Editing Brake discs (section)

====MMC====
When originally conceived and released, the Elise was supplied with Metal Matrix Composite (MMC) brake discs in combination with specific MMC brake pads.  In general it is agreed that an MMC brake setup provides excellent brake performance and feel.  The only real complaint seems to be that in wet weather the initial bite and performance is poor until the discs are dried by application.  (From VIN 2260 a splash guard was introduced to reduce this problem - Source [http://www.elises.co.uk elises.co.uk])

MMC's differ from normal 'iron' discs in that the friction generated is mostly Adherent Friction rather than abrasive friction (a very good article on the nature of braking can be found [http://www.stoptech.com/tech_info/wp_warped_brakedisk.shtml here]).  Essentially when the disc and pad come in contact some of the pad material transfers onto the disc surface, meaning the contact patches between the two are effectively the same material.  As the disc rotates the bonds between the surfaces break and reform creating friction.

One of the benefits of Adherent Friction is that under normal use the discs last a very very long time.  When braking the pads transfer their material to the surface of the disc, and it is this layer that is broken down, not the disc suface.  Therefore the discs suffer very little wear.  Under very heavy use however, the bonds between the pad and disc cannot reform as fast as they are broken down, meaning areas of the disc can lose the material layer entirely.  When this happens the abrasive friction of the pad can score away the disc surface making it too rough to rebuild the original material layer.  If this happens braking performance from the disc is permanently damaged and the disc must be replaced.  For this reason car used on track or running semi-slick tyres may wish to use traditional setups.

MMC discs were also extremely light, reducing the unsprung weight of each wheel.

MMC brake systems were supplied up until VIN 3714, when increased part costs forced Lotus to introduce standard iron brake discs.  Recently Lotus have had trouble sourcing replacement pads, and have offered discounted conversions to iron discs for affected customers.  Third party replacement pads are available from [http://www.eliseparts.com Elise Parts] and [http://www.elise-shop.com Elise Shop].  These alternative pads are also said to improve wet weather performance.  MMC discs are no longer available.