2007 Alfa Romeo 8C Owner handbook (in English)

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A
B
C
USING THE VEHICLE
CAUTION
Cruise Control must only
be activated when traffic and the
route permit a constant speed to be
maintained safely, for a sufficiently
long distance.
CONTROLS
The Cruise Control function is controlled by
means of the switch
A, the dial
B and the button
C (RCL).
Switch
A can be set to two positions:
- OFF the device is deactivated;
- ON the device is active. When the device
is activated, the symbol
illuminates on
the instrument panel display.The dial
B is used to store and maintain the
vehicle speed, or to increase or decrease the
speed stored.
Rotate the dial
B to position (+) to save the
speed reached or to increase the speed stored.
Rotate the dial B to position (–) to decrease the
stored speed.
Each turn of the dial
B increases or decreases the
speed by about 1 km/h. Rotate and hold the
dial to vary the speed continuously. When a new
speed is reached, it will automatically remain
constant.
Button
C (RCL) allows you to reset the stored
speed.
WARNING: When the ignition key is turned to
position STOP or the switch A to position OFF,
the stored speed is deleted and the system
deactivated.STORING A SPEED
Set the switch
A to ON and bring the vehicle up
to the desired speed. Rotate the dial
B to (+)
for at least three seconds, then release it. The
vehicle speed is saved and the accelerator pedal
can then be released.
The vehicle will proceed at the constant speed
stored in the memory until the brake pedal is
pressed.
If necessary, (for example, to pass another
vehicle), you can accelerate by simply pressing
the accelerator pedal. Afterwards, when you
release the accelerator pedal, the vehicle will
return to the speed saved previously.

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RESTORING THE SPEED
STORED IN THE MEMORY
If the device has been deactivated after braking,
the speed saved previously can be restored as
follows:
- gradually accelerate until you reach a speed
close to that stored;
- engage the gear selected when the speed
was stored (4
th, 5th or 6
th gear);
- press button
C (RCL).INCREASING THE SPEED
STORED IN THE MEMORY
The speed stored in the memory can be
increased in two ways:
- Depressing the accelerator pedal and then
storing the new speed reached (holding the
dial
B turned for more than three seconds)
or
- momentarily turning the dial
B to (+): each
impulse transmitted by the dial will cause
a slight increase in speed (about 1 Km/h),
whereas a constant pressure on the same
dial will cause a continuous increase in
speed. When the dial
B is released, the new
speed will automatically be stored.REDUCING THE SPEED
STORED IN THE MEMORY
The speed stored in the memory can be reduced
in two ways:
- Deactivating the device by depressing the
brake pedal and then storing the new speed
(turning the dial
B to (+) for at least three
seconds).
or
- Holding the dial turned
B to (–) until
reaching the new speed, which will
automatically be stored.

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USING THE VEHICLE
RESETTING THE SPEED
STORED IN THE MEMORY
The speed stored in the memory is automatically
zero-reset:
- by turning the engine off
or
- by setting the switch
A to OFF.
CAUTION
When driving with Cruise
Control activated, do not shift to
neutral. It is advisable to activate
Cruise Control only when traffic and
road conditions permit safe use of
this device, that is: on straight and
dry roads, expressways or highways,
smooth-flowing traffic and smooth
asphalt. Do not activate the device in
the city or in heavy traffic.CAUTION
Cruise Control can only be
activated at speeds exceeding 30
km/h.
CAUTION
The device can only be turned
on in 4
th 5th or 6
th gear, depending on
the vehicle speed.
CAUTION
When driving downhill with
the device active, the vehicle may
pick up speed slightly exceeding the
speed stored in the memory due to the
change in engine load.
CAUTION
If the device malfunctions or
fails to operate, set the switch A to
OFF and contact an Authorised Service
Centre of the Manufacturer’s Network
after checking that the protection fuse
has not blown.CAUTION
Switch A can be left on the ON
position at all times, without damaging
the device. In any case, it is advisable
to deactivate the device when it is
not in use. Move switch A to the OFF
position to prevent speeds from being
unintentionally stored.

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5
HEADLIGHTSBI-XENON HEADLIGHTS
The gas-discharge (Xenon) headlights use an
electric arc saturated with Xenon gas under
pressure, instead of the incandescent filament.
The light produced is markedly superior to that
of traditional light bulbs, in terms of quality
(brighter light) as well as of the span and
positioning of the area illuminated.
The advantages offered by better lighting can be
clearly perceived (less eye strain and increased
orientation for the driver and thus driving safety)
especially in the case of bad weather, fog
and/or insufficient road indications owing to the
broader illumination of the side zones, which are
normally left in the dark.The much broader illumination of the side zones
markedly increases driving safety as it allows the
driver to better detect other persons on the side
of the road (e.g. pedestrians, bicycle riders and
motorcycle drivers).
The electric arc requires very high voltage for
striking, but after activation power is supplied at
a lower voltage.
The headlights reach maximum brightness about
0.5 seconds after activation.
CAUTION
Should the bulbs need to
be replaced, have this operation
performed only at an Authorised
Service Centre of the Manufacturer’s
Network. RISK OF ELECTRICAL
SHOCKS!
DRIVING
CONDITIONSBEFORE A TRIP
Check the following at regular intervals and
always before long trips:
- tyre pressure and condition
- levels of fl uids and lubricants
- conditions of the windscreen wiper blades
- proper operation of the warning lights and
of the external lights.WARNING: It is always advisable to perform
these checks at least every 800 km and to
always follow the maintenance operations
provided for in the “Warranty and Maintenance
Schedule” book.It is also advisable to:
- clean the glass on the external lights and all
other glass surfaces
- properly adjust the mirrors, steering wheel,
seats and seat belts.

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USING THE VEHICLE
CAPACITIESWARNING: Use unleaded fuel only!
The use of fuel containing lead would
permanently damage the catalytic converters.For fluid and lubricant specifications and
quantities, follow the indications contained
in section 7 “CAPACITIES AND TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS”.
SAFE DRIVING
Although the vehicle is fitted with active and
passive safety devices the driver’s behaviour is
always a decisive factor for road safety.
Below are some simple rules for travelling safely
in different conditions. You will, no doubt, be
familiar with some of them but, in any case, it
would be useful to read them carefully.BEFORE YOU DRIVE
- Make sure that the lights and headlights are
working properly.
- Adjust the position of the seat, steering
wheel and rear-view mirrors so that you
have the best driving position.
- Check that nothing (e.g. mat covers, etc.)
is blocking the pedals.
- Carefully arrange any objects in the luggage
compartment, to prevent sudden braking
from jerking them forward.
- Avoid heavy meals before a trip. A light
snack helps to keep the refl exes sharp. In
particular avoid drinking alcohol.
- Remember to read, at regular intervals,
the instructions contained in the chapter
“Before a trip”, in this section.
CAUTION
It is extremely dangerous and
moreover prohibited by law to travel
on the luggage shelf behind the seats.
In the event of an accident, persons
carried in this position are more
exposed to the risk of serious injury.
Passengers must only travel seated in
the vehicle seats, with the seat belts
fastened properly. Always check that
you and your passengers have your
seat belts fastened correctly.

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TRAVELLING
- Caution is the fi rst rule for safe driving.
Being careful also means being in a position
to be able to predict the driving behaviour
of other drivers, that may be wrong or
careless.
- Keep a safe distance from vehicles in front
of you, adjusting this distance in accordance
to the vehicle speed and traffi c conditions.
- Strictly follow the traffi c regulations
applicable in each country and above all,
respect the speed limits.
- Long trips should be started in optimal
physical condition.
CAUTION
Drunk driving, or driving
under the influence of drugs or certain
medicines is extremely dangerous for
the driver and for others.CAUTION
Always fasten the seat belts.
Travelling without your seat belt
fastened increases the risk of serious
injury in the event of a collision.
- Make regular stops to loosen up your limbs
and refresh yourself, and avoid driving for
hours on end.
- Ensure that the air inside the passenger
compartment is changed constantly.
- Never coast downhill with the engine off:
the braking action requires greater effort on
the pedal due to the absence of the engine
brake and the power braking system. DRIVING AT NIGHT
The main guidelines to follow when driving at
night are set out below:
- Drive with the greatest caution: at night the
driving conditions are more demanding.
- Reduce your speed, especially on roads with
no street lights.
- At the fi rst signs of drowsiness, stop: to
continue driving would be a risk for yourself
and for others. Continue only after you have
had a rest.
- Keep the vehicle at a greater distance from
vehicles in front of you than you would
during the day: it is diffi cult to assess the
speed of other vehicles when you can only
see the lights.
- Make sure that the headlights are aimed
correctly: if they are too low, they reduce
visibility and strain the eyes. If they are too
high, they may bother the drivers of other
cars.

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USING THE VEHICLE
- Use the high beams only outside of urban
areas and when you are sure that they will
not disturb other drivers.
- When another vehicle is approaching,
switch the high beams (if on) to low
beams.
- Keep the lights and headlights clean.
- Outside urban areas, beware of animals
crossing the road. DRIVING IN THE RAIN
Rain and wet roads are dangerous. On a wet
road all the manoeuvres are more difficult since
wheel grip on the asphalt is significantly reduced.
This means that the braking distances increase
considerably and the road holding decreases.
Certain advice for driving in the rain follows:
- Reduce your speed and keep a greater
safety distance from the vehicles in front
of you. High speed may result in a loss of
control and aquaplaning.
- Heavy rain also substantially reduces
visibility.
- Set the Air Conditioning controls to
demisting, in order to avoid any visibility
problems.
- Periodically check the conditions of the
windscreen wiper blades. DRIVING IN FOG
If the fog is dense avoid travelling where
possible.
When driving in mist, blanket fog or when there
is the possibility of banks of fog:
- Keep a moderate speed.
- Turn on the rear fog lights. Do not use the
main beam.
- Remember that fog creates dampness on
the asphalt and thus any type of manoeuvre
is more diffi cult and braking distances are
greater.
- Keep a safe distance from the vehicle in
front of you.
- Avoid sudden changes in speed as much as
possible.
- Whenever possible, avoid passing other
vehicles.
- If you are forced to stop the vehicle
(breakdowns, impossibility of proceeding
due to poor visibility, etc.), fi rst of all, try to
stop off of the travel lane. Then turn on the
hazard warning lights and if possible, the
low beams.

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5
Sound the vehicle horn rhythmically if you hear
another vehicle approaching.
- When you get out of the vehicle, put on the
high-visibility vest.DRIVING IN THE
MOUNTAINS
On downhill roads, use the engine brake,
engaging low gears so as not to overheat the
brakes.
- Never coast downhill with the engine off or
in neutral, and never with the ignition key
removed.
- Drive at a moderate speed and avoid
“cutting” corners.
- Remember that passing other vehicles when
driving uphill is slower and thus requires
more free distance on the road. If you are
being overtaken on a hill, slow down and
allow the other vehicle to pass. DRIVING ON SNOW OR
ICE
Below is some general advice for driving in these
conditions:
- Keep a very moderate speed.
- Fit snow chains or specifi c tyres if the road
is covered with snow: see the chapters
“Snow chains” and “Winter tyres” in this
section.
- Mainly use the engine brake and avoid
sharp braking.
- We recommend that you activate “Low
grip” mode (see page 122).
- Avoid sudden acceleration and sharp
changes in direction.
- During the winter season, even apparently
dry roads can have icy sections. Be careful
when crossing bridges, viaducts and roads
that have little exposure to the sun and are
bordered by trees and rocks. They may be
icy.
- Keep a safety distance from the vehicles in
front.