(Oct. 31, 2007) NAPA Brakes introduced its new Adaptive One hybrid ceramic disc brake pads during the AAPEX show on Tuesday. The pads are designed to combine the benefits of semi-metallic pads, which provide the best stopping power, and ceramic pads, which offer low noise and dusting.

"Unlike traditional brake pads with matching friction that typically involve tradeoffs when it comes to stopping power, low noise and dusting, NAPA Brakes' new Adaptive One brake pads have its own specially engineered friction material," says Dave Gonzales, vice president of product development for NAPA Brakes. "This unique formulation provides long-lasting, dust free, quiet performance that's seemingly tailored to each driver's style with coverage focused on passenger cars and light trucks and SUVs."

Adaptive One combines the best features of semi-metallic and ceramic friction and combines them into one ser of disc brake pads through the use of dual hybrid ceramic foundations, he said.

"Adaptive One's inboard pad is specially formulated for optimal stopping performance, while its outboard pad is specially formulated to reduce noise and dusting," Gonzales says. "These characteristics give Adaptive One the best attributes of stopping power, noise abatement and low dusting, without sacrificing performance."

Each Adaptive One disc brake pad is designed to react differently during he stop by supplying the appropriate levels of stopping performance.

"So whether the pads are hot or cold, or the driver is aggressive or conservative behind the wheel, Adaptive One provides consistent pedal feel with the best possible combination of stopping power, noise abatement and low dusting qualities."

The NRS Noise Abatement System from NUCAP Industries helps provide Adaptive One with a quiet braking experience, according to Gonzales.

"This patented technology projects teeth (or hooks) from the disc plate into the friction material, locking the two components together and eliminating any chance of edge lift and pad shear between the disc plate and friction — a key design element in providing safe and quiet braking performance."

Adaptive One brakes will be offered inn 197 part numbers in the first phase and an additional 100 part numbers by February 2008. "We expect to have 90 percent line coverage by 2008," Gonzales says.

The brakes are designed primarily for cars made since 1997. They cost about 6 percent more than the existing line, he said. More than 100 test vehicles have been installed with the new brakes and those vehicles have driven hundreds of thousands of miles without any noise complaints, he added. They come with a lifetime warranty on materials and workmanship, and are available exclusively at NAPA stores.