Porsche Brake Caliper Colors

The Meaning Behind Porsche Brake Caliper Colors

If you’re like us and scroll through the Porsche.com website, you have likely come across models that have different Porsche brake caliper colors. At first, we weren’t sure what the difference was between black, red, green, white, or yellow. However, after a bit of research, we have been able to identify the differences between them all and that is what we plan on sharing in this article. Therefore, when you see a Porsche on the street, you can easily identify which trim of Porsche it is! So, let’s get into it.

Something to mention is that Porsche has always placed importance on brake development. They have been pioneers when it comes to high-performance brakes and have even color-coded their brake tier system. The list below explains this system from the “worst” brake package to the best brake package:

  • Black
  • Red
  • Lime Green*
  • White
  • Yellow

The reason we have worst in quotations above is simply that none of the packages are bad, the ones below black are just better from a mechanical standpoint. Also, we will cover why the lime green has an asterisk on it below. For vehicles below, we are just going to be referencing Porsche’s current 2023 lineup. Before jumping into it, we know that many Porsche owners like to match their caliper colors with the interior or exterior color of their Porsche. In those instances, the “color-code” below would not be reliable.

Black – Porsche Brake Caliper Color

When it comes to black brake calipers on a Porsche, this mainly signifies Porsche’s standard brake package, ie on most base, T, and 4 trim Porsche’s. Vehicles that black brake calipers are found on:

  • 718 Cayman
  • 718 Boxster
  • 718 Cayman T
  • 718 Boxster T
  • 911 Carrera
  • 911 Carrera T
  • 911 Carrera 4
  • 911 Targa 4
  • Taycan
  • Panamera
  • Panamera 4
  • Macan
  • Macan T
  • Cayenne
  • Cayenne Coupe

Red – Porsche Brake Caliper Color

When it comes to red brake calipers on a Porsche, this is Porsche’s first upgraded brake package that is typically found on the S, GTS, 4S, and some Turbo trims. This brake upgrade comes equipped with larger rotors and more powerful calipers. Vehicles that red brake calipers are found on:

  • 718 Cayman S
  • 718 Boxster S
  • 718 Cayman GTS 4.0
  • 718 Boxster GTS 4.0
  • 911 Carrera S
  • 911 Targa 4S
  • 911 Carrera GTS
  • 911 Carrera 4 GTS
  • 911 Targa 4 GTS
  • 911 Turbo
  • 911 GT3
  • Taycan 4S
  • Taycan GTS
  • Panamera 4S
  • Panamera GTS
  • Macan S
  • Macan GTS
  • Cayenne GTS

Lime Green

When it comes to lime green, or referred to as Acid Green, brake calipers on a Porsche, this mainly signifies brakes found on Hybrid vehicles. Lime green brakes also indicate a Porsche has regenerative braking, aside from the all-electric Taycan’s. Vehicles that lime green brake calipers are found on:

  • Panamera 4 E-Hybrid
  • Panamera 4S Hybrid
  • Panamera Turbo S Hybrid
  • Cayenne E-Hybrid

White

White brake calipers, also known as Porsche Surface Coated Brakes (PSCB) were a new Porsche offering as of 2019. Although not as flashy as the above colors, white brake calipers still offer superior braking. Something that is unique about the white-coated calipers is that they reduce curbing wear and brake dust. In fact, Porsche claims that the rotors used on this setup are 10% harder, last 30% longer, and produce 90% less brake dust. PSCB’s can be an upgrade for any Porsche model that will run up the cost by $3,000+ depending on the model. Vehicles that white brake calipers are found on:

  • Taycan GTS
  • Taycan Turbo
  • Cayenne S
  • Cayenne Turbo
  • Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid

Yellow

Last, but certainly not least, the yellow brakes, also known as Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB), are the highest-performance brake package Porsche has to offer. They are made with ceramic and carbon fiber, therefore they are much stronger and sustain higher temperatures created by friction. Also, they are 50% lighter than the other packages, which is ideal for racing Porsche’s. Like the PSCB’s, this brake package can be an upgrade coming in at a cost of $8,000+ depending on the model. Vehicles that yellow brake calipers are found on from the factory:

  • 911 Carrera 4S
  • 911 Turbo S
  • 911 GT3 RS
  • Taycan Turbo S
  • Panamera Turbo S
  • Cayenne Turbo GT

Porsche Brake Caliper Color Conclusion

We want to reiterate that the information above is specifically talking about factory Porsche brake caliper colors. It also can be difficult to distinguish between trims given the PSCB and PCCB brake packages can be purchased as an upgrade. We hope the information above helps you differentiate between Porsche trims moving forward. If you are interested in more Porsche content, here is an article covering if Porsche will be releasing a 7 seater Porsche.

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