why does the BRZ's brake feel firmer after a hard stop?
 

long story short, i was on my way to work and this guy in front of me was gonna go for a yellow light but decided not to. I was behind him so i had to step on the brake HARD to avoid a collision. Right after that, the brake feels significantly firmer. Why? Should i be worried about anything?

Edit: i should probably add that, when i say firm, i mean i didn't have to step on the brake as deep as before for it to engage braking force. Feels like new brakes.

probably burped some air into the reservoir by the cycling action of the ABS perhaps?

Maybe it's the Brake Assist feature? It helps to apply brake force beyond what the driver can apply with the right foot.

The hard braking brought back memories of being at the track, and the pedal is now aroused.

"Should i be worried about anything?"

Yes. You should probably not have had to break hard.

After seeing quite a few of your post I've decided you're a tool. Sometimes people do dumb things in front of you or maybe you were going a bit fast or maybe following too close. Does it really matter why he had to stop quickly? The point is he did stop so quit being an ass.

It is the vehicle behind who is responsible for keeping a safe following distance. If the car in front of you slams on the brakes for a squirrel, yellow light, small child, or if their tire blows up or engine seizes you NEED to have the space to come to a safe and controlled stop. It's basic driving etiquette not to mention the law, doing so can save lives.

Nobody is perfect, but a reminder every now and then doesn't hurt.

Most likely it's just the brakes being up to temperature. The first corner on track the brakes feels like glass, but after the first few hard scrubs they are up to temp and bite like I'm used to. Same thing on the street. Most people never tried brakes that are up to temperature (not boiling of course). The bite can be significant compared to cold brakes.

Yea I admit i wasn't keeping enough distance. It was during the morning rush hour i find if i keep enough distance, some other car is going to squeeze into the gap.

So nothing to worry about?

Doesn't seem like it, they'll feel different with temperature changes as well as the brake booster as mentioned.

If it went from "spongy" to rock solid in one stop though there may be some cause for concern, keep paying attention and if it's repeatable or any other signs go to the dealership.

Agreedo. It happens, but ideally it shouldn't.

hmm not sure if it has much to do with it, but check your brake fluids just incase? I'm not a car tech guy but just a suggestion.

This is correct. Sport brake pads get more friction as they heat up. But if they heat up too much, you'll lose friction. It was your brake pads. Nothing to worry about.