Ferodo FCP1281G DS3.12 Brake Pads

DS3.12

Released in 2019, the DS3.12 is the latest evolution in Ferodo's incredible DS line. Sports cars today have more of everything: more horsepower, more sophisticated aero, higher curb weights, and stickier tires. These attributes place serious demands on a vehicle's brake system. The Ferodo DS3.12 is the modern pad compound designed from the start to explicitly to handle those demands. Out of all the pad compounds we've ever tested, from all manufacturers, the DS3.12 shows the flattest torque curve across the broadest temperature range. That means that on every turn, on every track you drive, on every lap, your brake pedal is going to feel almost exactly the same, providing tremendous consistency and repeatability. The DS3.12 has a higher mu than Ferodo's other compounds, so not as much leg pressure is required to initiate the desired response. It is also unfadable, showing no drop in performance at any temp your brakes will ever see. In dyno testing, the DS3.12 has shown superior wear rates to the other Ferodo compounds, while remaining kind to the discs. We believe the DS3.12 will become the gold standard to which other race compounds will be compared.

DS1.11

The DS1.11 has a lower mu than the DS3.12 at all temperatures and can be characterized as a moderate mu pad vs. other endurance racing compounds. They require more pedal force than the DS3.12, and they have a slightly declining torque curve as temperatures rise. As they get hotter and you dive deeper into a turn, you may feel like you need to push a little harder on the brake pedal to elicit the same response (which is a feel many drivers actually prefer). Some drivers feel that the DS1.11 is more controllable on street tires than DS3.12 since ABS cannot be activated as easily. It will last a fairly long time vs. many other pad compounds on the market but does not last quite as long as the DS3.12. They are very gentle on discs at track temperatures when a proper pad transfer layer is maintained. The DS1.11 also has an outstanding max temp and fade resistance, just not quite as high as 3.12. We're not aware of anyone who has faded them, and most people differentiate between the DS1.11 and DS3.12 based on feel.

DS2500

Although we always recommend using a dedicated race pad for the track, the DS2500 is one of the best hybrid street/track pads on the market. It features the moderately high bite and solid fade resistance of a track pad, with the relatively low dust and noise levels of a street pad. When used as a street pad, it can produce some squeal on certain vehicle platforms. If you drive aggressively on the street, do some canyon runs, autocross, and maybe some light track duty on street tires, the DS2500 is tough to beat.

When used on track by 3,000+ lbs. cars with high horsepower and R Compound tires, DS2500 pad wear rates tend to be considerably higher vs. Ferodo Racing's other compounds. If you're looking for extended wear rates under those conditions, Essex would recommend the Ferodo DS1.11 or DS3.12.

DS3000

The predecessor to DS1.11, DS3000 offers high initial bite with excellent feel and release. Popular among rally teams, DS3000 has a relatively low cold temperature threshold while still offering high temp stability for tarmac. DS3000 is very easy on discs at the expense of pad wear.