleled stopping power, bringing the car to a halt from 97 kilometers per hour in just 26.8 meters. This remarkable performance is attributed to its balanced weight distribution and advanced braking system, ensuring optimal control even at high speeds.
The 2023 Ferrari 296 GTB combines Italian elegance with groundbreaking hybrid technology. Powered by a 3.0-liter V-6 plug-in hybrid engine generating 818 horsepower, this Ferrari is not just about raw power but also about precision and control. Its advanced brake-by-wire system allows for more accurate braking modulation, although it requires a bit of getting used to due to its slightly wooden pedal feel.
Stopping from 97 kilometers per hour in just 26.8 meters, the 296 GTB equals the Corvette ZR1's performance. However, it achieves this with a more complex hybrid setup, highlighting Ferrari's mastery in balancing power and weight. The combination of lightweight construction and meticulously tuned aerodynamics ensures maximum stability during hard braking, making the 296 GTB a true marvel of engineering.
The 2016 Dodge Viper ACR is legendary for its track performance, and its street setup is no different when it comes to braking. Utilizing the same powerful carbon Brembo brakes as the track version, the street ACR manages to stop from 97 kilometers per hour in just 26.5 meters. This impressive result is achieved thanks to its ultra-sticky Kumho tires and advanced aerodynamic design, which provides superior downforce and stability.
With an 8.4-liter V-10 engine producing immense power, the Viper ACR balances its brutal acceleration with extraordinary stopping capability. Its finely tuned suspension and precision-engineered braking system make it a favorite among performance enthusiasts who seek thrilling driving dynamics with maximum control.
Porsche is renowned for its precision engineering, and the 2018 Porsche 911 GT2 RS Weissach Edition exemplifies this tradition with its exceptional braking performance. Designed for the track but fully street-legal, the GT2 RS stops from 97 kilometers per hour in an astounding 26.5 meters. Its carbon-ceramic brakes are paired with lightweight magnesium wheels, reducing unsprung weight and enhancing braking efficiency.
The GT2 RS is powered by a 3.8-liter twin-turbo flat-six engine delivering 690 horsepower. However, it’s not just the power that sets it apart; the combination of a balanced chassis, advanced aerodynamics, and precision braking components ensures unparalleled stopping power. The Weissach package, which reduces overall weight by about 18 kilograms, further enhances the GT2 RS's already legendary handling and braking capabilities.
Topping the list is the 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse, which surprises many by outperforming even the lightweights of the industry. Stopping from 97 kilometers per hour in a jaw-dropping 26.2 meters, the Mustang Dark Horse sets a new standard for braking performance. Its six-piston Brembo front calipers, two-piece rotors, and finely tuned suspension contribute to its phenomenal stopping power.
Despite being the heaviest car on this list at 1,827 kilograms, the Mustang Dark Horse showcases the perfect synergy of weight distribution, advanced braking technology, and sticky performance tires. Its consistent stopping distances, even under high-stress conditions, demonstrate the reliability and power of its braking system. This impressive feat solidifies the Mustang Dark Horse as the ultimate braking champion, redefining what muscle cars are capable of.
Started my career in Automotive Journalism in 2015. Even though I'm a pharmacist, hanging around cars all the time has created a passion for the automotive industry since day 1.