Project μ (pronounced "Project Mu") is one of Japan's most distinctive "technical-driven" braking specialists. Recognised instantly by its signature Mint Green finish and rich motorsport heritage, the brand has established a stellar reputation in the tuning scene for "precise pedal modulation" over outright "brute-force bite".
Founded in Tokyo in 1989 by Haruhisa Urabe, Project μ does not merely chase maximum clamping power, but instead prioritises linear pedal feedback and pinpoint braking control. The brand officially defines this philosophy as "linear braking proportional to pedal pressure"—a distinct contrast to setups engineered purely for an aggressive, grabby "brick-wall" bite.
Its engineering credentials are forged entirely on the racetrack. Project μ is actively involved in top-tier categories including Super GT, Super Taikyu (Super Endurance Series), WRC, and Formula Drift . Notably, its brake pads powered the Toyota Supra HV-R to an outright victory in the Tokachi 24 Hours without requiring a single pad change throughout the entire race, and demonstrated the same endurance at the 2007 Bathurst 12 Hour. In D1 Grand Prix drift competition, Project μ even developed dedicated "side-b" dual-input rear calipers to cater to the unique rear-brake demands of drift machinery.
Project μ's product catalogue is clearly categorised by operating demands, featuring a well-defined naming structure:
Street and Sport Series (Street/Sport)
TYPE NS: The benchmark entry-level street pad. Formulated from NAO (Non-Asbestos Organic) compound with an operating temperature of 0–400℃ and a friction coefficient of 0.37–0.40μ. Key highlights include low brake dust, quiet operation, and minimal disc wear, making it ideal for daily driving.
TYPE PS: Street-sport oriented. Also utilising an advanced NAO compound, it raises the operating temperature range to 0–500℃ with a friction coefficient of 0.38–0.45μ. Designed for spirited road driving in performance cars, though officially not recommended for track use.
M SPEC: Previously positioned as a "balanced choice offering sports performance with low dust and low noise", this model has been officially discontinued as of September 2026, available only while stocks last.
Circuit and Competition Series (Circuit/Racing)
TYPE HC+: A proven compound for track-day enthusiasts. Utilising a Super Graphite Metallic formulation, it operates between 100–800℃ with a friction coefficient of 0.39–0.48μ. Strictly for track use only, and available for selected vehicle applications.
TYPE HC M1: A hybrid solution bridging street usability and circuit capability. It is engineered to "deliver track-ready stopping performance while retaining street drivability", effectively curbing excessive brake dust without dulling response.
Calipers and Discs
FS6 Forged Caliper: A 6-piston forged aluminium caliper featuring staggered piston sizes of 30/36/38mm, engineered to pair with φ380mm brake discs. Project μ also offers "disc-less kits" compatible with stock OEM discs, lowering the entry barrier for high-performance brake upgrades.
SCR Series Brake Discs: Cast from high-alloy FC iron and subjected to proprietary heat treatment to prevent thermal warping. The flagship SCR-GT and SCR-PRO variants employ high-alloy, high-carbon FC iron matched with lightweight aluminium bells (centre hats) to shave off unsprung weight.
Project μ caliper upgrades feature a rather counter-intuitive trait: the total piston surface area of its big brake kits is often smaller than the OEM factory setup. For instance, in the FS4M+FS2A kit developed for the 86/BRZ, total piston area is less than stock. This is not a design flaw, but a core execution of its "control-first" philosophy: a smaller piston area delivers faster initial brake response and a firmer, more positive pedal feel. While theoretical hydraulic clamping force is slightly reduced, Project μ compensates for this with higher-friction pad compounds. This intentional trade-off highlights the engineering divergence between Project μ and brands that subscribe to the "bigger piston area is always better" mindset.
At the 2026 Tokyo Auto Salon, Project μ showcased a 6-piston bolt-on caliper kit tailored for the Toyota GR Yaris and GR Corolla. Developed on the FS6 architecture, this caliper is finished in factory-matching red for a stealthy, OEM+ aesthetic and mounts directly onto stock factory brake discs. Additionally, a 4-piston forged SS caliper is in development for 1.5L compact models (such as the Roadster and Swift Sport), featuring an ultra-slim profile to clear 16-inch wheels. The showcase also included a rear 2-piece oversized disc kit for the FL5/FK8 Civic Type R, upsizing the rear discs from φ305mm to φ350mm while fully retaining the factory electronic parking brake (EPB) function—a setup already proven under race conditions at the Fuji 24 Hours.
Project μ's signature Mint Green calipers and brake pads have evolved far beyond mere functional hardware into an iconic badge of honour in car culture. This distinctive livery ensures unmistakable presence behind any wheel setup, establishing Project μ’s visual clout in an enduring three-way rivalry alongside Endless's trademark blue and Brembo's performance red.
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