2019 Alfa Romeo 4C Spider Owner's Manual

NOTE:To provide better comfort, the transmission will
up-shift to the next available gear if the engine speed
limit is reached. This feature is only available in NATU-
RAL and ALL WEATHER Modes.
AUTO Mode
In AUTO mode the transmission shifts gears automati-
cally depending on vehicle speed, engine RPM, and
accelerator pedal position.
AUTO is the default operating mode at startup. When
in AUTO mode, AUTOappears in the instrument
cluster, adjacent to the current gear display.
To toggle between AUTO and MANUAL modes, push
the A/M button on the center console.
Accelerating From A Stop
FIRST (1) and REVERSE (R) can only be engaged (at a
stop) when the brake pedal is pressed.
To drive, press the brake pedal, and select 1 (1st) or R
(REVERSE) using the transmission gear selector buttons
on the center console. Then release the brake pedal and
smoothly press the accelerator pedal. NOTE:
•
The vehicle will not “creep” when the brake pedal is
released, and may in fact roll down on an incline.
Leaving from a stop, the accelerator pedal must be
pressed to transmit driving torque to the wheels.
• When starting on a fairly steep incline, it may be
helpful to engage the parking brake.
• The vehicle can only be launched (from a stop) in
FIRST (1) or REVERSE (R). Second gear (or higher)
cannot be engaged when the vehicle is stationary.
• If the brake pedal is not depressed (and the vehicle is
stationary for a period of time), the transmission will
automatically engage NEUTRAL (N).
• FIRST (1) and REVERSE (R) gears can only be
engaged at vehicle speeds below 2 mph (3 km/h). At
speeds below 6 mph (10 km/h), attempts to shift
from 1 to R (or R to 1) will only be allowed if the
vehicle speed drops below the 2 mph (3 km/h)
threshold within three seconds of the request; other-
wise, the transmission will shift to NEUTRAL (N).
The driver should then repeat the request for 1st or R
once the vehicle has come to a stop.
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Shift Paddles
In MANUAL mode, the steering wheel mounted shift
paddles (labeled + and -) control the transmission
shifting.
Tapping the (+) paddle will upshift the transmission to
the next higher gear, while tapping the (-) paddle will
downshift to the next lower gear. The current gear is
displayed in the instrument cluster. If a requested shift
would cause engine lugging or overspeed, that request
will be ignored.
In AUTO mode, tapping a shift paddle will temporarily
place the transmission in MANUAL mode, and execute
the requested upshift or downshift (if allowable). The
transmission will then return to AUTO mode after a
brief interval.
Pressing a shift paddle will only shift the transmission
one gear at a time. Holding a paddle depressed will not
command multiple shifts; the paddle must be pressed
multiple times in succession to generate multiple shifts.
Neutral (N)
Use this range when the vehicle is standing for pro-
longed periods with the engine running. Always apply
the parking brake if you must exit the vehicle.At engine startup, the transmission will automatically
select NEUTRAL (N) and AUTO mode. The brake pedal
must be pressed when starting the engine.
To select NEUTRAL (N) when the vehicle is stationary,
turn the ignition key to the MAR-ON position (engine
running or not), press the brake pedal, and push the N
button on the transmission gear selector.
When the vehicle is moving (with ignition ON), push-
ing the NEUTRAL (N) button will engage N, regardless
of whether the brake pedal is pressed.
WARNING!
Do not coast in NEUTRAL and never turn off the
ignition to coast down a hill. Coasting in NEUTRAL
and turning off the ignition while coasting severely
limit your ability to respond to changing traffic or
road conditions. Failure to follow this WARNING
may result in loss of vehicle control, collision, and
serious injury or death.
With the vehicle in motion, to engage a gear from the
NEUTRAL (N) position, push the 1 button on the
transmission control panel (it is not necessary to press
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the brake pedal). The transmission will engage the
correct gear according to the vehicle’s speed.
Acoustic Signal
If the vehicle is stationary with the engine running and
FIRST (1) or REVERSE (R) engaged, the system acti-
vates an acoustic signal and automatically places the
transmission in NEUTRAL (N) when:
•The accelerator and/or brake pedal are not operated
for at least three minutes.
• The brake pedal is pressed for longer than 10 min-
utes.
• The driver ’s door is opened and the accelerator pedal
or the brake pedal are not operated for at least one
and a half seconds.
• A fault has been detected in the transmission.
Parking The Vehicle
When parking and leaving the vehicle, proceed as
follows:
1. Make sure that the vehicle has come to a complete
stop. 2. With the brake pedal depressed, put the vehicle into
either a forward or reverse gear by pushing 1 or R.
(The vehicle may already be in 1 or R if you were just
driving.)
3. Engage the parking brake.
4. Turn off and remove the key.
5. Release the brake pedal.
When parking on an incline, turn the front wheels
toward the curb on a downhill slope and away from the
curb on an uphill slope. Always chock the wheels when
parking on steep grades.
General Notes
When the vehicle is stopped and in gear, always keep
the brake pedal pressed until you decide to set off, then
release the brake and accelerate gradually.
During prolonged stops with the engine running, it is
advisable to keep the transmission in NEUTRAL (N).
When stopped on an incline, always hold the vehicle in
place using the brakes. On steep inclines, Hill Start
Assist (HSA) will temporarily hold the vehicle in posi-
tion when the brake pedal is released. If the accelerator
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STARTING AND OPERATING 145

pedal is not applied after a short time, the vehicle will
roll back. Either reapply the brake (to hold the vehicle)
or press the accelerator to climb the hill.
Only shift between FIRST (1) and REVERSE (R) when
completely stopped, with the brake pedal pressed.
When necessary, it is possible to engage FIRST (1),
REVERSE (R) or NEUTRAL (N) with the engine off, the
key at MAR-ON and the brake pressed. In this case,
wait at least five 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, accelerate gradually but fully,
immediately after releasing the parking brake or the
brake pedal; this allows the engine speed to increase to
provide more torque at the wheels.
ALFA DNA SYSTEM (DYNAMIC VEHICLE
CONTROL SYSTEM)
This vehicle is equipped with a “Alfa DNA” system
lever (located on the center console). There are four
modes of operation to be selected according to driving
style and road conditions:•
Dynamic (This mode alters the transmission’s auto-
matic shift schedule for sportier driving [D]).
• Natural (mode for driving in normal conditions [N]).
• All Weather (mode for driving in poor grip condi-
tions, such as rain and snow [A]).
• Race (sports driving mode [D]).
This also acts on the dynamic vehicle control systems
(engine, gearbox/transmission, ESC system).
Alfa DNA Mode Selector
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Driving Modes
The Alfa DNA system lever will always return to the
center position after use.
The selected driving mode is indicated by the corre-
sponding LED switching in the panel and by an indi-
cation on the display.
Dynamic Mode
Activation
Move the Alfa DNA system lever 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 and engine oil temperature screen is displayed
automatically. When released, the Alfa DNA system
lever will return to the central position.
NOTE:Dynamic Mode will be inhibited until the
vehicle has accumulated 155 miles (250 km). Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Anti-Slip
Regulation (ASR) systems:
The ESC and ASR system ensures more enjoyable,
sportier driving while guaranteeing the stability of the
vehicle.
Electronic Q2 system:
The system increases vehicle stability while accelerating
on bends, improving the agility of the vehicle.
Engine And Gearbox/Transmission:
The system adjusts the transmission shift calibration for
sportier shifting.
NOTE:
In Dynamic mode, the engine response to the
accelerator pedal position increases considerably. Con-
sequently, driving is less fluid and comfortable.
Deactivation
To deactivate Dynamic mode and return to Natural,
move lever downwards (to letter “A”) and hold for half
a second.
The LED corresponding to Natural mode will light up
and the Natural mode activation indication will appear
on the display.6
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Race Mode
Activation
Starting in Dynamic mode, move the Alfa DNA system
lever upwards (to the letter “D”) and hold in this
position for five 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).
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Anti-Slip
Regulation (ASR) systems:
These 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. To deactivate
the ESC and ASR systems, reactivate Race mode.
Electronic Q2 system:
The system increases vehicle stability while accelerating
on bends, improving the agility of the vehicle.Engine And Gearbox/Transmission:
The system adjusts the transmission shift calibration for
sportier shifting.
NOTE:
In Race mode, the sensitivity of the accelerator
pedal increases considerably. Consequently, driving is
less fluid and comfortable.
In Race mode, the transmission only works in
MANUAL mode.
Deactivation
To deactivate Race mode and return to Dynamic mode,
move the Alfa DNA system lever downwards (to letter
“A”) and keep it in this position for half a second.
The LED corresponding to Dynamic mode will light up
and the Dynamic mode activation indication will ap-
pear on the display.
Natural Mode
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Anti-Slip
Regulation (ASR) systems:
ESC and ASR system thresholds are aimed at providing
comfort and safety in normal grip and driving condi-
tions.
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Electronic Q2 system:
The system is calibrated to ensure the best driving
comfort.
Engine And Gearbox/Transmission:
Standard response shifting.
All Weather Mode
Activation
Move the Alfa DNA system lever 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 dis-
play.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Anti-Slip
Regulation (ASR) systems:
ESC and ASR system thresholds are aimed at ensuring
maximum safety in low-grip driving conditions. It is
advisable to select All Weather mode in the presence of
low-grip road surfaces.
Electronic Q2 System:
The system is deactivated.Engine And Gearbox/Transmission:
Standard response shifting.
Deactivation
To deactivate All Weather mode and return to Natural
mode, move the Alfa DNA system lever upwards (to
letter “D”) and keep it in this position for half a second.
NOTE:
•
When the engine is next started, All Weather mode or
Natural mode will be retained when the vehicle is
restarted.
• When the engine is next started, Race mode or
Dynamic mode previously selected is not retained.
The system will reactivate in Natural mode.
• It is not possible to go directly from Dynamic mode
to All Weather mode and vice versa. You must
always first go back to Natural mode and then select
the other mode.
System Failure
In the event of system failure or a fault with the gear
selector, no driving modes can be selected.
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The display will become grey (same screen asNatural
mode) but without an indication of the Alfa DNA
setting. The display will also show a warning message.
Please contact your authorized dealer for service.
Launch Control
The Launch Control strategy permits high-performance
acceleration from stand still.
This strategy can be activated with vehicle at a stand-
still, Race mode selected and FIRST (1st) gear engaged.
The sequence of operations to perform is as follows:
1. Press the brake pedal and hold it down.
2. Press the accelerator pedal and hold it down.
3. Press the –paddle behind the steering wheel. (This
allows the engine to rev above the 3000 RPM limit.)
When the brake pedal is released, the vehicle will start
with maximum acceleration. Despite the MANUAL
mode, the vehicle will automatically shift the gear to
guarantee maximum acceleration, once the correct shift-
ing speed has been reached.
WARNING!
Launch Control is intended for off-highway or
off-road use only and should not be used on any
public roadways. Use Launch Control only in a
controlled and dry track environment; within the
limits of the law. Actual Launch Control perfor-
mance may change depending on the surface and
current traction conditions. The capabilities of the
vehicle as measured by the performance pages must
never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous man-
ner, which can jeopardize the user ’s safety or the
safety of others. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful
driver can prevent accidents. Failure to follow this
warning may result in serious injury or death.
To discontinue the strategy, simply interrupt the above
sequence of operations or release the accelerator pedal.
SPEED CONTROL — IF EQUIPPED
When engaged, the Speed Control takes over accelera-
tor operations at speeds greater than 18 mph (30 km/h),
up to the maximum speed of 105 mph (170 km/h).
The Speed Control Lever is located on the left side of the
steering column.
150 STARTING AND OPERATING