On supercars and high-end performance vehicles, you may see carbon-ceramic brakes advertised as a premium feature. They are a different technology than the cast-iron rotors on most cars. Here is what carbon-ceramic brakes are.
What they are made of
Carbon-ceramic rotors are made from carbon fiber reinforced with silicon carbide ceramic, rather than cast iron - see what rotors are made of. This makes them dramatically lighter and able to withstand extreme temperatures without warping.
The performance advantages
They resist brake fade far better than iron under repeated hard stops - see brake fade - and shed heat well; see why brakes get hot. Being lighter also reduces unsprung weight, improving handling. On the track, they are a real advantage.
The downsides
Carbon-ceramic brakes are extremely expensive to buy and replace, can be noisy and less effective when cold, and are overkill for normal street driving. For most drivers the cost far outweighs the benefit.
Do you need them?
For street and even spirited driving, quality cast-iron rotors - drilled or slotted - with good pads handle the job at a fraction of the cost; see slotted rotors. Fit quality pads and hardware.