(gears are shifted at low engine
speeds).
In NORMAL mode, the system
controlling suspension damping uses a
shock absorber "softer" setting (see
"Skyhook Suspension" in section
"Understanding the Vehicle").
As SPORT mode has a lower priority
than ICE (low-grip) mode, if this is
already active when activating SPORT
mode, the system will ignore the
command.
CAUTION!
• Vs NORMAL mode, SPORT mode is
characterized by faster gearshifting,
electronic suspension management
(Skyhook), opening of by-pass
exhaust valves (above 3000 rpm with
the vehicle in motion).
• In addition to enhancing
performance, opening of the exhaust
also increases noise levels of the
vehicle.
In SPORT mode, fast gearshifting
however, always depends on the
accelerator pedal travel and on the
engine rpm, as in NORMAL mode.
When in SPORT mode, the system
controlling suspension damping uses a
shock absorber "harder" setting (see"Skyhook Suspension" in section
"Understanding the Vehicle").
In MANUAL mode, DOWN-shifts with
the accelerator pedal released, will
have a braking effect approaching the
skidding limit of the driving wheels on
dry asphalt.
Under sports-style driving conditions
with gearshifts at high engine rpm,
double-clutching when up-shifting is
performed automatically.
WARNING!
It is advisable not to use SPORT mode
on roads with low or medium grip
conditions (e.g. ice, snow, or wet
roads) as the driving wheels could skid
during gearshifts.
Therefore, excessive use of the vehicle
in SPORT mode is advisable only on
race tracks.
If you use MANUAL and SPORT mode
in combination for sports-style driving,
when starting-off or shifting gears,
you may perceive an initial slipping of
the driving wheels even on dry roads.
ICE (low-grip) Mode
This mode can be used on particularly
slippery road surfaces (e.g., rain, snow,
ice). To activate/deactivate this mode,press button "ICE" on the central
console. The word “ICE” will illuminate
on the instrument cluster display.
In “low-grip” mode, the system uses
2nd instead of 1st gear; this means
that 2nd gear will automatically be
engaged (gearshift lever in D (Drive)
position) in the event of standing
starts in automatic mode; on the other
hand, when in sequential manual
mode (transmission lever in MANUAL
"+"), moving the transmission lever
from N (Neutral), or R (Reverse) or
when the vehicle stops, 2nd gear will
automatically be engaged.
When sequential manual mode is
selected with 2nd gear engaged, a
downshift request will be ignored.
While driving, the system
automatically switches to the upper
gear if the engine reaches the
preestablished speed rate (3000 rpm).
ICE (low-grip) mode has priority over
SPORT mode and assists the ESC
system.
WARNING!
A downshift request from 6th to 5th
gear will only be accepted if the
engine speed rate in 5th gear is lower
than 3000 rpm. As ICE (low-grip) mode
Driving
5
170
can be activated at any time and the
system limits the engine speed rate to
3000 rpm in all gears except for the
6th, unrequested gearshifts could take
place.
In any case, it is advisable to
deactivate SPORT mode before
selecting ICE (low-grip) mode.
When sequential manual gearshifting
is active, regardless of the mode set
(NORMAL / SPORT / ICE), the
transmission will automatically upshift
or downshift when reaching the
minimum and maximum rpm. This is
to prevent engine overrevving or
underrevving.
(ESC Off) Mode
The ESC system is designed to
automatically activate every time the
engine is started and can be
deactivated by pressing
(ESC Off)
button on the central console for
about 2 seconds. The
(ESC Off)
amber warning light illuminates on
the instrument cluster as well as on
the display, where it is accompanied
by a specific message.
The ESC (Electronic Stability Control)
antiyawing system incorporates all of
the vehicle control systems: ABS, EBD,
ASR and MSR (see "Brake and StabilityControl System" in this section for
further information).
The system is fitted with a unit that
predicts the vehicle behavior with
extreme accuracy. The system can
detect when the driver is about to lose
control of the vehicle. In this case, it
can activate the brake calipers
individually and engine control, in
order to create a torque sufficient to
resist the vehicle’s yawing moment.
Press
(ESC Off) button again to
reactivate the system.
The
(ESC On) amber warning light
on the instrument cluster flashes
during all the operating phases.
, the system is automatically disabled
and cannot be re-activated. While
driving, this condition is signaled by
the
(ESC On) amber warning light,
that illuminates both on the
instrument cluster as well as on the
multi-function display, where it is
accompanied by the message “ESC
unavailable go to dealer”.
When the engine is started, the system
malfunction is indicated by the
illumination of the
(ESC On) amber
warning light.
CAUTION!
• In the event of a fault, and with the
ESC system disabled (
(ESC Off)
button pressed), the vehicle behaves
as if it were not equipped with this
system: however, we recommend
you contact theAuthorized Maserati
Dealeras soon as possible to have
the system checked.
• If you have to tow the vehicle with 2
wheels raised, make sure the key in
the ignition switch is in theSTOP
(OFF)position. Otherwise, with the
ESC system active (
(ESC Off)
button not pressed), the control unit
will store a malfunction with
consequent illumination of the
(ESC On) amber warning lights on
the instrument cluster and on the
display. Should this occur, contact
theAuthorized Maserati Dealerto
have the system repaired.
• In low- and medium-grip conditions
(e.g., rain, snow, ice, sand, etc.) it is
advisable not to activate SPORT
mode, even with the ESC system
active (
(ESC Off) button not
pressed).
Driving
5
171
When the system refuses to engage a
gear, an acoustic signal will sound for
a few seconds.
Sequential manual operation can only
be selected from the D (Drive) position
whatever the function (SPORT,
NORMAL) active at the time of the
request. The gear selected by the
automatic transmission will remain
engaged when the transmission shift
lever is moved.
Shifting the lever back to D (Drive),
automatic operation will instantly be
resumed, and a gear will be engaged
based on the driving style and mode
selected.
In the event of a failure of the
sequential manual gearshift system,
the transmission ECU will select
automatic operation.
Gearshift Paddles Operation
In sequential manual operating mode
(MANUAL), upshifting and
downshifting can be controlled not
only with the transmission shift lever
but also with the two paddles
positioned behind the steering wheel.
"+": (UP): upper gearshift paddle.
"–": (DOWN): lower gearshift paddle.Also in automatic transmission mode,
when the transmission lever is in
position D (Drive), you can shift to a
different gear by moving one of the
paddles. This action will temporarily
switch the system to sequential
manual operation.
If you then keep to a constant driving
style (low longitudinal and lateral
acceleration), the gearbox
automatically switches back to
automatic operation.
Gear Shift Indicator Light
In order to improve fuel economy, we
recommend that you shift gears when
the system prompts you to do so. This
will help reduce fuel consumption
without significantly affecting vehicle
performance.
The arrow icon beside the displayed
gear will light up to indicate the
moment the gear change is required.This indicator lights up just before
reaching the required speed for gear
change.
When the new gear is engaged, the
indicator turns off. If the shift runs
late or is not performed at all, the
indicator remains lit for a few seconds
then turns off. As soon as new
conditions requiring further gear
change occur, the indicator light will
illuminate again.
NOTE:
The gearshift indicator will only work
when the transmission is set to manual
sequential operation (see paragraph
"Sequential Manual Operation
(MANUAL)" in this chapter).
Driving
5
173
Parking Brake” in section “In an
Emergency”).
• “Parking Brake system revision: go to
dealer”
The EPB system requires
maintenance, therefore contact an
Authorized Maserati Dealerto have
the system corrected.
WARNING!
In the event of an EPB failure, take
your vehicle to the nearest Authorized
Maserati Dealer as soon as possible.
Initialize the EPB System after a
Battery Disconnecting
After the detachment and the
subsequent connection of the battery,
on the instrument cluster display the
warning light will light up.
To initialize the EPB system lift, release
and lift again the lever located next to
the transmission shift lever.
Emergency Disengagement
In case of brake lock with complete
electrical system failure, it is necessary
to act on the electric actuator using
the special tool provided in the tool kit
to release the pressure of the parking
brake shoes (see “Emergency Releaseof the Parking Brake” chapter in
section “In an Emergency”).
EPB Operation with
Overheated Brakes
Driving on mountain roads with steep
slopes or a sports use of the vehicle
could overheat the brake system
components. In these conditions,
parking brake must not be used since
the push of the power actuator might
not be sufficient to ensure vehicle
braking, especially on a slope.
Drive normally without braking to
allow the brakes to cool down a few
minutes before stopping. In this way,
the automatic or manual activation of
the parking brake will ensure vehicle
braking.
Parking
Straighten the wheels and turn off the
engine.
Before leaving the vehicle, make sure
that the parking brake is fully applied
in automatic or manual mode and
place the transmission lever in the P
(Park) position.
Remove the key from the ignition
switch.
WARNING!
•Always check that the vehicle is
locked before leaving it.
•Never leave children unattended in
the vehicle.
•Do not park the vehicle on paper,
grass, dry leaves or other flammable
materials. They could catch fire if
they come into contact with hot
parts of the exhaust system.
•Do not leave the engine running
while the vehicle is unattended.
CAUTION!
When you need to park the vehicle on
a steep slope, both with the engine on
and off, it is recommended not only to
Driving
5
176
engage the parking brake, but also to
shift the transmission shift lever to P
(Park) before leaving the vehicle.
When parking on hill roads, it is
important to turn the front wheels
toward the curb on a downhill grade
and away from the curb on an uphill
grade.
Apply the parking brake before
placing the shift lever in P (Park),
otherwise the load on the
transmission locking mechanism may
make it difficult to move the shift
lever out of P (Park).
In certain conditions, it is however
advisable to disengage the parking
brake manually and slightly apply the
service brake for starting off. This is
advisable when there are obstacles
very close to the vehicle in the
direction in which you intend to move.
Brake and Stability
Control System
The vehicle is equipped with an
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
anti-yawing system, which helps to
maintain directional control in the
event of loss of grip of the tires. The
system is able to detect potentially
dangerous situations for the stability
of the vehicle and automatically sets
the brakes on all four wheels in a
differentiated manner, in order to
provide a torque settlement of the
vehicle.
ESC includes the following subsystems:
• ASR (Anti-Slip Regulation)
• ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
• EBD (Electronic Brake-force
Distribution)
• HBA (Hydraulic Brake Assistance)
• BOS (Brake Override System)
WARNING!
•These systems cannot prevent the
natural laws of physics from
affecting the vehicle, nor can they
increase traction, braking or steering
efficiency beyond that afforded by
the condition of the vehicle brakes
and tires.•These systems cannot prevent
collisions, including those resulting
from excessive speed in turns,
following another vehicle too
closely, or hydroplaning.
•The capabilities of a vehicle
equipped with these systems must
never be exploited in a reckless or
dangerous manner that could
jeopardize the driver’s and the
passenger’s safety or the safety of
others.
Electronic Stability Control
(ESC)
This system enhances directional
control and stability of the vehicle
under various driving conditions. The
ESC corrects over steering and under
steering of the vehicle by applying the
brake to the appropriate wheel.
Engine power may also be reduced to
assist in counteracting the conditions
of instability and maintain the right
direction. The system is also able to
reduce the engine power.
Through sensors fitted on the vehicle,
the ESC system detects the driver’s
chosen direction comparing it to the
one maintained while running. In case
of discrepancy between the required
trajectory and the current one, the
Driving
5
177
ESC system brakes the appropriate
wheel to counteract over or under
steering.
• Oversteer - when the vehicle is
turning more than appropriate for
the steering wheel position.
• Understeer - when the vehicle is
turning less than appropriate for the
steering wheel position.
The ESC system has two available
operating modes:
ESC On
This is the normal ESC operating mode.
At each start-up of the vehicle, the ESC
system is set in this mode and should
be used for most driving conditions.
The ESC should only be turned off for
specific reasons as pointed out in the
following paragraphs.
ESC Off
The “ESC Off” mode is aimed for a
more spirited driving experience but
also purposeful for driving in deep
snow, sand, or gravel. The current
mode disables the traction control
portion of the ESC and raises the
threshold for ESC activation, allowing
higher wheel spin than normally
granted by the ESC system. The
(ESC
Off) button is fitted in front of the
transmission shift lever: to deactivatethe system see “Drive Mode” in this
section.
WARNING!
In SPORT mode the ESC control
thresholds are higher for maximum
performance on dry road surface. To
ensure maximum security of the ESC is
recommended not to activate SPORT
mode on surfaces with medium- and
low-grip (e.g., wet, snow, dirt, etc..)
with ESC system active (button
(ESC
Off) not pressed).
NOTE:
To improve the vehicle's traction when
driving with snow chains, or when
starting off in deep snow, sand, or
gravel, it may be desirable to switch to
the “ESC Off” mode by pressing the
(ESC Off) button and remain in this
operational mode no longer than
needed. Once the situation requiring
“ESC Off” mode is overcome, turn the
ESC on again by pressing the
(ESC
Off) button. This may also be
performed while in motion.
Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR)
The ASR incorporated in the ESC
system avoids skidding of the driving
wheels during acceleration by means
of the engine control unit (spark
advance delay, engine throttle
opening reduction and fuel injection
cut) and the rear brakes.
The ASR system is designed to enhance
vehicle stability and active safety while
driving, especially under the following
conditions:
• internal wheel skidding on curves
due to the load dynamic variations or
excessive acceleration;
• excessive power transmitted to the
wheels, also in relation to the road
surface conditions;
• acceleration on slippery, snowy or icy
road surfaces;
Driving
5
178
• in the event of loss of grip on wet
roads (aquaplaning).
The ASR system works in combination
with the electronic suspension control
system: in normal conditions (SPORT
mode off), stability in low and
medium grip conditions has priority,
while with SPORT mode active, the
system favors traction, thereby
optimizing vehicle performance on dry
asphalt.
The ASR system is automatically
activated every time the engine is
started and can be deactivated by
pressing
(ESC Off) button (see
"Drive Mode" in this section).
ASR System Failure
In the event of a fault, the system is
automatically disabled and cannot be
re-activated. While driving, this
condition is signaled by the
amber
warning light on the instrument
cluster display, which illuminates
together with the message “ASR
unavailable go to dealer”. Also the
(ESC On) amber warning light
illuminates inside the tachometer with
the message indicating that the ESC
system is unavailable. In this case drive
with the greatest care and have the
system immediately checked by the
nearestAuthorized Maserati Dealer.MSR Function
The ASR system also controls the
engine braking torque when the
accelerator pedal is released under
low grip conditions (e.g., snow, ice,
etc.): in these conditions, the high
braking torque provided by the
engine may cause instability of the
vehicle.
The system, using the same sensors as
the ABS, detects skidding of one or
both driving wheels when the
accelerator is released and opens the
motor-driven throttle of the engine
fuel system thereby reducing the
braking torque and re-establishing the
maximum grip conditions for the
driving wheels.
WARNING!
The maximum deceleration that can
be obtained with the engine brake
always depends on the tire grip on
the road surface. Snow or ice
obviously reduce grip values.
WARNING!
California Proposition 65
Operating, servicing and maintaining
a passenger vehicle or off-road vehiclecan expose you to chemicals including
such as, engine exhaust, carbon
monoxide, phthalates and lead, that
which are know to the State of
California to cause cancer and birth
defects or other reproductive harm. To
minimize exposure, avoid breathing
exhaust, do not idle the engine except
as necessary, service your vehicle in a
well-ventilated area and wear gloves
or wash your hands frequently when
servicing your vehicle. For more
information go to:
www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/passenger-
vehicle
Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)
and Electronic Brake-force
Distribution (EBD)
The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
provides increased vehicle stability and
brake performance under most
braking conditions. The system
automatically “pumps” the brakes
during severe braking to prevent
wheel lock-up.
The Electronic Brake-force Distribution
(EBD) prevents the rear wheels from
over-braking and provides greater
control of available braking forces
applied to the rear axle.
Driving
5
179
WARNING!
The ABS helps prevent the wheels
from locking, but it does not increase
the physical grip limits between the
tires and the road. Therefore, always
keep a safe distance from the vehicle
in front of yours and reduce your
speed when entering a curve.
NOTE:
•When the vehicle's speed is higher
than 7 mph (11 km/h), you may also
hear a slight clicking sound as well as
other motor noises. The system is
performing a self-check cycle to
ensure that the ABS is working
properly.
•This self-check occurs each time the
vehicle is started and accelerated
past 7 mph (11 km/h).
ABS is activated during braking under
certain road or stopping conditions.
ABS-inducing conditions can include
ice, snow, gravel, bumps, railroad
tracks, loose debris.
You may also experience the following
when the brake system goes into Anti-
Lock:• The ABS motor running (it may
continue to run for a short time after
the vehicle stops).
• The clicking sound of solenoid valves.
• Brake pedal pulsations.
• A slight drop or fall away of the
brake pedal at the end of the stop.
These are all normal characteristics of
ABS functioning.WARNING!
•The ABS contains sophisticated
electronic equipment that may be
susceptible to interference caused by
improperly-installed or high-output
radio transmitting equipment. This
interference can cause possible loss
of anti-lock braking capability.
Installation of such equipment
should be performed by qualified
Maserati personnel.
•Pumping the Anti-Lock Brakes will
diminish their effectiveness and may
lead to a collision. Pumping brakes
makes the stopping distance longer.
Just press firmly and continuously on
your brake pedal when you need to
slow down or stop
ABS and EBD System Failure
In the event of a failure the ABS
system will be deactivated, but this will
not affect the efficiency of the
standard braking system.
The failure will be indicated by the
illumination of the
amber warning
light on the instrument cluster.
An EBD system failure is indicated by
the illumination of the
red
warning light on the instrument
cluster.
In this case we recommend that you
contact the nearestAuthorized
Maserati Dealerin order to identify
the fault as soon as possible, by means
of the system self-diagnostic function.
WARNING!
•The
failure warning light usually
illuminates with the engine running
to indicate a malfunction in the ABS
system only. In this case, the braking
system will remain fully functioning,
but will not use the ABS. In these
conditions, also the EBD system
efficiency may be affected. Drive
with the greatest care in order to
avoid sudden braking and have the
system immediately checked by the
Driving
5
180