A friction system, including a plurality of friction elements which interact by way of contact surfaces for clutches of gearboxes or wheel brakes of motor vehicles. At least one friction element from the plurality of friction elements includes wholly or in part a composite material with high wear resistance and high heat resistance. The at least one friction element includes a carbonized plastics matrix mixed with frictionally active substances and strengthening fibers and a high-temperature-resistant friction matrix with stable friction properties and high wear resistance.
