FACTfile - The new Alfa Romeo 156 JTS - Page 4

The Alfa Romeo Selespeed Gearbox

Following its success on the Alfa 156 and Sportwagon and then on the Alfa 147 2.0 Twin Spark, the Selespeed gearbox is again playing a significant role in the new range, especially in Australia where it accounts for up to 80 per cent of sales. The system operating functionality has, however, been improved - particularly when the device is used in 'CITY' mode. On this setting, the driver can now change a gear, to perform an overtaking manoeuvre, for example, without coming out of City mode.

The Selespeed unit fitted to the New Alfa 156 is therefore even more sophisticated and offers customers the possibility of discovering an easy, sporting, convenient and safe way of driving in all situations. Easy, because the gearbox, with its robotised gear shift and clutch control, can be manoeuvred using two paddles behind the steering wheel or a sequential gear stick control on the tunnel between the seats.

Sporting, because it allows fast, accurate gear changes for improved performance. Convenient, because it is less tiring than a conventional gearbox. The system lacks a clutch pedal and gears are easy to engage: there is no risk of grinding gears or slipping the clutch and the engine never stalls accidentally. The transmission also ensures smooth shifts and gradual torque delivery to the wheels. And of course the Selespeed converts into a relaxing automatic transmission that is ideal around town when in CITY mode.

The Selespeed is also very safe. It boasts an array of features designed to prevent the driver from making incorrect commands. It also allows the driver to maintain full control of the wheel even during gear changes when the driver does not have to take a hand away from the steering wheel to reach the gear stick. Without a clutch pedal, the driver is also more firmly anchored in the seat on corners because he can brace himself with his free leg.

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More Safety

VDC, EBA, MSR and 6 Airbags

The new Alfa Romeo 156 employs the most sophisticated devices currently on the market allow maximum protection for driver and passengers. On the active safety front, the New Alfa 156 offers: VDC with Emergency Brake Assist for total control of car dynamic stability under all conditions. As far as passive safety is concerned, the array of features is complemented by front airbags, front sidebags and window-bags.

VDC with Brake Assist
To ensure absolute mastery of the car under all conditions, however extreme, the entire New Alfa 156 range is fitted as standard with VDC (Vehicle Dynamic Control) with an emergency brake assist device (EBA). This innovative device cuts in under extreme conditions when car stability is at risk and also helps the driver control the car. As befits a true Alfa, the VDC is a sporting device that allows outstanding roadholding. It allows the driver to experience the full pleasure of controlling the car as long as conditions are normal and only cuts in when the situation is just about to become critical. The VDC is permanently engaged.

The MSR (Motor Speed Regulator) cuts in when the gear is shifted down abruptly under conditions of low grip. This device restores torque to the engine to prevent the wheel skidding as a result of lock. To achieve this result, the VDC continually monitors tyre grip in both longitudinal and lateral directions. If the car skids, it cuts in to restore directionality and ride stability. It uses sensors to detect rotation of the car body about its vertical axis (yaw speed), car lateral acceleration and the steering wheel angle set by the driver (which indicates the chosen direction). It then goes on to compare these data with parameters generated by a computer and establishes - via a complex mathematical model - whether the car is cornering within its grip limits or if the front or rear is about to skid (understeer or oversteer).

To restore the correct trajectory, it then generates a yawing movement in the opposite direction to the movement that gave rise to the instability by braking the appropriate wheel (any of the four wheels) individually and reducing engine power via the throttle. This is the key attribute of the device designed by Alfa Romeo engineers. It acts in a modulated fashion on the brakes to ensure the action is as smooth as possible and the drive is not therefore disturbed. The engine power reduction is contained to ensure outstanding performance and great driving satisfaction at all times.

As it carries out its complex task, the VDC stays in constant communication with the brake sensors and engine control unit but also with:

1. The Body computer that constantly exchanges information with the ABS, engine management unit and automatic transmission unit;
2. The electronic throttle (that communicates with the ABS in turn);
3. The control panel (active warning lights);
   The steering wheel and steering column (via the steering sensor);
4. A gyroscopic sensor installed on the passenger compartment floor to record car yaw and lateral acceleration.

The VDC fitted to the New Alfa 156 also comes with an emergency brake assist device. The function is carried out electronically by the ABS control unit and is referred to as EBA (Emergency Brake Assistance). In panic braking situations, most drivers recognise a situation of danger and press the brake pedal very quickly. But not, however, with sufficient force. This is because people, unless they are professional drivers, are used to applying a certain load to the brake pedal. Because people tend to switch to autopilot mode when they carry out repetitive actions, the same level of force tends to be applied in all circumstances. On the new Alfa 156, however, the Brake Assist device cuts in at this point. Although the pressure on the pedal is unchanged, the car is decelerated by the same amount as it would be if it were braked with all the necessary force. The figures: If an average load of 9 Kg is applied to the brake pedal, the HBA reduces the stopping distance by 35%.

And there is more. Panic brake assist devices can even help experienced drivers who brake quickly and apply the correct amount of force in emergencies. This is because the system reduces braking attenuation time in all cases, i.e. the period between the time when pressure begins to be applied to the pedal and the moment when the circuit reaches maximum pressure and is able to offer maximum performance. This means that a vital tenth of a second is gained. At 100 km/h, this means nearly three metres (2.8) and more than three and a half metres (3.6) at 130 km/h.

Window-bags
These airbags are fitted as standard on all versions and drop down along the windows to safeguard the passengers' heads in the case of side impact. Compared to other solutions, the window-bags adopted on the New Alfa 156 are more protective (because they always take up the correct position), faster to inflate and less invasive for passengers.

They open from top to bottom and do not involve a risk of secondary damage to occupants' arms. They also effectively safeguard the heads of front and rear passengers because they extend along the entire width of the window and ensure protection even during rollover. Two bags (one on the right and the other on the left) are located under the roof rails where they are folded into a closed compartment. At the appropriate moment, the covering bends open to allow the bags to expand and drop downward.

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