|  |  | On Board Technology | | | | | | |  | | On-board Instrumentation
Luminous and acoustic displays and indicators warn the driver in advance of any technical problems that might arise and provides information about the car's mechanical status. |
| | | | | | | | The on-board instrumentation on every Alfa Romeo is comprehensive and offers:
- DSTN type graphic multifunction display capable of displaying a range of information relating to the car's status; in the Selespeed version it displays the gear that is currently engaged.
- Analogue oil level indicator with bar diagram.
- RDS radio messages and navigator indications (pictograms) are shown on the multifunction display.
- Setup function on instrument panel.
- Twin Trip computer (total and partial) showing range, average fuel consumption, instantaneous fuel consumption, traveling time and average speed.
- Lights check (side lights, brake lights, indicators, fog lights, rear fog light, number plate light).
- Acoustic warning signal for hand-brake on with vehicle in motion.
- Acoustic warning signal for doors open with vehicle in motion.
- Acoustic warning signal in case of ice? Acoustic warning signal if maximum speed is exceeded.
Integrated Control System (ICS)
The Integrated Control System, an easy to use, functional, 5" color monitor mounted on the central console, lets the driver use different screens to manage the climate control system functions, trip computer, and car-radio. It can also be integrated with GSM, satellite navigator and hi-fi, with digital amplifier (DSP) and CD-changer. |
| | | | | | |  | | Audio and Hi-Fi
The fixed car radio, complete with CD player and parametric sound equalizer, was designed specifically to match a passenger cabin. The Bose Hi-Fi system was also designed for Alfa Romeo, giving the very best sound performance and auditorium-quality sound reproduction, throughout the passenger cabin. |
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| Comfort | | | | | | | |  | | Cruise Control
By simply using the special control lever near the steering wheel, this system automatically maintains the car's cruising speed. The driver can set the car's speed, which is maintained even if he takes his foot off the accelerator. The system can also store the speed reached, set a small and continuous increase or decrease in speed, and recall stored speeds. |
| | | | | | | | Anti-theft System
For increased protection against attempted theft, Alfa Romeo models are fitted with an electronic engine blocking system (Alfa Romeo CODE). This is activated automatically when the key is removed from the ignition, which contains an electronic radio-controlled device. The signal sent by this device is the "Password" to allow the engine to be switched on.
Intelligent Systems
Alfa Romeo's Intelligent devices make the car think for itself. These functions increase in-car comfort and let the driver concentrate on enjoying the drive. Our cars thinks of everything, above the thrill of driving it.
- Remote-controlling of windows and sun roof - cool down the passenger cabin before getting into the car, or close windows that have been left open.
- Selector Control - opens sun roof in several positions.
- Follow me home - a timer-controlled lighting function that lights up the path or doorway of the house when the driver gets out of the car.
- Automatic off - a few minutes after the engine is turned off, everything that might have been left on accidentally (e.g. lights, radio) is automatically turned off.
- Air Quality Sensor (AQS) - Automatic activation of air-recirculation, when polluted air is detected.
- Before opening the car door, you can still use the electronic controls for the windows and sun roof several minutes even after the engine is turned off.
- Rain sensor with sensitivity adjustment.
- Radio volume increases or decreases according to the speed of the car.
- When reversing, the rear wiper automatically comes on, if the windscreen wipers are on.
- Timer-controlled defrosting of the rear window, mirrors and windscreen washer nozzles, reduces electricity consumption and fuel consumption.
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| The Nervous System | | | | | | | | Achievement of a Multiplex System
Over the years, the electrical/electronic systems in cars have evolved to become safer, acquire greater control, offer more comfort, and meet the needs of a technologically mature market, with new standards coming into force.
To obtain a sturdy electrical system capable of handling new content, our engineering department has come up with an innovative control unit communication system similar to that of the Internet.
Multiplex Systems
The conventional solution - This solution uses a large number of interconnections between one control unit and another. The bigger the number of systems, the greater the number of connections that have to be established.
Multiplex solution - Besides making your car's electrical/electronic system simpler and more reliable, a multiplex system also makes it easier to measure other functions. The Multiplex system is simpler compared to a conventional system, due to the smaller number of interconnections required. The more systems there are, the more reason for a MUX (Multiplex) solution.
Operation - The MUX system functions similarly to an Internet site. Just as any user can enter the site and access all the contents, in the same way, everyone can access the control units, and can use the information coming from the other control units as well. The system's simplicity reduces the margin of error, a 1-bit error for every century of operation. Diagnosis
A car's diagnosis system is extremely important. The traditional electrical/electronic system enables a diagnosis by "portions", where the driver can check for possible problems, for only one control unit, at a time. The Multiplex System however, makes it possible to carry out both a diagnosis of each individual control unit, and also of the entire system. Different functions are activated, and the overall behavior of the car is analyzed.
Diagnosis is simply carried out using a PC with a PCMCIA card, and special windows software. |
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