STARTING AND OPERATING
124
REFUELING PROCEDURE
The fuel filler door is unlocked when the central
door locking system is unlocked. It is automat-
ically locked when the central locking system is
applied.
Opening The Fuel Filler Door
To refuel proceed as follows:
1. Open fuel filler door by pushing on the point shown by the arrow.
Fuel Door
2. Remove the fuel filler cap.
3. Insert the fuel nozzle fully into the filler pipe.
4. When the fuel nozzle “clicks” or shuts off, before removing the nozzle, wait for at least
10 seconds in order for the fuel to flow inside
the tank. 5. Remove the fuel filler nozzle, tighten the gas
cap about a quarter turn until you hear one
click. This is an indication that the cap is
properly tightened.
The label indicates the fuel type (UNLEADED
FUEL = gasoline).
Fuel Door Label
Emergency Fuel Door Opening
In the event of an emergency, the fuel filler door
can be opened from inside the trunk.
Proceed as follows:
1. Open the trunk and locate the emergency fuel filler release cap on the inside lining. Fuel Door Release Cap
2. Open the cap, and pull the cord inside to unlock the fuel filler door.
3. Open the fuel filler door by pushing on it (see the previous instructions).
NOTE:
If the filler compartment is washed with a pres -
sure washer, keep it at a distance of at least
8 inches (20 cm).
WARNING!
Never have any smoking materials lit in or
near the vehicle when the fuel door is open
or the tank is being filled.
Never add fuel when the engine is running.
This is in violation of most state and federal
fire regulations and may cause the MIL to
turn on.
A fire may result if gasoline is pumped into a
portable container that is inside of a vehicle.
You could be burned. Always place gas
containers on the ground while filling.
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STARTING AND OPERATING
126
SUGGESTIONS FOR
DRIVING
SAVING FUEL
The following are some suggestions which may
help you save fuel and lower the amount of
harmful emissions released into the atmosphere.
Vehicle Maintenance
Checks and operations should be carried out in
accordance with the Maintenance Plan
Ú
page 182.
Tires
Check the tire pressures at least once every four
weeks: if the pressure is too low, consumption
levels increase as resistance to rolling is higher.
Unnecessary Loads
Do not travel with an overloaded trunk. The
weight of the vehicle and its arrangement greatly
affect fuel consumption and stability.
Electric Devices
Use electrical systems only for the amount of
time needed. The rear window defroster,
additional headlights, windshield wipers and
heater blower fan require a considerable amount
of energy; increasing the current uptake
increases fuel consumption (by up to +25% when
city driving).
Climate Control System
Using the climate control system will increase
consumption: use standard ventilation when the
temperature outside permits. Devices for Aerodynamic Control
The use of non-certified devices for aerodynamic
control may adversely affect air drag and
consumption levels.
DRIVING STYLE
Starting
Do not warm up the engine at low or high revs
when the vehicle is stationary; this causes the
engine to warm up more slowly, thereby
increasing fuel consumption and emissions. It is
therefore advisable to drive off immediately,
slowly, avoiding high speeds: by doing this the
engine will warm up more quickly.
Unnecessary Actions
Avoid revving up when starting at traffic lights or
before stopping the engine. This action is
unnecessary and causes increased fuel
consumption and pollution.
Gear Selection
Use a high gear when traffic and road conditions
allow it. Using a low gear for faster acceleration
will increase fuel consumption. Improper use of a
high gear increases consumption, emissions and
engine wear.
Maximum Speed
Fuel consumption considerably increases as
speed increases. Maintain a constant speed,
avoiding unnecessary braking and acceleration,
which cost in terms of both fuel consumption and
emissions.
Acceleration
Accelerating violently severely affects consumption
and emissions: acceleration should be gradual and
should not exceed the maximum torque.
CONDITIONS OF USE
Cold Starting
Short trips and frequent cold starts will not allow
the engine to reach optimum operating
temperature. This results in a significant increase
in consumption levels (from +15 to +30% in city
driving) and emissions.
Traffic And Road Conditions
High fuel consumption is caused by heavy traffic,
for instance when traveling in traffic with
frequent use of low gears or in cities with many
traffic lights. Winding mountain roads and rough
road surfaces also adversely affect consumption.
Stops In Traffic
During prolonged stops (e.g. railway crossings),
turn off the engine.
TRANSPORTING PASSENGERS
WARNING!
It is extremely dangerous to leave children in
a parked vehicle when the temperature
outside is very high. The heat inside the
passenger compartment may have serious,
or even fatal, consequences.
Never travel in the trunk of the vehicle. In the
event of an accident, anyone inside the trunk
would be at greater risk of serious or even
fatal injury.
Ensure that all the occupants of the vehicle
wear their seat belts correctly and that any
children are positioned correctly on the
dedicated child restraint systems.
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127
TRANSPORTING ANIMALS
The intervention of the airbags may be dangerous
for an animal on the front seat. It is therefore
advised to arrange animals on the rear seat
inside dedicated cages restrained by the
vehicle’s seat belts.
Keep in mind that, in the event of a sudden
braking or an accident, an inadequately
restrained animal may be projected within the
passenger compartment, risking injury to the
animal itself and the other occupants of the
vehicle.
EXHAUST GAS
Exhaust emissions are very dangerous, and may
be lethal. They contain carbon monoxide, a
colorless, odorless gas which can cause fainting
and poisoning if inhaled.
To avoid inhaling carbon monoxide, take the
following measures:
Do not keep the engine running in closed
spaces.
If, for some reason (e.g. transporting bulky
loads), it is necessary to drive with the trunk
open, close all the windows and run the
climate control fan at maximum speed. DO
NOT activate air recirculation mode.
Should it be necessary to stay in the stationary
vehicle with engine running, adjust the
ventilation/heating system and operate the
fan in such a way that outside air will enter the
passenger compartment. Activate the
maximum fan speed.Maintenance of the exhaust system provides the
best protection against leaks of carbon monoxide
into the passenger compartment.
Should an unusual noise from the exhaust
system or the presence of exhaust gas in the
passenger compartment be identified, or if the
underbody or rear section of the vehicle is
damaged, have the entire exhaust system and
bodywork areas checked to identify any
components which are broken, damaged, worn or
have moved from their correct fitting position. If
any of these things occur, contact an authorized
dealer.
Open welding or loose connections may permit
exhaust gas to enter the passenger
compartment.
Check the exhaust system each time the vehicle
is raised for lubrication or oil change operations.
Replace the components if necessary, contact an
authorized dealer.
PERFORMANCE — QUADRIFOGLIO
This vehicle is equipped with an engine capable
of delivering exceptionally fast acceleration and
speed:
Peak power: 505 HP at 6500 RPM.
Peak torque: 443 ft-lb at 2500–5000 RPM.
Top speed: 191 mph (307 km/h).
Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph (0 to 100 km/h):
3.8 seconds.
For safe driving, it is essential, particularly during
the first days of use, to get to know the car by
driving carefully and gradually discovering its
performance. Brakes
The car braking system may be available with four
carbon-ceramic material brake discs, one on
each wheel.
In order to guarantee the maximum braking
capacity for the first use, Alfa Romeo performs a
“run-in” procedure for discs and pads directly at
the factory.
The use of carbon-ceramic material brake discs
guarantees braking features (better
deceleration/pedal load ratio, braking distances,
fading resistance) proportional to the dynamic
features of the car in addition to considerably
decreasing the unsprung component weight.
The materials used and the structural features of
the system could generate unusual noises which
have absolutely no adverse effect on correct
operation and reliability of the braking system.
Greater pressure may need to be applied to the
brake pedal the first time to keep the same
braking capacities in presence of condensation
or salt on the braking surfaces, for example after
washing or if the car is not used for a long time.
NOTE:
Given the high technological level of this system,
any servicing on it must be performed by an
authorized dealer which exclusively has the skills
needed for the repair and maintenance opera
-
tions.
In case of intensive, high-performance use of the
car, have the efficiency of the carbon-ceramic
material braking system inspected as shown on
the Maintenance Plan at an authorized dealer.
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128
Driving On Race Tracks
Before driving on a track using a racing style, it is
necessary to:
Attend a race track driving course.
Check all liquid levels in the engine
compartment.
Have the car inspected at an authorized
dealer.
Remember that the car was not designed to be
driven exclusively on the race track and that this
use increases stress and component wear.
NOTE:
Quadrifoglio front brakes are equipped with NAO
type pads (Non-Asbestos Organic). These pads
are NOT suitable for high thermal loads (for
example track use). If you want to use vehicle on
a track it is recommended to use the optional
CCM Brakes (Carbon Ceramic Brake disc). Preheating The Carbon Ceramic Material Brake
Discs (If Equipped)
The brake discs must be warmed up to make
them fully efficient. You are advised to perform
the following procedure to achieve optimal
efficiency:
Brake nine times from 80 mph to 18 mph
(130 km/h to 30 km/h) with deceleration
equal to 0.7g (the longitudinal acceleration
value is shown on the instrument panel display
by setting RACE mode and selecting the
“Performance” page) with 20 second intervals
between brake applications; keep the car at a
speed comprised between 37 mph and
62 mph (60 km/h and 100 km/h) and do not
brake for 4 minutes to allow the brakes to cool
down.
Brake three times from 124 mph to 18 mph
(200 km/h to 30 km/h) with deceleration
equal to 1.1g (ABS operation) with 30 second
intervals between brake applications; keep the
car at a speed comprised between 37 mph
and 62 mph (60 km/h and 100 km/h) and do not brake for 5 minutes to allow the brakes to
cool down.
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SAFETY
130
DYNAMIC STEERING TORQUE (DST)
DST uses the integration of the Electronic
Stability Control (ESC) system with the electric
power steering to increase the safety level of the
whole vehicle.
In critical situations (braking on surfaces with
different grip conditions), the ESC system
controls the steering through the DST function to
implement an additional torque contribution on
the steering wheel in order to suggest the most
correct maneuver to the driver.
The coordinated action of the brakes and
steering increases the sensation of safety and
control of the vehicle.
NOTE:
The DST feature is only meant to help the driver
realize the correct course of action through small
torques on the steering wheel, which means the
effectiveness of the DST feature is highly depen-
dent on the driver’s sensitivity and overall reac -
tion to the applied torque. It is very important to
realize that this feature will not steer the vehicle,
meaning the driver is still responsible for steering
the vehicle.
DRIVE TRAIN CONTROL (DTC) SYSTEM —
I
F EQUIPPED
Some models of this vehicle are equipped with an
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, which offers an
optimal drive for countless driving conditions and
road surfaces. The system reduces the slipping of
the tires to a minimum, automatically
redistributing the torque to the front and rear
wheels as needed. To maximize fuel savings, the vehicle with AWD
automatically passes to Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD)
when the road and environmental conditions are
such that they wouldn't cause the tires to slip.
When the road and environmental conditions
require better traction, the vehicle automatically
goes to AWD mode.
NOTE:
If the system failure symbol switches on, after
starting the engine or while driving, it means that
the AWD system is not working properly. If the
warning message activates frequently, it is
recommended to carry out the maintenance
operations.
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
The ESC system improves the directional control
and stability of the vehicle in various driving
conditions.
The ESC system corrects the vehicle’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 vehicle.
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 uses sensors installed on the
vehicle to determine the path that the driver
intends to follow and compares it with the
vehicle’s effective path. When the real path
deviates from the desired path, the ESC system
intervenes to counteract the above conditions. System Intervention
The intervention of the system is indicated by the
flashing of the ESC Warning Light on the
instrument panel, to inform the driver that the
vehicle stability and grip are critical.
WARNING!
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) cannot
prevent the natural laws of physics from
acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase the
traction afforded by prevailing road
conditions. ESC cannot prevent accidents,
including those resulting from excessive
speed in turns, driving on very slippery
surfaces, or hydroplaning. ESC also cannot
prevent accidents resulting from loss of
vehicle control due to inappropriate driver
input for the conditions. Only a safe, attentive,
and skillful driver can prevent accidents. The
capabilities of an ESC equipped vehicle must
never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous
manner which could jeopardize the user’s
safety or the safety of others.
Vehicle modifications, or failure to properly
maintain your vehicle, may change the
handling characteristics of your vehicle, and
may negatively affect the performance of the
ESC system. Changes to the steering system,
suspension, braking system, tire type and
size or wheel size may adversely affect ESC
performance. Improperly inflated and
unevenly worn tires may also degrade ESC
performance. Any vehicle modification or
poor vehicle maintenance that reduces the
effectiveness of the ESC system can
increase the risk of loss of vehicle control,
vehicle rollover, personal injury and death.
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131
HILL START ASSIST (HSA)
This is an integral part of the ESC system and
facilitates starting on slopes, activating automat-
ically in the following cases:
Uphill: vehicle stationary on a road with a
gradient higher than 5%, engine running,
brake pressed and transmission in NEUTRAL
(N) or gear other than REVERSE (R) engaged.
Downhill: vehicle stationary on a road with a
gradient higher than 5%, engine running,
brake pressed and REVERSE gear engaged.
When starting to move forward from a complete
stop, 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 two seconds, allowing
your right foot to be moved easily from the brake
pedal to the accelerator.
The system will automatically deactivate after two
seconds without starting, gradually releasing the
braking pressure. During this release stage, it is
possible to hear a typical mechanical brake
release noise, indicating the imminent movement
of the vehicle.
PANIC BRAKE ASSIST (PBA)
The PBA system is designed to improve the
vehicle’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 PBA system therefore
complements the ABS.
Maximum assistance from the PBA system is
obtained by 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 PBA system is deactivated when the brake
pedal is released.
TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM (TCS)
The TCS automatically operates in the event of
slipping, loss of grip on wet roads (hydroplaning),
and acceleration on one or both drive wheels on
roads that are slippery, snowy, icy, etc. Depending
on the slipping conditions, two different control
systems are activated:
If the slipping involves both drive wheels, the
system intervenes, reducing the power
transmitted by the engine.
If the slipping only involves one of the drive
wheels, the Brake Limited Differential (BLD)
function is activated, automatically braking the
wheel which is slipping (the behavior of a
self-locking differential is simulated). This will
increase the engine torque transferred to the
wheel which isn't slipping.
WARNING!
There may be situations where the Hill Start
Assist (HSA) will not activate and slight rolling
may occur, such as on minor hills or with a
loaded vehicle, or while pulling a trailer. HSA is
not a substitute for active driving involvement.
It is always the driver’s responsibility to be
attentive to distance to other vehicles, people,
and objects, and most importantly brake
operation to ensure safe operation of the
vehicle under all road conditions. Your
complete attention is always required while
driving to maintain safe control of your vehicle.
Failure to follow these warnings can result in a
collision or serious personal injury. WARNING!
The Panic Brake Assist (PBA) cannot prevent
the natural laws of physics from acting on the
vehicle, nor can it increase the traction
afforded by prevailing road conditions. PBA
cannot prevent collisions, including those
resulting from excessive speed in turns, driv -
ing on very slippery surfaces, or hydroplaning.
The capabilities of a PBA-equipped vehicle
must never be exploited in a reckless or dan -
gerous manner, which could jeopardize the
user's safety or the safety of others.
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SAFETY
132
System Intervention
The intervention of the system is indicated by the
flashing of the ESC Warning Light on the
instrument panel, to inform the driver that the
vehicle stability and grip are critical.
AUXILIARY DRIVING
SYSTEMS
The following auxiliary driving systems are
available in this vehicle:
Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
Driver Attention Assist (DAA)
The vehicle may also be fitted with the following
driving assistance systems:
Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM)
Active Blind Spot Assist (ABSA)
Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
Lane Keeping Assist (LKA)
Highway Assist System (HAS)
Traffic Jam Assist (TJA)
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
Intelligent Speed Control (ISC)
Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR)
For the operation of the LDW, LKA, HAS, TJA, ACC,
ISC, or TSR systems, see
Ú
page 81.
NOTE:
When driving on two-way roads where there is no
lane dividing center line (e.g. on unpaved roads),
the use of the Active Blind Spot Assist (ABSA), HAS, TJA, and LKA systems is strongly discour
-
aged as the system could detect the entire road
as single-lane dividing lines.
NOTE:
The driving assistance systems are designed to
aid in driving the car. The driver must always
maintain a sufficient level of attention to the
traffic and road conditions and control the trajec -
tory of the car.
BLIND SPOT MONITORING (BSM)
S
YSTEM — IF EQUIPPED
The BSM system uses two radar sensors, located
in the rear fascia/bumper (one on each side), to
detect the presence of other vehicles in the rear
side blind spots of your vehicle.
Rear Sensor Location
The system warns the driver about the presence
of other vehicles in the detection area by illumi -
nating the BSM Warning Light located within the
door mirror on the side in which the other vehicle
was detected. If equipped, an audible chime will
also be heard to alert the driver (if option is
selected within the radio system). BSM Indicator Light
When the engine is started, the warning light
illuminates briefly to signal the driver that the
system is active.
Sensors
The sensors are activated when any forward gear
is engaged at a speed higher than approximately
6 mph (10 km/h). The sensors are temporarily deactivated when
the vehicle is stationary or the vehicle is in PARK.
The detection area of the system covers approxi -
mately one lane on both sides of the vehicle.
This area begins from the door mirror and
extends for approximately 19 ft (6 m) towards the
rear part of the vehicle.
When the sensors are active, the system
monitors the detection areas on both sides of the
vehicle and warns the driver about the possible
presence of vehicles in these areas.
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SAFETY
134
(Continued)
“Blind Spot Alert” Function Deactivation
When the system is deactivated (“Blind Spot
Alert” mode off), the BSM or RCP systems will not
emit an audible or a visual warning.
The BSM system will store the operating mode
that was active when the engine was stopped.
Each time the engine is started, the operating
mode stored previously will be recalled and used.
ACTIVE BLIND SPOT ASSIST (ABSA)
S
YSTEM — IF EQUIPPED
The Active Blind Spot Assist (ABSA) system
function is to help avoid/limit lateral collisions
with cars located in the blind spot zones, even
changing the vehicle’s trajectory in order to keep
it in the detected lane.
The system warns the driver about the presence
of other vehicles in the detection area by illumi -
nating the warning light located within the door
mirror on the side in which the other vehicle was
detected. The system will also provide an
acoustic signal and/or vibration on the steering
wheel and/or counter-steering torque on the
steering wheel (if the respective item on the
“Driver Assistance” menu is set up and “Safety”
is selected on the radio system).
When the engine is started, the warning light
illuminates briefly to signal the driver that the
system is active (the warning light comes on even
if the system is activated through the radio
system menu). ABSA Indicator Light
Sensors
The system uses two radar sensors, located in
the rear fascia/bumper (one for each side) to
detect the presence of vehicles (cars, trucks,
motorbikes, etc.) in the rear side blind spots of
the car.
The sensors are activated when any forward gear
is engaged at a speed higher than about 6 mph
(10 km/h), or when REVERSE (R) is engaged.
The sensors are temporarily deactivated when
the car is stationary and in PARK (P).
The detection area of the system covers about a
lane on both sides of the car around 10 ft (3 m).
This area begins from the door mirror and
extends for about 20 ft (6 m) towards the rear
part of the car.
When the sensors are active the system monitors
the detection areas on both sides of the car and
warns the driver about the possible presence of
cars in these areas.
WARNING!
The accident risk persists despite the
application of torque to the steering wheel by
the ABSA system.
Applying a torque that corrects the steering
wheel alignment does not always prevent an
accident. It is always the driver's responsi
-
bility to steer, brake or accelerate, especially
after the ABSA system warning or after the
steering wheel torque intervention. The
driver is responsible for ensuring that there
are no pedestrians, other vehicles or objects
along the direction of the vehicle. Failure to
comply with these precautions may cause
serious accidents and injuries. The driver is
fully responsible for holding a safe distance
from the vehicle ahead respecting the
highway code in force in the respective
country.
In some cases, the system could apply an
improper torque to the steering wheel. This
application can be interrupted at anytime
turning the steering wheel in the opposite
direction.
WARNING!
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