🏁 Ferodo Racing Brake Pad Compound Guide for Lotus Radi-CAL Calipers

Find the Right Ferodo Pad for Your Driving Style

Choosing the right brake pad compound is about more than just numbers—it's about how the pad feels when you're pushing your Lotus to the limit. At the edge of grip, subjective factors like pedal modulation, initial bite, and heat tolerance matter more than torque specs or friction curves. These factors become even more pronounced on lightweight, mid-engine platforms like the Elise and Exige or the more powerful Evora and Emira.

We carry the four most relevant Ferodo Racing compounds for Lotus applications: DS2500, DS1.11, and DS3.12. Each of these can be used on both the street and the track to varying degrees—but your driving goals, car setup, and experience level will help determine the best fit.

DS2500 is perfect for street use and occasional novice track days.
DS1.11, and DS3.12 are more track-focused and well-suited to intermediate or advanced drivers.
Your preferred pedal feel, braking style, and vehicle setup (ABS, brake booster, tire grip) will influence the ideal choice.

🔍 Ferodo Brake Pad Comparison Table

Compound	Best For	Heat Range	Pedal Feel & Modulation	Street Use	Track Use
DS2500 (H)	Street & occasional track (Stock Lotus Compound)	Up to ~500°C (932°F)	Smooth, predictable, moderate bite	✅ Excellent	⚠️ Light use only
DS1.11 (W)	Frequent track days	Up to ~700°C (1292°F)	Progressive, stable under pressure	⚠️ Noisy on street	✅ Reliable
DS3.12 (G)	Aggressive track & racing	Up to ~800°C+ (1472°F)	Strong bite, flat torque curve	❌ Not street-friendly	✅ Top-tier for heavy use

🔧 Compound Breakdown

DS2500 (H Compound) – Street + Beginner Track

DS2500 is our top pick for Lotus owners who daily drive their Elise, Exige, Evora, or Emira but want a pad that can handle the occasional track day. This is the stock Lotus compound. With excellent road manners and quiet operation, this compound offers great modulation and a progressive feel that suits the lightweight and responsive nature of Lotus cars.

Ideal for canyon carving, autocross, and HPDEs
Great for new track drivers or lightly modified cars
Rotor-friendly with low dust output

Limitations: Will fade in extended or high-speed track sessions, especially on heavier platforms like the Evora or Emira.

DS1.11 (W Compound) – Track Focused, Street Tolerable

DS1.11 is a true endurance compound that works well on all four Lotus platforms. It heats up quickly and delivers very consistent torque and pedal feel lap after lap, making it a great match for high-performance Elise/Exige builds or heavier cars like the Evora and Emira running repeated track days.

Great for intermediate+ drivers or those who prefer a progressive pedal
Can be street-driven short distances, but expect squeal and dust
Excellent fade resistance in warm climates or longer sessions

Tip: Works well with street-legal R-compound tires and is kind to rotors over time.

DS3.12 (G Compound) – Serious Track + Endurance

If you're running slicks or consistently pushing your Lotus deep into braking zones, DS3.12 is your pad. With a flat torque curve and strong bite from the first stop, it's ideal for advanced drivers and racing situations. Evora and Emira drivers in particular will appreciate the torque consistency in heavier, faster cars.

Strong initial response with minimal pedal effort
Designed for high-heat, high-load environments
Confidence-inspiring modulation even under stress

Note: Too aggressive for street use and will wear rotors more quickly. Pure track use only.

Still not sure which Ferodo pad suits your Lotus best? Contact us—we’re happy to help guide you based on your setup, goals, and experience.

Radi-CAL Ferodo Brake Pads

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