With the rising need for a compact and capable braking system, Continental has developed a smaller, lighter and more capable braking system

Continental's new MK100 brake system generation makes it possible to install ABS/ESC in all vehicle categories. Newest development from Continental, MK100's range of functions can be scaled to suit whatever functionality and level of performance is required - from a motorcycle ABS system with or without an integral braking function right up to the demanding high-end ESC designs with their extremely powerful, low-pulsation pump variants. 

The MK100 ESC electronic stability control also benefits, from the basic version upwards, from precise, comfortable and gentle control interventions. The system can also be readily extended in terms of functionality and performance. The range of safety and assistance functions which, depending on what the vehicle manufacturer wants, can be incorporated into the MK100 ESC, extends from Active Rollover Protection (ARP) via Trailer Stability Assist (TSA), Hill Start Assist (HSA) and Full Speed Range ACC (FSA) to complex, autonomous overlay functions for stabilizing the vehicle. 

The MK100 also makes servicing much simpler - the braking system is permanently monitored by the electronics which will automatically detect and configure any components which have been exchanged. There is no further need for time-consuming calibration procedures, thereby adding to the system's robustness, enhancing customer safety and reducing both servicing costs and time spent in the workshop. 

One significant benefit of Continental's MK100 is its tremendous ability towards integration. For example, the number of components and interfaces has been reduced by integrating the sensor cluster (yaw-rate and acceleration sensors) into the MK100's control unit as standard. In addition, various chassis functions, such as the parking brake and active steering, can be actuated from the MK100. Thanks to its modular structure, the MK100 is ideally suited to meeting any future requirements and can be seamlessly integrated into the ContiGuard system. This would see the interlinking of all the active and passive safety systems so as to increase vehicle occupant safety still further by the use of preventive measures. 

Modern braking systems must satisfy drivers' desire for more safety, comfort and assistance functions whilst at the same satisfying industry demands for weight reduction in order to reduce fuel consumption and thus CO2 emissions. The MK100 represents a new era as regards to installation space and weight. Its dimensions have been reduced by some 20% compared with the current generation of braking systems. And Continental's development engineers have been able to slim down the MK100's weight by the same amount. 

The MK100 will gradually replace Continental's current brake system models. Start of series production for the new MK100 platform is planned for the first half of 2011. Precisely because of its modular design, the MK100 also has the potential to meet the demands of the fast-growing markets in eastern Europe and Asia. As an internationally active automotive supplier, Continental will be able to manufacture the MK100 at all its sites throughout the world.