Schaeffler debuts wet multi-disc brake in DTM taxi at Nürburgring, aiming for emission-free EV braking
Schaeffler is testing a wet-running multi-disc brake in its DTM innovation taxi at the Nürburgring, a step toward emission-free, quiet, and maintenance-free braking for future electric vehicles.
- 2026
- 2023
What Happened
Schaeffler's DTM innovation taxi, an Audi R8 LMS GT2, has been a fixture at DTM race weekends since 2023. At the Nürburgring race weekend from August 14 to 16, the taxi will for the first time be fitted with an innovative wet-running multi-disc brake. The brake is a preliminary study for series production, designed to be emission-free regarding brake dust, quiet, and maintenance-free. Testing focuses on functionality and lifespan under extreme conditions, including torque and friction coefficient stability.
- Emission-free operation regarding brake dust
- Low-noise operation
- Designed for maintenance-free operation
- No corrosion from external moisture
- Stable friction values and constant performance
“The DTM is an ideal environment for us to test new technologies under real extreme conditions. With the multi-disc brake, we are showing a solution that is being used for the first time in this form in motorsport and at the same time provides important impulses for series development.”
A key challenge is dissipating the high heat output of the encapsulated rear brake. Schaeffler developed a specific thermal management system with hydraulic pressure and suction pumps and several heat exchangers. Andreas Wassmer, head of concept vehicle development, explains that the system in the taxi is a special motorsport solution requiring very high cooling capacities per brake. The data and experience gained will form the basis for an efficient oiling strategy for future e-axles with integrated brake systems.
The development goal is a highly integrated system unit for electric axles that combines brake, actuator, and oil/cooling circuit. Long-term, this could help replace classic steel or drum brakes in suitable applications. A first concept vehicle with the integrated multi-disc brake was shown to selected customers at the Schaeffler Automotive Symposium in Bühl last June. At the Nürburgring DTM race, the prototype is now being presented to the general public.
Innovation taxi is a fixture at DTM race weekends
Concept vehicle with integrated multi-disc brake presented to selected customers at Schaeffler Automotive Symposium in Bühl
First public debut with wet-running multi-disc brake at Nürburgring DTM race weekend
The wet multi-disc brake is seen as having great potential for future electric vehicle generations. In battery-electric vehicles, most braking is done by the recuperating electric motor, but critical braking points will still need a mechanical brake system. The multi-disc brake meets these requirements and offers advantages such as Euro-7 emission compliance, reduced unsprung masses for higher ride comfort, and additional design freedom. It is also well suited for brake-by-wire systems and autonomous vehicle concepts.
Why this matters
This brake could help electric vehicles meet the Euro-7 emission standard, reduce unsprung weight for better ride comfort, and enable brake-by-wire in autonomous cars. It also shows how motorsport serves as a development platform for sustainable mobility, potentially affecting future EV buyers and automakers.
Terms in This Story
- Wet-running brake
- A brake that operates in an oil bath or sealed fluid environment, protecting it from moisture and corrosion.
- Brake-by-wire
- A braking system that transmits the driver's braking command electronically instead of hydraulically or mechanically.
- E-axle
- An electric drive unit that combines motor, transmission, and often power electronics into a single axle for electric vehicles.
Summarised from the linked release; details can be imperfect — always verify against the original source.