The Lotus Emira and Evora GT share a high-performance braking architecture that requires precision-engineered friction materials to maintain their legendary handling and stopping power. Owners looking to upgrade from original equipment often turn to Hawk Performance for specialized compounds. Identifying the correct part numbers and compound suffixes is essential for ensuring both fitment and performance goals are met.
Contents
- Key Context
- Structured Analysis
- Practical Checklist
- CTA
- FAQ
- Source Notes
- Professional Disclaimer
Key Context
The Lotus Emira and the Evora range (including the 400, 410, 430, and GT models) utilize specialized AP Racing calipers. Because these vehicles are designed for both spirited street driving and rigorous track use, the braking system must handle significant thermal loads.
Hawk Performance provides a standardized fitment for these platforms, but the specific part number changes based on the intended use case. The "base" part numbers remain constant, while the letter suffix dictates the compound’s friction coefficient, temperature range, and dust levels.
Structured Analysis
1. Identifying the Base Part Numbers
For the Lotus Emira and Evora GT, the braking system uses two primary fitments for the front and rear axles. These part numbers are widely recognized in the performance aftermarket for these specific Lotus chassis:
- Front Brake Pads: HB586
- Rear Brake Pads: HB585
Both front and rear pads typically feature a thickness of .660 inches, which is often reflected in the extended part number as ".660".
2. Understanding Hawk Compound Suffixes
A part number like HB586 is incomplete without the compound designation. For the Lotus platform, owners generally choose from three primary categories:
- B (HPS 5.0): High Performance Street. This is the preferred choice for Emira owners who want improved stopping power over OEM pads with lower dust and noise for daily driving.
- N (HP+): Street/Autocross and light Track. This compound offers a higher friction coefficient but may produce more noise and dust than the HPS 5.0. It is suitable for those who drive their Lotus to the track and back.
- U (DTC-70): Professional Track Only. This is a high-torque compound designed for high-temperature circuit use. It is not recommended for street use due to its aggressive wear on rotors and lack of cold-bite performance.
3. Cross-Platform Compatibility
The fitment for the Emira is largely carried over from the late-model Evora architecture. This includes the Evora 400, 410, 430, and the North American Evora GT. If a retailer lists a pad for an Evora GT, it will generally fit the Emira, provided the vehicle is equipped with the standard iron brake package.
4. Application Nuances for the Emira
While the fitment is consistent, the Emira's weight and aerodynamic profile may influence compound selection differently than an older Evora. The Emira's refined interior and "daily supercar" status often lead owners toward the HPS 5.0 (B) suffix to preserve the car's quiet cabin environment while still benefiting from Hawk’s improved bite over stock pads.
5. Published ForzaCCB Price Reference
ForzaCCB publishes direct-fit rotor pricing by diameter band as a neutral market reference:
- Street Spec (<=370 mm): $1,950 per matched pair, $975 per rotor before shipping, and roughly $1,125 per rotor with an approx. $150/rotor DDP allowance.
- GT Spec (380-405 mm): $2,100 per matched pair, $1,050 per rotor before shipping, and roughly $1,200 per rotor with an approx. $150/rotor DDP allowance.
- Track Spec (410-440 mm): $2,350 per matched pair, $1,175 per rotor before shipping, and roughly $1,325 per rotor with an approx. $150/rotor DDP allowance.
In practice, the gap between those published direct-fit references and dealer-style retail pricing often reflects distribution layers, hardware scope, destination, and taxes rather than a simple like-for-like invoice.
Practical Checklist
- Verify Axle Requirements: Confirm if you need front (HB586), rear (HB585), or a full set.
- Select Compound: Choose "B" for street, "N" for mixed use, or "U" for dedicated track environments.
- Check Thickness: Ensure the pads are the .660 depth specification to match the AP Racing caliper depth.
- Inspect Rotors: Before installing new Hawk pads, inspect your rotors for excessive "lip" wear or heat cracking.
- Hardware Check: Verify if your specific Hawk kit includes new wear sensors or if you need to transfer the originals.
Recommended Next Step
Looking to plan the right brake package for performance brake buyers? Browse our carbon ceramic brake catalog to compare vehicle-specific carbon ceramic rotor and upgrade options.
FAQ
Does the Lotus Emira use the same pads as the Evora GT?
Yes, the front and rear pad shapes for the Emira (V6 and I4 variants) are generally shared with the Evora 400, 410, 430, and GT models due to the shared AP Racing caliper design.
What is the best Hawk pad for a daily-driven Emira?
The Hawk HPS 5.0 (suffix "B") is widely considered the best balance for daily driving, offering better thermal capacity than stock with minimal noise.
Can I use HB586U on the street?
It is not recommended. The "U" suffix denotes the DTC-70 compound, which requires significant heat to operate effectively and can be extremely noisy and abrasive on rotors during street driving.
Do these Hawk part numbers apply to carbon ceramic rotors?
No. These specific part numbers and compounds are designed for iron rotors. Carbon ceramic rotors require specific friction materials to avoid damaging the rotor surface.
Explore fitment-focused options here: carbon ceramic brake catalog.
Related reading for owners comparing similar setups: Proper Bedding-In Procedure for Lotus Emira Brake Pads and Rotors.
Source Notes
- Source: https://www.emiraforum.com/threads/the-definitive-hawk-brake-pad-guide-with-low-dust-option.5826/
- Source: https://www.gregsraceparts.com/products/hawk-brake-pads-for-evora-400-410-430-gt-emira
Professional Disclaimer
All third-party trademarks, brand names, and model names are the property of their respective owners. References are for identification only and do not imply affiliation or endorsement.