Superbrakes for Civilians? The Cost Is the Obstacle.

FOR more than 30 years, Formula One racecars have benefited from powerful brakes that vastly outperform the systems available on any showroom model. The gap may be narrowing, though: high-tech materials similar to those on the racetrack began showing up in exotic sports cars about 10 years ago, and some luxury models now offer them as well. How about the rest of us? Even underpowered grocery-getters would gain safety and weight advantages with advanced brakes -- but they probably won't get them anytime soon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]