Aston Martin V8 Vantage Brake Upgrades: Floating Steel Rotors & Carbon Ceramic Conversion Kits by Triton Motorsports
- Triton Motorsports
- 19 hours ago
- 4 min read
Introduction – A Supercar That Deserves Supercar Brakes
The Aston Martin V8 Vantage has always been one of the most desirable performance GT cars in the world. Combining timeless British design, a roaring V8 powerplant, and track-ready handling, it offers an intoxicating blend of elegance and aggression. Yet, even a car of this pedigree can only perform as well as its weakest link — and for many owners, that weak link is the factory braking system.
While the V8 Vantage offers good stopping performance in stock form, spirited driving, track days, or high-speed touring can expose the limitations of the OEM brakes. Heat buildup, pad fade, and premature wear all become familiar issues. That’s where Triton Motorsports’ floating steel brake rotors and carbon ceramic conversion kits redefine braking performance for the V8 Vantage.
The Limits of OEM Aston Martin Brakes
Aston Martin equips the V8 Vantage with large factory rotors, but they’re typically heavy one-piece or quasi two-piece steel discs. These designs are serviceable for daily driving but fall short under repeated high-stress scenarios. The most common issues include:
Heat Soak & Brake Fade – Heavy iron discs retain heat, leading to longer pedal travel and reduced bite.
Warping & Cracking – Without a floating design, thermal expansion can cause uneven stress, leading to vibrations and cracking over time.
Costly OEM Carbon Ceramics – Some models offered optional carbon ceramics, but OEM replacement prices can exceed $20,000 for a full set.
For enthusiasts who drive their Vantage the way it was meant to be driven, an upgrade is essential.
Floating Steel 2-Piece Rotors – The Perfect Balance
True 2-Piece Construction
Unlike Aston Martin’s quasi two-piece rotors, Triton’s floating steel rotors are designed as a true two-piece system. The friction ring (steel) is connected to a lightweight aluminum hat using floating hardware. This allows the rotor to expand and contract under heat without warping, reducing stress on both the rotor and caliper.

Performance Benefits
Better Heat Management – Floating design dissipates heat more effectively, reducing fade.
Replaceable Rotor Rings – Only the friction rings need replacing during service, lowering long-term costs.
Lightweight Advantage – Reduces unsprung mass, improving steering feel and suspension response.
Durability – With proper pad pairing, steel rotors provide long service life, even under spirited use.
For Vantage owners who want a cost-effective performance upgrade, floating steel rotors deliver reliability, cooling efficiency, and serviceability.
Steel-to-Carbon Ceramic Conversion Kits – Hypercar Technology for the V8 Vantage
For drivers who want the ultimate in performance and longevity, Triton offers a direct bolt-on carbon ceramic brake conversion kit.
Why Carbon Ceramic?
Carbon ceramic brakes are engineered using high-grade carbon fibers reinforced with silicon carbide. Triton’s Gen 3 carbon ceramic rotors push the technology further, delivering:
Upto 70% weight reduction vs iron rotors – Dramatically lowering unsprung mass.
Zero Rust – Unlike iron discs, carbon ceramics are impervious to corrosion.
Fade-Free Performance – Handles extreme heat (up to 1,000°C) without loss of performance.
Ultra-Long Life – Often lasting the lifetime of the vehicle under normal road use.
Aston Martin V8 Vantage Steel to Carbon Ceramic Conversion Brake Rotor
Direct Bolt-On Fitment
Triton’s conversion kits are designed to be a plug-and-play replacement for factory steel rotors. No modifications, no fabrication, just a direct swap that immediately elevates braking to hypercar levels.
Included in the Kit
Front and rear carbon ceramic discs
Performance-matched pads
Floating hardware and aluminum hats (where applicable)
The result is braking performance that feels sharper, lighter, and more consistent in every driving environment.
Performance Brake Pads for the Aston Martin V8 Vantage
Brakes are only as good as the pads they use. Triton offers multiple pad compounds tailored to Vantage owners:
Semi-Metallic Pads – Aggressive bite, excellent for spirited street driving and occasional track use.
Low-Dust Ceramic Pads – Ideal for daily driving, quieter operation, less dust, yet still performance-focused.
Carbon Ceramic Pads – Specifically formulated for carbon ceramic rotors, ensuring longevity and optimal friction balance.
All pad sets use thermal barrier backplates, reducing heat transfer to calipers and prolonging fluid and seal life.
Floating Steel vs Carbon Ceramic – Which is Right for You?
Feature | Floating Steel Rotors | Carbon Ceramic Conversion Kit |
Weight | Lighter than OEM steel | ~70% lighter than iron |
Heat Management | Excellent | Exceptional (no fade) |
Longevity | Replaceable rings | Can outlast the car |
Street Use | Ideal for daily + spirited driving | Smooth, dust-free, luxury feel |
Track Use | Great for spirited & occasional track | Unmatched performance |
Cost | More affordable, serviceable | Higher upfront, long-term savings |
Recommendation:
For spirited weekend drivers → Floating steel rotors + semi-metallic pads.
For owners seeking hypercar braking → Carbon ceramic conversion kit.
Technical Validation – Why Triton Brakes Lead
Every Aston Martin V8 Vantage brake upgrade by Triton undergoes:
Finite Element Analysis (FEA) – Identifying stress points to ensure reliability.
Track Testing – Validation under endurance conditions.
Street Testing – Smooth, quiet, vibration-free performance.
This ensures motorsport-level precision while maintaining everyday drivability.
Cost of Ownership – OEM vs Triton
OEM Steel Rotors – Expensive and prone to wear.
OEM Carbon Ceramics – $20,000+ replacement cost.
Triton Floating Steel Rotors – Affordable, replaceable rings reduce long-term cost.
Triton Carbon Ceramics – Higher initial cost, but potentially lifetime rotors.
Platforms & Applications
Triton’s Aston Martin V8 Vantage brake upgrades cover:
2019+ Aston Martin V8 Vantage (AM6)
Earlier V8 Vantage models (2005–2017) with steel rotors
Tailored kits for track-focused builds
Conclusion – The Triton Motorsports Advantage
The Aston Martin V8 Vantage is one of the most rewarding performance GTs ever made. But for drivers who push their cars as intended, brake upgrades are not optional — they’re essential.
Triton Motorsports’ floating steel rotors deliver reliability, serviceability, and improved cooling. For those who demand nothing but the best, our Gen 3 carbon ceramic conversion kits bring hypercar-level stopping power to the V8 Vantage.
Whichever path you choose, Triton ensures every stop is as exhilarating and confidence-inspiring as every acceleration.
Upgrade your V8 Vantage today — engineered precision without compromise.
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