Driving pleasure

• The VDC is Alfa Romeo’s version of the ESP (Electronic Stability Program), a device that helps the driver maintain control of his car in difficulat conditions. In the event of sudden downshifting on poor grip surfaces, the MSR (Motor Schleppmoment Regelung) provides extra torque to the engine so as to prevent skidding due to wheel locking. The VDC checks tyre grip continuously both longitudinally and transversely; if the car swerves off its intended trajectory (understeer or oversteer), the VDC takes action to restore vehicle stability.
  Its action on the brakes is modulated to be as soft as possible and engine power is reduced to a limited extent so as not to detract from the driving experience.
  The VDC performs its task while remaining in constant communication with the following devices:

  
  
  • the brake sensors
  • the engine ECU
  • the ‘Body computer’ which constantly exchanges information with the ABS, the engine ECU and the automatic gearbox ECU
  • the electronic throttle
  • the onboard panel
  • the steering wheel and column
  • the gyroscope mounted on the vehicle floor which monitors vehicle yaw and sideways accelerations
  
  Hill-holder
  When the brake pedal is released for a hill start, the ‘hill-holder’ system maintains pressure in the braking circuit for a few seconds to keep the car stationery, making it easier for the driver to move off, and preventing the car from rolling dangerously backwards.

  VDC (Vehicle Dynamic Control)

  An integral part of the VDC is the ASR (Anti Slip Regulation) system, that optimises traction at any speed, with the aid of the brakes and the engine control unit.
  The device evaluates wheel slip severity and activates two different control systems to restore wheel grip. If both drive wheels begin to spin due an excessive power demand, it reduces engine torque. If a single wheel slips the ASR applies braking force to that particular wheel without the driver pressing down on the brake pedal. The resulting effect is similar to that of a self-locking differential. ASR turns itself on automatically whenever the engine is started, but it can be turned off by pressing a button on the central console. The ASR must be deactivated only when you are using snow chains: to transmit the torque to the ground, in fact, the wheels must be able to ‘pile up’ the snow through the spinning action that the ASR is designed to prevent.

  ASR (Anti Slip Regulation)

  In the event of sudden downshifting in poor grip conditions, the MSR (Motor Schleppmoment Regelung) returns torque to the engine, thus preventing the skidding effect associated with wheel locking.

  MSR (Motor Schleppmoment Regelung)

  In an emergency situation, it is not always possible to apply adequate pressure on the brake pedal to stop the car. The HBA (Hydraulic Brake Assist) system automatically increases the pressure in the braking circuit during emergency braking, allowing the car to stop in the shortest possible distance.

  HBA (Hydraulic Brake Assist)