Hawk Brake Pads for the Mazda MX-5 – From Street to Track
Anyone who wants to drive their Mazda MX-5 more dynamically will quickly
face the question of the right brake pad. Hawk Performance offers a wide
portfolio ranging from everyday street pads to uncompromising racing compounds.
All pads presented here are suitable both for the stock brake systems of all
MX-5 generations (with or without ABS) as well as for Big Brake Kits
such as the 280, 282, and 309 mm StopTech
systems.
Street & Sport
For sporty street use, Hawk offers several compounds that deliver more
brake torque, better modulation, and higher fade resistance than OEM pads –
without sacrificing everyday drivability.
- PC (Performance Ceramic) The PC pad
is the most comfort-oriented solution in the Hawk program. It provides
clean braking behavior, very low dust, and quiet operation. Ideal for
drivers who value everyday usability and clean wheels, but still want a
performance upgrade.
- HPS (High Performance Street) The classic
among Hawk’s street pads. With up to 40% more stopping power than OEM,
reduced fade, and improved pedal feel, the HPS is the first choice for
sporty daily drivers.
- HPS 5.0 The evolution of the HPS,
designed especially for modern vehicles with ABS. The ferro-carbon
compound ensures shorter stopping distances, an even more direct pedal
feel, and high load capacity – perfect for sporty street drivers who
occasionally attend track days.
- HP+ (High Performance Plus) The
transition from street to track pad. With noticeably higher brake torque
and a wider temperature window, the HP+ is ideal for beginners who want to
gain their first track experience while still retaining a minimum of
street usability.
Track Use
For uncompromising use on circuits, slalom, or endurance racing, Hawk
offers a range of compounds designed for maximum thermal stability, consistent
friction, and precise modulation.
- HT-10 A proven racing pad with
high friction and aggressive initial bite. Ideal for sprint races and
ambitious track day drivers who want very direct response.
- ER-1 (Endurance Racing) Developed
for endurance racing, the ER-1 delivers exceptionally consistent friction
over many hours. It combines high friction with low rotor wear and is also
suitable for track days and time attack.
- Blue 9012 The entry-level endurance
pad. Easy to bed in, durable, and with medium brake torque. Particularly
popular in road racing, rally, and club-level motorsport.
- Black A versatile all-round racing
pad with a wide temperature window. It offers solid brake torque and good
durability – a robust choice for track days or budget-oriented racing
series.
The DTC Series – Maximum Control for Racing
The Dynamic Torque Control (DTC) pads form the spearhead of the Hawk
program. They are designed specifically for demanding track use and offer
finely graduated friction levels to perfectly tune braking behavior to the
vehicle, track, and driving style.
- DTC-30: Controllable brake torque
with gentle initial bite, ideal for slalom, track days, and as a rear pad
in split-friction setups.
- DTC-50: Aggressive bite and very
high brake torque, perfect for time attack and endurance racing.
Positioned between DTC-30 and DTC-60.
- DTC-60: High thermal stability and
precise modulation. Popular as a rear pad in combination with DTC-70 on
the front axle.
- DTC-70: Extremely high friction and
aggressive initial bite – the choice for heavy vehicles or maximum
deceleration on the front axle.
- DTC-80: The most uncompromising pad
in the Hawk program. Developed for the highest loads in professional
motorsport, with brutal brake torque and maximum fade resistance.
Overview – Combination Options
|
Model
|
Application Area
|
Operating Temp.
|
Optimal Range
|
Typical Combinations
|
|
PC
|
Daily use, comfort, low dust, quiet
|
37–340 °C
|
37–230 °C
|
Not recommended for mixed setups
|
|
HPS
|
Daily use, sporty, OEM upgrade
|
37–400 °C
|
37–260 °C
|
Not recommended for mixed setups
|
|
HPS 5.0
|
Sporty street, ABS-compatible
|
37–400 °C
|
37–290 °C
|
Not recommended for mixed setups
|
|
HP+
|
Track day entry, autocross, Solo II
|
37–430 °C
|
150–315 °C
|
Not recommended for mixed setups
|
|
HT-10
|
Sprint racing, track days, aggressive driving
|
149–815 °C
|
315–705 °C
|
DTC-30 rear on light cars possible
|
|
ER-1
|
Endurance, track days, time attack
|
200–870 °C
|
370–590 °C
|
DTC-30 or Blue 9012 rear on lighter cars
|
|
Blue 9012
|
Entry endurance, rally, road racing
|
120–540 °C
|
175–430 °C
|
DTC-30 rear or as all-round setup
|
|
Black
|
Dirt track, cost-efficient racing
|
100–900 °C
|
200–700 °C
|
No combinations recommended
|
|
DTC-30
|
Time attack, racing (controllable torque)
|
37–650 °C
|
37–425 °C
|
DTC-60 or DTC-70 front
|
|
DTC-60
|
Time attack, track day, racing
|
205–870 °C
|
370–595 °C
|
DTC-30 rear / DTC-70 front
|
|
DTC-70
|
Time attack, racing (high torque)
|
205–870 °C
|
370–595 °C
|
DTC-60 or DTC-30 rear
|
|
DTC-80
|
Racing (extreme torque, heavy cars)
|
232–982 °C
|
426–760 °C
|
DTC-70 or DTC-60 rear
|
Conclusion
Whether you need a comfortable street pad, a track day
all-rounder, or a pure racing compound – Hawk offers the right brake
pad for every requirement. For the MX-5, whether with stock brakes or a
StopTech Big Brake Kit, braking performance can be perfectly tailored to your
driving style.
