3 – Understanding the Vehicle
Interior Components..................................... 70
Front Seats............................................ 74
Comfort Pack Front Seats.................................. 76
Rear Seats............................................. 78
Steering Wheel Adjustment................................ 79
Rearview Mirrors........................................ 80
Lights................................................ 82
Windshield Wipers and Washers............................ 89
Soft Top............................................... 92
Windstop (optional)..................................... 100
Interior Features....................................... 102
Cargo Area........................................... 107
HomeLink (for versions/markets, where provided).............. 108
Air Conditioning Distribution............................. 112
Sport Skyhook Suspension
(for versions/markets, where provided)..................... 114
69
Sport Skyhook Suspension
(for versions/markets,
where provided)
The electronic system controlling the
vehicle suspension uses the
sophisticated on board sensors and is
aimed at optimizing vehicle
performance.
The system is capable of constantly
monitoring suspension damping by
means of the actuator fitted on each
shock absorber (Skyhook type). This
way, the shock absorber setting is
suited to the road surface conditions
and vehicle dynamics, thus improving
passenger comfort and road-holding.
By pressing button “SPORT” on the
central console the driver can choose,
even while driving, a normal or
dynamic-type setting for the
suspension, depending on their own
driving style.This way, the system operates with a
shock absorber “softer” setting in
NORMAL drive mode, and a “harder”
setting if SPORT drive mode is selected
(see “Drive Mode” in section
“Driving”).
The strategy used by the system
controlling suspension damping is
aimed at reducing the vertical
oscillations of the vehicle (rolling and
pitching) to a minimum.
The activation of SPORT drive mode
sets the suspension for sports-style
driving and acts on the ASR and
gearbox systems as well, modifying
their setting for dynamic-style driving.
System Components
The system is controlled by an ECU
which manages the solenoid valves on
each shock absorber in response to the
sensor signals, thus adjusting
suspension damping and setting.The sensors which enable the ECU to
calculate the vehicle speed, vertical
and side acceleration, as well as the
instantaneous braking system pressure,
thereby controlling suspension
damping, are the following:
• front left-hand vertical acceleration
sensor;
• front right-hand vertical acceleration
sensor;
• rear vertical acceleration sensor;
• front left-hand wheel acceleration
sensor;
• front right-hand wheel acceleration
sensor;
• lateral acceleration sensor;
• driving speed sensor;
• brake pedal switch.
Self-diagnostics
Whenever the engine is started, the
system performs a self-diagnostic cycle.
If a malfunction is found, the
amber
warning light is displayed
accompanied by the message “Check
suspensions” (see paragraph
"Malfunction Indicators" in this
chapter).
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Calibration Selection
The driver can select, in relation to
road surface conditions, vehicle speed,
driving style and comfort, one of the
two calibration levels provided by the
system: normal or sports-style.
•Normal calibration, active when
SPORT drive mode is disabled
("SPORT" button not pressed), favors
comfort and higher driving stability
with low and average grip
conditions.
•Sport-style calibration, active when
SPORT drive mode is enabled
("SPORT" button pressed) , favors
wheel drive and permits a
dynamic-style driving with optimal
road holding.
Whenever the engine is started, the
system automatically activates
NORMAL drive mode, even if SPORT
drive mode was selected before the
engine was last turned off.
The sport-style calibration can be
selected only with the key in the
ignition switch inMAR (ON)position
and it is enabled by pressing button
"SPORT", even while driving.
When SPORT drive mode is activated,
the word “SPORT” on the instrument
cluster display and the LED on the
button illuminate.WARNING!
SPORT drive mode should not be
activated if the road surface is rough
or slippery.
The electronic suspension control
system works in combination with the
ESC system.
When the suspension is set to normal
calibration, stability is increased under
medium and low grip conditions,
while when it is set to sport-style
calibration, the ESC system optimizes a
sportier driving.
WARNING!
In low- and medium-grip conditions
(e.g., rain, snow, ice, sand, etc.) it is
advisable not to use SPORT drive
mode, even with the ESC system
enabled.
Malfunction Indicators
If one or more electric components in
the system prove to be malfunctioning
while driving, the ECU illuminates the
amber warning light accompanied
by the message “Check suspensions”
on the display. In addition, the ECU
calibrates the shock absorbers to apreset value, thus ensuring a safe
vehicle set up.
Should the malfunction involve one
shock absorber only, this will no
longer be controlled by the ECU and
will therefore remain set as it was
when the fault occurred. It is
therefore possible for one of the four
shock absorbers to work with a fixed
calibration, different from that of the
other ones.
In any case, safe and secure vehicle
driving is always ensured at low
speeds.
CAUTION!
In the event of a malfunction in the
suspension control electronic system,
which will be indicated by the
illumination of the amber warning
light on the display while driving,
keep a moderate speed and have the
vehicle checked as soon as possible by
anAuthorized Maserati Dealer.
If a malfunction occurs while driving,
and this is signaled by the illumination
of the
amber warning light on the
display, it is advisable to stop the
vehicle as soon as possible, turn the
key in the ignition switch toSTOP
(OFF)position and then restart the
engine.
Understanding the Vehicle
3
115
If the malfunction is no longer present
and the
amber warning light on the
display does not illuminate again, the
electronic suspension system will
resume normal operation. On the
other hand, if the problem persists, the
amber warning light on the
instrument cluster display will turn on
again.
In both cases, the system must be
checked by theAuthorized Maserati
Dealer.
The fault found is memorized by the
ECU and can be diagnosed at an
Authorized Maserati Dealereven if it
has disappeared spontaneously.
Understanding the Vehicle
3
116
Adaptive Light Control System Failure
Warning Light
This warning light, and the
related message, indicate a
failure of the automatic
headlight aiming system.
Please contact anAuthorized Maserati
Dealerto check the system.
ASR System Failure Warning Light
This warning light indicates
the deactivation or failure of
the ASR system.
In the event of a failure,
contact anAuthorized Maserati
Dealer.
Rain Sensor Failure Warning Light
This warning light indicates
that the rain sensor of the
windshield wiper system is
faulty.
Please contact anAuthorized Maserati
Dealerto check the system.
Park Assist Sensor Failure Warning
Light
This warning light indicates
that the sensor of the park
assist system is faulty.
Please contact anAuthorized
Maserati Dealerto check the system.Suspensions Failure Warning Light
This warning light and the
related message turn on while
driving if there is a failure of
the suspension system.
Please contact anAuthorized Maserati
Dealerto check the system.
Ice Hazard Indicator
When the external
temperature falls below 3°C
(38°F), the temperature value
blinks for a few seconds, the
warning light turns on and a message
is displayed to warn the driver of the
risk of icy roadbed.
Under such conditions, we recommend
using the ICE drive mode (see
“Automatic Transmission” in section
“Driving”) drive carefully and slow
down as the grip of the tires may be
significantly reduced.
The warning light switches off when
the temperature reaches 6°C (43°F) or
higher.
EPB Automatic Operation Disabled
Warning Light
This warning light and related
message illuminate when the
EPB automatic activation/
deactivation function is
disabled.The failure could also completely or
partially block the vehicle because the
parking brake could remain on even
after it has been automatically or
manually disengaged though its
controls.
If it is still possible to use the vehicle
(parking brake not engaged) drive to
the nearestAuthorized Maserati
Dealerand remember to perform each
operation/command during which the
electric parking brake does not work.
Seat Heating Indicator
It indicates that the heating
function is activated on one or
more seats.
Maintenance Schedule Indicator
Depending on the
accompanying message, this
indicates that service schedule
deadlines are either
approaching or due.
Upon reaching a deadline, contact an
Authorized Maserati Dealer.
Cruise Control (CC) set indicator
This green light indicator will
illuminate when the CC is set.
For further information, check
“Electronic Cruise Control” in
section “Driving”.
Dashboard Instruments and Controls
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129
Drive Mode
Controls Preview
Drive modes can be set using the
buttons on central console, below the
A/C controls.
Buttons on the central console have
following functions:
• SPORT: to activate/deactivate a
sportier drive mode. In this mode,
the vehicle has a faster throttle
response and suspension/ESC sport
calibration (not recommended on
wet/slippery surfaces).
• ICE (low-grip): to activate/deactivate
the drive mode to ensure increased
control on slippery surfaces as well
as higher energy efficiency.
•
(ESC Off): to exclude/reactivate
the ESC system.• PARK OFF: to deactivate/reactivate
the automatic activation of the
Electric Parking Brake (EPB).
The active mode (in the example:
SPORT) is shown on the instrument
cluster display.
The drive mode can be selected only
with the key in the ignition switch in
MAR (ON)position, even while
driving. For each mode there are
various vehicle settings, that are
automatically set by the system in
relation to the traveling speed, engine
rpm, accelerator position, speed with
which the pedal is depressed as well as
the traveling conditions (uphill,
downhill, curves).
Use the Drive Mode Buttons
Drive modes can be set using the
buttons on central console.Buttons only have two statuses: OFF
and ON. The OFF status (button
released) is the standard function
mode. The ON status is activated by
pressing the button, the dedicated
LED on the button will illuminate.
Unlike the others, the
(ESC Off)
button must be pressed for at least 2
seconds. The SPORT and ICE (low-grip)
modes can be selected both when the
transmission is set to automatic
(AUTO) and to sequential manual
(MANUAL) operation.
NORMAL/SPORT Mode
SPORT mode is activated by pressing
the button "SPORT" on the central
console; the word “SPORT” will
illuminate on the instrument cluster
display.
To return to NORMAL mode from
SPORT mode, press the button again.
Whenever the engine is started, the
system automatically activates
NORMAL mode, even if SPORT mode
was selected before the engine was
last turned off.
NORMAL mode is intended specifically
for comfortable and fuel-economy
driving (low longitudinal and lateral
acceleration); the gears are shifted
with minimum rpm in lowest noise
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169
(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
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• 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
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