wheel torque Alfa Romeo 4C 2015 Owner handbook (in English)

.
ESC (Electronic
Stability Control)
SYSTEM
IN BRIEF
The ESC system improves the
directional control and stability of the
vehicle in various driving conditions.
The ESC system corrects the car’s
understeer and oversteer, distributing
the brake force on the appropriate
wheels. The torque supplied by
the engine can also be reduced in
order to maintain control of the car.
26) 27) 28) 29) 30)
The ESC system uses sensors installed
on the car to determine the trajectory
that the driver intends to follow and
compares it with the car’s effective
trajectory. When the real trajectory
deviates from the desired trajectory, the
ESC system intervenes to counter the
car’s understeer or oversteer.
❒Oversteer: occurs when the vehicle is
turning more than it should according
to the angle of the steering wheel.❒Understeer: occurs when the vehicle
is turning less than it should
according to the angle of the steering
wheel
The ESC system also includes the
following systems:
❒ABS
❒EBD
❒CBC
❒DTC
❒ASR
❒HILL HOLDER
❒HBA
❒“ELECTRONIC Q2” (“E-Q2”)
❒"PRE-FILL" (RAB - Ready Alert
Brake)
SYSTEM ACTIVATION
The ESC system activates automatically
when the engine is started and can
only be deactivated by selecting "Race"
mode. For more details, refer to the
"Alfa DNA system" paragraph in this
chapter.
46A0L0145
42
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR

SYSTEM INTERVENTION
This is indicated by the flashing of the
warning light on the instrument
panel, to inform the driver that the car is
in critical stability and grip conditions.
ABS
This system, which is an integral part of
the braking system, prevents one or
more wheels from locking and slipping
in all road surface conditions,
irrespective of the intensity of the
braking action, ensuring that the car
can be controlled even during
emergency braking and optimising
stopping distances.
The system intervenes when braking
and the wheels are about to lock,
typically in emergency braking or
low-grip conditions, when locking may
be more frequent.
The system also improves control and
stability of the car when braking on a
surface where the grip of the left and
right wheels varies, or on corners.
31) 32) 33) 34) 35) 36) 37)
System intervention
A slight pulsing of the brake pedal and
noise indicates the intervention of the
ABS: this is completely normal when
the system intervenes.
EBD SYSTEM
The EBD system is an integral part of
the ABS system and intervenes during
braking, distributing the brake force
optimally between front and rear
wheels.
This guarantees greater braking stability
for the vehicle, preventing sudden
locking of the rear wheels and
the consequent instability of the vehicle.
CBC (Cornering Brake
Control) SYSTEM
The system acts when braking on
corners, optimising the distribution of
brake pressure on the four wheels: the
system prevents the wheels on the
inside of the corner (less affected by the
weight of the car) from locking,
ensuring better stability and direction
for the car.DTC (Drag Torque
Control) SYSTEM
This is an integral part of the ABS
system and intervenes in the case of
sudden downshifting, or during braking
when the ABS intervenes, restoring
torque to the engine and thus
preventing excessive drag at the drive
wheels, which may lead the wheels
to lock and a loss of car stability, above
all in low-grip conditions.
ASR (AntiSlip
Regulation) SYSTEM
29) 30) 38) 39) 40)
This is an integral part of the ESC
system and automatically operates in
the event of one or both drive wheels
slipping, loss of grip on wet roads
(aquaplaning) and acceleration
on slippery, snowy or icy roads, etc.
Depending on the slipping conditions,
two different control systems are
activated:
❒if the slipping involves both drive
wheels, the ASR system intervenes,
reducing the power transmitted by
the engine;
❒if the slipping only involves one of the
drive wheels, it also intervenes
automatically, braking the wheel that
is slipping.
43

System intervention
This is indicated by the flashing of the
warning light on the instrument
panel, to inform the driver that the car is
in critical stability and grip conditions.
HILL HOLDER SYSTEM
This is an integral part of the ESC
system and facilitates starting on
slopes, activating automatically in the
following cases:
❒uphill: car stationary on a road with a
gradient higher than 5%, engine
running, brake pressed and
transmission in neutral or gear other
than reverse engaged;
❒downhill: car stationary on a road
with a gradient higher than 5%,
engine running, brake pressed and
reverse gear engaged.
When setting off, the ESC system
control unit maintains the braking
pressure on the wheels until the engine
torque necessary for starting is
reached, or in any case for a maximum
of 2 seconds, allowing your right foot
to be moved easily from the brake
pedal to the accelerator.When the 2 seconds have elapsed,
without starting, the system is
automatically deactivated, gradually
releasing the braking pressure. During
this release stage, the typical brake
disengagement noise, indicating that
the car is going to move imminently,
can be heard.
IMPORTANT The Hill Holder system is
not a parking brake; therefore, never
leave the vehicle without having
engaged the handbrake, turned the
engine off and engaged first gear,
so that the vehicle is parked in safe
conditions (for further information read
the "Parking" paragraph in the "Starting
and driving" chapter).
IMPORTANT There may be situations
on small gradients (less than 8%),
with vehicle laden, in which the Hill
Holder system may not activate,
causing a slight reversing motion and
increasing the risk of collision with
another vehicle or object. The driver is,
in any case, responsible for safe driving.HBA (Hydraulic Brake
Assistant) SYSTEM41) 42) 43)
The HBA system is designed to
improve the car’s braking capacity
during emergency braking. The system
detects emergency braking by
monitoring the speed and force with
which the brake pedal is pressed, and
consequently applies the optimal brake
pressure. This can reduce the braking
distance, the HBA system therefore
completes the ABS.
Maximum assistance from the HBA
system is obtained pressing the brake
pedal very quickly. In addition, the
brake pedal should be pressed
continuously during braking, avoiding
intermittent presses, to get the most
out of the system.
Do not reduce pressure on the brake
pedal until braking is no longer
necessary.
The HBA system is deactivated when
the brake pedal is released.
44
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR

“ELECTRONIC Q2”
SYSTEM (“E-Q2”)
The "Electronic Q2" system intervenes
during acceleration on corners, braking
the inner drive wheel and thus
increasing the traction of the outer
wheel (which bears more of the car’s
weight): the torque is thus distributed
optimally between the drive wheels
in accordance with the driving
conditions and road surface, permitting
particularly effective, sporty driving.
"PRE-FILL" SYSTEM
(RAB - Ready Alert
Brake)
(only with “Dynamic” or "Race" mode
activated)
This function activates automatically if
the accelerator pedal is released
rapidly, reducing the brake pad travel
(both at front and back), with the aim of
preparing the braking system and
enhancing its responsiveness, thus
reducing the stopping distance in the
event of subsequent braking.
WARNING
26) The ESC can’t alter the natural
laws of physics, and can’t
increase grip, which depends on
the condition of the road.
27) The ESC system cannot prevent
accidents, including those due to
excessive speed on corners,
driving on low-grip surfaces or
aquaplaning.
28) The capability of the ESC system
must never be tested irresponsibly
and dangerously, in such a way
as to compromise personal safety
and the safety of others.
29) For the correct operation of the
ASR system, the tyres must of
necessity be the same make and
type on all wheels, in perfect
condition and, above all, of the
prescribed type and dimensions. .
30) The performance of the ESC
and ASR systems must not
encourage the driver to take
unnecessary risks. Your driving
style must always be suited to the
road conditions, visibility and
traffic. The driver is, in any case,
responsible for safe driving.31) When the ABS intervenes and
you feel the brake pedal pulsating,
do not reduce the pressure, but
hold it down firmly and
confidently; in doing so you will
brake in the shortest distance
possible, depending on the
current road conditions.
32) For maximum efficiency of the
braking system, a bedding-in
period of about 500 km is
required: during this period it is
advisable to avoid sharp, repeated
and prolonged braking.
33) If the ABS intervenes, this
indicates that the grip of the tyres
on the road is nearing its limit:
you must slow down to a speed
compatible with the available grip.
34) The ABS can’t overrule the
natural laws of physics, and can’t
increase the grip available
according to the condition of the
road.
35) The ABS cannot prevent
accidents, including those due to
excessive speed on corners,
driving on low-grip surfaces or
aquaplaning.
36) The capability of the ABS must
never be tested irresponsibly and
dangerously, in such a way as
to compromise personal safety
and the safety of others.
45

❒If it is necessary to proceed downhill
with transmission in neutral (N) for
unexpected reasons, bearing in mind
that this practice is highly inadvisable,
remember that when gear
engagement is requested, the
system will automatically engage the
best gear to permit the correct
transmission of drive torque to the
wheels, according to the speed
of the car.
❒When necessary, it is possible to
engage 1st gear, reverse (R)or
neutral (N) with the engine off, the
key at MAR-ON and the brake
pressed. In this case, change gear
leaving at least 5 seconds between
one gear change and the next, in
order to safeguard the operation of
the hydraulic system, and the pump
in particular.
❒For uphill departures, it is advisable
to accelerate gradually but fully
immediately after releasing the
handbrake or the brake pedal; this
allows the engine to temporarily
increase the number of revs and
tackle the steepest gradients with
more torque at the wheels.
WARNING
89) The Launch control function is
only available in Race mode.
Regardless of what is explicitly
indicated in the description of this
mode, the ESC and ASR systems
are deactivated during operation
of the Launch Control function.
This means that vehicle dynamic
control is the sole responsibility of
the driver. Therefore pay the
utmost attention when using the
Launch Control. Take into account
traffic and road surface conditions
and during manoeuvres make
sure there is enough room in the
area concerned.
SAVING FUEL
Alfa Romeo has designed and built the
vehicle using technologies, materials
and devices able to reduce negative
environmental impact. Here are some
suggestions to further contribute to
environmental protection.
GENERAL
CONSIDERATIONS
Car maintenance
Have checks and adjustments carried
out in accordance with the “Scheduled
Servicing Plan”.
Tyres
Check the tyre pressures at least once
every four weeks: if the pressure is
too low, consumption levels increase as
resistance to rolling is higher.
Climate control system
The use of the climate control system
leads to higher fuel consumption. If the
temperature outside permits, try to
use ventilation only.
111

INDEX
A
BS .............................................. 43
– System intervention ................... 43
Air cleaner ...................................... 151
Alarm ............................................. 13
Alfa DNA system ........................ 46
– "All Weather" mode ................... 48
– Driving modes ........................... 47
– “Dynamic” mode ....................... 47
– "Natural" mode.......................... 47
– “Race” mode............................. 47
lfa Romeo Code system ............. 10
Ashtray .......................................... 36
ASR system (AntiSlip Regulation) ... 43
Backrest pocket ........................... 36
Battery ........................................... 151
– advice for extending lifetime ...... 151
– replacement .............................. 151
Battery (recharging) ........................ 136
Body versions ................................ 164
Bodywork
– body codes ............................... 164
– maintenance ............................. 156
– protection against
atmospheric agents................... 156
– warranty .................................... 156
Brakes ........................................... 168
– brake fluid level.......................... 148bulb replacement.................... 130-131
Bulb replacement
– exterior lights ............................. 129
– interior lights .............................. 132
Bulbs
– types of bulbs ........................... 127
Car inactivity ................................. 114
Carrying children safely .................. 95
CBC (Cornering Brake Control)
system ......................................... 43
Central locking ............................... 33
Changing a bulb............................. 126
– General instructions................... 126
Changing a wheel .......................... 122
Cigar lighter.................................... 35
Cleaning and maintenance
– bodywork .................................. 156
– car interior ................................. 157
– engine compartment ................. 157
– front headlights ......................... 156
– leather parts .............................. 158
– leather seats.............................. 158
– plastic and coated parts ............ 158
– seats and fabric parts ................ 158
– windows.................................... 156
Climate control ............................... 19
– Passenger compartment air
diffusers .................................... 20
Climatic comfort ............................. 20
Clutch ............................................ 167CO2 emissions............................... 183
Conditions of use ........................... 112
Control buttons .............................. 64
Control panel and instruments ....... 62
Controls ......................................... 33
Cruise Control ................................ 30
Cup holder ..................................... 36
Daytime running lights (DRL) ......... 28
Dimensions .................................... 175
Dipped beam headlights
– bulb replacement ...................... 129
Direction indicators ........................ 29
– bulb replacement ...................... 129
– “Lane change” function ............. 29
Door mirrors
– Door mirrors .............................. 18
Doors ............................................. 37
– Central door
locking/unlocking ...................... 37
Driver's side front airbag ................ 99
Driving style.................................... 112
DTC (Drag Torque Control)
system ......................................... 43
EBD system .................................. 43
Electric windows ............................ 38
– Controls .................................... 38
Electronic Q2 system ("E-Q2") .... 45
ngine codes ................................ 164
Engine compartment
INDEX
A
E