2016 Alfa Romeo 4C Owner handbook (in English)

of travel position has been reached;
proceed in the same way as
described in points 1 and 2 for the
passenger side door;
make sure that the initialisation is
correct by checking that the windows
work automatically.
WARNING
20)Incorrect use of the electric windows
may be dangerous. Before and during their
operation, ensure that any passengers are
not at risk from the moving glass either by
personal objects getting caught in the
mechanism or by being hit by it directly.
When leaving the car, always remove the
key from the ignition to prevent accidental
operation of the electric windows from
being a hazard for those still on board.
LUGGAGE
COMPARTMENT /
ENGINE COVER
21)
OPENING
IMPORTANT During normal car
operation, the luggage compartment
can reach temperatures above 65°C.
Pay attention when transporting objects
that may be damaged at such
temperatures. Do not keep aerosol
cans in the car: danger of explosion.
Aerosol cans must not be exposed to
temperatures above 50°C.
Procedure
22) 23)
with driver side door open, pull lever
A fig. 41, located at the point illustrated
in the figure;
raise the tailgate and release
supporting rod B fig. 42 from its locking
device C;
insert the end of the rod in housing
D fig. 43, making sure that the rod
engages in the smallest hole of the
retaining clip. Care must be taken to
keep the tailgate raised until the rod is
fixed in the correct position.
24)
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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR

the tailgate when raising, in order to
prevent any external occurrence (e.g. a
gust of wind) from suddenly opening
the tailgate to end of travel. Additionally,
in order to prevent any damage to the
car or broken windows, do not force
the tailgate beyond the opening
position necessary to secure the
supporting rod B in the hole of the
retaining clip.
CLOSING
Procedure25)
hold the tailgate up with one hand
and use the other to remove rod B
fig. 42 from housing D fig. 43 and
reinsert it in its locking device C fig. 42;
lower the engine cover to
approximately 20 centimetres from the
engine compartment and let it drop.
Make sure that the engine cover is
completely closed and not only
fastened in safety position by trying to
open it. If it is not completely closed, do
not press the engine cover down, but
raise it and repeat the procedure.
IMPORTANT Always check that the
tailgate is closed correctly to prevent it
from opening while the car is travelling.
WARNING
21)The maximum permitted load in the
luggage compartment, in addition to the
kits provided, is 15 kg.
22)When accessing the rear luggage
compartment, take care with parts that
may be hot, owing to the adjacent engine
compartment. Danger of serious burns.
23)Perform these operations only when
the car is stationary.
24)The tailgate may drop suddenly if the
supporting rod is not positioned correctly.
25)For safety reasons, the tailgate must
always be closed properly while the car is
travelling. Therefore, always make sure that
the tailgate is closed properly and that the
lock is engaged. If you realise during travel
that the lock is not fully engaged, stop
immediately and close the tailgate in the
correct manner.
HEADLIGHTS
LIGHT BEAM DIRECTION
The correct orientation of the headlights
is important for the driver's comfort and
safety as well as for all other road users.
This is also covered by a specific rule of
the highway code.
The headlights must be correctly
directed to ensure the best visibility
conditions for all drivers. Contact a
dedicated Alfa Romeo Dealership to
have the headlights checked and
adjusted.
ADJUSTING THE
HEADLIGHTS ABROAD
The dipped beam headlights are
aligned to comply with the regulations
of the country of purchase. When in
countries where you drive on the other
side of the road, you need to alter the
beam direction in order not to dazzle
the vehicles travelling in the opposite
direction, proceeding as follows:
39
IMPORTANT Maintain a tight grip on

open the protective flap Afig. 44 on
the inner wheel arch; it can be located
by steering the wheel completely;
introducing the hand in the opening
cleared by the flap, find out the
pressure-fit protective cap B fig. 45and
remove it;
in the luggage compartment find the
supplied screwdriver and insert it in the
operating hole;
rotate the screw as shown in
fig. 45until you hear the lock click;
refit the protective cap B.The procedure must be carried out on
both headlights.
For versions with Bi-LED headlights (for
versions/markets, where provided) to
avoid dazzling the drivers on the other
side of the road, you need to cover
areas of the headlight according to the
Highway Code of the country you are
travelling in. Adjust both headlights
according to fig. 46.
ESC (Electronic
Stability Control)
SYSTEM
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
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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR

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.
SYSTEM INTERVENTION
This is indicated by the flashing of thewarning 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.
41

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.
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 otherthan 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 increasingthe risk of collision with another vehicle
or object. The driver is, in any case,
responsible for safe driving.
HBA (Hydraulic Brake
Assistant) SYSTEM
41) 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.
“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
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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR

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 system cannot alter the
natural laws of physics, and cannot
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)Do not take unnecessary risks, even if
your vehicle is fitted with the ESC and ASR
systems. Your driving style must always be
suited to the road conditions, visibility and
traffic. The driver is always responsible for
road safety.
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)To obtain the maximum efficiency of
the braking system, a bedding-in period of
about 500 km is needed: during this period
it is better 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 cannot overrule the natural
laws of physics, and cannot 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.37)For the correct operation of the ABS,
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.
38)The ASR cannot overrule the natural
laws of physics, and cannot increase the
grip available according to the condition of
the road.
39)The ASR system cannot prevent
accidents, including those due to excessive
speed on corners, driving on low-grip
surfaces or aquaplaning.
40)The capability of the ASR must never
be tested irresponsibly and dangerously, in
such a way as to compromise personal
safety and the safety of others.
41)The HBA system can’t overrule the
natural laws of physics, and can’t increase
the grip available according to the
condition of the road.
42)The HBA system cannot prevent
accidents, including those due to excessive
speed on corners, driving on low-grip
surfaces or aquaplaning.
43)The features of the HBA system must
never be tested in imprudent or dangerous
ways, with the possibility of putting the
safety of the driver, occupants or other
road users at risk.
43

“Alfa DNA” SYSTEM
(Dynamic car
control system)
This device allows, using lever A
fig. 47 (on the central tunnel), four car
response modes to be selected
according to driving style and road
conditions:
d=DynamicorRace(sports driving
mode);
n=Natural(mode for driving in
normal conditions);
a=All Weather(mode for driving in
poor grip conditions, such as rain and
snow).
The device also acts on the dynamic
car control systems (engine,
gearbox/transmission, ESC system).
DRIVING MODES
Lever A is monostable type. In other
words, it always remains in a central
position.
The selected driving mode is indicated
by the corresponding LED switching on
in the panel and by an indication on the
display.
“Natural” MODE
It is a manufacturer-recommended
mode aimed at comfort and safety in
normal grip and driving conditions.
ESC and ASR systems:intervention
thresholds aimed at providing comfort
and safety in normal grip and driving
conditions.
"Electronic Q2" system:the system
is calibrated to ensure the best driving
comfort.
Engine and gearbox/transmission:
standard response.
“Dynamic” MODE
Activation
Move the lever A fig. 47 upwards (to the
letter “d”) and hold in this position for
half a second, until the corresponding
LED lights up and the "Dynamic" mode
activation indicator appears on the
display.
When "Dynamic" mode is activated, the
turbocharger pressure (bar) and engine
oil temperature (°C) screen is displayed
automatically fig. 49:
When released, lever A will return to the
central position.
ESC and ASR systems:intervention
thresholds that ensure more enjoyable,
sportier driving whilst guaranteeing the
stability of the car.
"Electronic Q2" system:the system
is calibrated to increase traction whilst
accelerating on bends, improving the
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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR

agility of the car.
Engine and gearbox/transmission:
adoption of sports mapping.
IMPORTANT In "Dynamic", the
sensitivity of the accelerator pedal
increases considerably. Consequently,
driving is less fluid and comfortable.
Deactivation
To deactivate “Dynamic” mode and
return to “Natural”, move lever A
fig. 47 downwards (to letter “a”) and
keep it in this position for half a second.
In this case, the LED corresponding to
“Natural” mode will light up and the
“Natural” mode activation indication will
appear on the display.
“Race” MODE
Activation
Move the lever A fig. 47 upwards (to the
letter “d”) and hold in this position for 5
seconds, until the "Race" mode
activation indicator appears on the
display. When "Race" mode is
activated, the longitudinal/lateral
accelerometer indicator screen
(G-meter information) is displayed
automatically. This considers
gravitational acceleration (G) fig. 50.ESC and ASR systems:the systems
are deactivated in order to ensure the
fullest sensation of sport, leaving the
driver in full control of the vehicle. When
the vehicle is in unstable conditions, the
ESC reactivates automatically when the
brake pedal is pressed until the ABS
intervenes, thus returning the vehicle to
stable conditions.
"Electronic Q2" system:the system
is calibrated to increase traction whilst
accelerating on bends, improving the
agility of the car.
Engine and gearbox/transmission:
adoption of sports mapping.
IMPORTANT In "Race", the sensitivity of
the accelerator pedal increases
considerably. Consequently, driving is
less fluid and comfortable.
IMPORTANT In "Race" mode the
transmission only works in MANUAL
mode. For further details, refer to the"Using the transmission" section in
chapter "Starting and driving".
Deactivation
To deactivate "Race" mode and return
to "Dynamic", move lever A
fig. 47 downwards (to letter “a”) and
keep it in this position for half a second.
In this case, the LED corresponding to
"Dynamic" mode will light up and the
"Dynamic" mode activation indication
will appear on the display.
“All Weather” MODE
Activation
Move the lever A fig. 47 downwards (to
the letter “a”) and hold in this position
for half a second, until the
corresponding LED lights up and the
“All Weather” mode activation indicator
appears on the display.
ESC and ASR systems:intervention
thresholds aimed at ensuring maximum
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