Does Acura TL Type S have Brembo brakes?

Yes. The Acura TL Type-S uses Brembo brakes on the front axle with four-piston calipers, while the rear brakes are non-Brembo in standard US-spec cars. This performance brake package was part of the Type-S lineup from 2004 through 2008.

Brake system overview

The Type-S adds high-performance brakes to the base TL. The signature feature is the Brembo front brakes, designed to deliver stronger initial bite and better fade resistance during spirited driving, paired with upgraded rear hardware and modern ABS/traction control electronics to improve stopping power and stability.

The following points summarize the braking hardware for the TL Type-S across its production years:

• Front brakes: Brembo four-piston monoblock calipers paired with larger, ventilated discs for improved braking power and heat management.


• Rear brakes: Acura-sourced two-piston calipers on upgraded rotors; not Brembo in typical configurations.


• Brake electronics: Anti-lock braking system (ABS) with Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) to help maintain control under heavy braking.

These features remained a defining element of the Type-S package through its final year, reinforcing the car’s performance-oriented character compared with the base TL.

Year-by-year braking specifics

2004–2006 TL Type-S

Early Type-S cars featured the Brembo front brake package as standard, with upgraded rear components compared to the base TL and the same basic brake electronics to support performance driving.

The following summarizes the hardware for these years:

• Front brakes: Brembo four-piston calipers with larger discs for improved fade resistance.


• Rear brakes: Non-Brembo calipers as part of the Type-S upgrade, paired with enhanced rear rotors where applicable.


• Brake electronics: ABS with VSA; standard for the period to assist during aggressive braking.

In short, early Type-S models established the Brembo front brake configuration that defined the model’s stopping power through the mid-2000s.

2007–2008 TL Type-S

Later Type-S models continued to use the Brembo front brake setup with refinements to pad/rotor materials and calibration, while rear brakes remained non-Brembo but optimized for the overall braking balance of the car.

• Front brakes: Brembo four-piston calipers; rotor design updated for reduced weight and improved bite.


• Rear brakes: Non-Brembo two-piston calipers with upgraded rotors in some production runs.


• Brake electronics: ABS and VSA maintained to support dynamic handling with the upgraded brakes.

Across these years, the essential Brembo front brake feature remained a core part of the Type-S identity, distinguishing it from the standard TL.

What owners should know

If you’re buying a used TL Type-S, verify the front Brembo calipers are present and in good condition, and inspect for rotor wear and caliper sticking, which can affect braking performance. Replacement pads for Brembo-equipped fronts tend to be higher-cost but readily available from aftermarket suppliers and OEM sources.

Regular maintenance of brake fluid, pads, and rotors is essential to preserve the performance characteristics that came with the Type-S package.

Summary

The Acura TL Type-S does feature Brembo front brakes as standard, with four-piston calipers, across its 2004–2008 run. Rear brakes are upgraded relative to the base TL but are not Brembo-caliper equipped in typical US-spec cars. This configuration contributed to the Type-S’ reputation for stronger braking performance within the TL lineup.

How do I know if I have Brembo brakes?

You can tell if you have Brembo brakes by visually inspecting the calipers for the Brembo logo, larger size, and multi-piston design (often 4 or 6 pistons). Alternatively, you can check your car's documentation, such as the VIN or build sheet, which may list them as an optional or standard feature on certain models and trims. For aftermarket parts, check for the Brembo logo stamped on the caliper or look for specific features like slotted or cross-drilled rotors, and verify the authenticity of replacement parts using the Brembo Check app by scanning the QR code on the box or product. 
On your car's brakes

• Look for the Brembo logo: The word "Brembo" is often visible on the side of the brake caliper. 
• Inspect the caliper size and design: Brembo calipers are typically larger and more angular than standard ones. 
• Check the number of pistons: Many Brembo systems have 4 or 6 pistons per caliper, whereas standard systems usually have only two or four. 
• Examine the rotors: Brembo upgrade brakes may feature slotted or cross-drilled rotors. 

This video explains how to recognize Brembo brakes on a car: 38sFTspeedYouTube · Oct 15, 2017
Through your car's paperwork

• Check the build sheet or window sticker: Look for "Brembo" or a performance/sport package, which often includes the brakes. 
• Decode the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN): You can use an online VIN decoder or contact a dealership to see the factory-installed equipment. 
• Consult the owner's manual: The manual may have a section listing the specifications of the braking system. 

For aftermarket parts

• Use the Brembo Check app: For aftermarket pads or discs, download the official Brembo app. You can scan the QR code on the product's packaging or label to verify its authenticity. 
• Inspect the packaging: Original Brembo boxes are typically red and may feature employee faces. 
• Look for a hologram: There should be a holographic sticker on the product label or packaging, which cannot be faked. 
• Check for a "stamped" logo: On the physical caliper, there may be a stamp of the Brembo logo. 

What Acura has Brembo brakes?

Type S and all base model 6spd come with brembo brakes. Just tell the counter guy the car is a Type S or manual trans car and you should get the right parts.

What cars came with Brembo brakes?

Many performance-oriented cars from various manufacturers come with Brembo brakes, either as standard equipment or as an option. Notable examples include high-performance models from Audi, BMW, Chevrolet, Ferrari, Jaguar, Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, and Subaru. Brembo also supplies parts for a wider range of models, including performance SUVs and trucks from brands like Cadillac, Dodge, and Ford.
 
Examples of cars with Brembo brakes

• Chevrolet: The Corvette comes standard with Brembo brakes, and the Z06 model uses more powerful six-piston calipers. Options are also available for SUVs like the Suburban. 
• Ford: Performance models such as the Mustang Dark Horse feature Brembo brakes. Brembo also offers performance brake discs for other Ford models. 
• Ferrari: Many Ferrari models are equipped with Brembo braking systems, including the 488 GTB and the 296 GTB Assetto Fiorano, which uses carbon-ceramic discs. 
• Porsche: Brembo brakes are found on various Porsche models, such as the 718 Boxster and Cayman, and are also standard on many of the brand's high-performance cars. 
• Audi: The RS7 uses 8-piston Brembo calipers and ceramic brake rotors. 
• Other manufacturers: You can also find Brembo brakes on models from Aston Martin, Cadillac, Dodge, Infiniti, Jaguar, Lamborghini, Land Rover, Maserati, Mercedes-Benz, Mini, and Subaru. 

Why manufacturers use Brembo brakes

• Superior performance: Brembo brakes are known for providing excellent stopping power and comfort for both track and street use. 
• Racing heritage: Their strong association with motorsports, including supplying every Formula 1 team in 2024, speaks to their high-performance capabilities. 
• Customization: Brembo offers a variety of brake systems, from standard performance to advanced options like carbon-ceramic discs, allowing manufacturers to tailor braking systems to specific vehicles. 

What makes the Acura TL type S special?

It made 286 horsepower at 6200 RPM. And 256 pound- feet of torque at 5,000. It wasn't turbocharged. It wasn't over complicated just a classic Honda engine that loved to rev. And sounded amazing doing.