Brembo Builds Its Strongest Brake Caliper Yet as U.S. Trucks Keep Getting Heavier

Italian brake maker Brembo has introduced its most powerful caliper ever, called the Boldika, in response to the growing weight of American trucks and large SUVs. With federal greenhouse gas standards for light-, medium-, and heavy-duty vehicles now eliminated, automakers continue to produce bigger and heavier pickups, including electric models that can tip the scales at around 9,000 pounds.

The Boldika is Brembo's first caliper designed for the heavy-duty pickup and large SUV segment. It debuts on the Chevrolet Silverado EV RST Stars and Steel Edition. The six-piston caliper generates nearly 6,300 lb-ft of braking torque and uses a three-piece construction: a cast-iron central bridge, two aluminum outer halves, and four bolts instead of the usual two.

It maximizes brake pad surface area for better performance and longer pad life, and it fits vehicles with 20-inch wheels or larger. Each caliper weighs about 31 pounds, roughly twice that of Brembo's standard six-piston units.

Brembo North America CEO Stéphane Rolland said the caliper is an adaptable solution for large trucks and SUVs regardless of powertrain, bringing Brembo braking performance to new segments. The Boldika will launch in Torch Red with Chevrolet and Brembo co-branding on the roughly 9,000-pound Silverado EV RST, and it will later be offered in other colors and on other heavy vehicles.