The new Alfa Romeo Giulia
Quadrifoglio shown at the Frankfurt International Motor Show has adopted
distinctive technologies designed in conjunction with Magneti Marelli. The
Italian component major is making an important contribution, first and foremost
within the area of electronic systems: at the forefront is the CDC (Chassis
Domain Control) electronic control unit, the "brain" of the car, and
the new infotainment system equipped with an 8.8 "black panel" TFT
(Thin Film Transistor) display which integrates innovative "optical
bonding" technologies designed for perfect display readability.
The CDC is the electronic
control unit developed by Magneti Marelli that represents the "brain"
of the on-board electronics and optimises handling and performance. Specifically,
the CDC is a "supervisor" which adapts the car set-up dynamically and
in real-time, based on the data from inertial sensors that measure the
vertical, lateral and longitudinal accelerations and rotation. The system
anticipates and manages critical situations, informing in advance the specific
control units involved in the electronic system through the vehicle networks.
The CDC control unit increases
driving comfort and safety by predictively adopting control and management
protocols that coordinate the action of the Alfa DNA, of the Torque Vectoring
(the system that allows the rear differential to separately control the torque
for each wheel), of the Aero Splitter (the electro-mechanical system that
dynamically manages the downforce, which is the aerodynamic force that enables
car road grip, and of the Active Damping Control (adaptive electronic
suspensions), as well as the control of the stability, the chassis, the braking
system, the steering and the driving assistance.
Again in the context of
electronic systems, Magneti Marelli has developed for the Alfa Romeo Giulia
Quadrifoglio the multimedia infotainment system and the Connect 3D navigation
system with an 8.8" total black "TFT display". The system uses
Genivi open source technology and responds to automotive performance and
robustness criteria. Based on Linux language, it integrates the connection with
the electronic control network of the car. Aiming at the objective of the
"connected car", the Alfa Romeo Giulia infotainment system offers a
sophisticated set of features and functionalities including the features of
media player, navigation system and the management of vehicle parameters. The
heart of the system is a latest-generation HMI (Human-Machine Interface)
developed with HTML5 programming language where management of the system
primarily takes place via the Rotary Pad and through the 8.8" TFT display
on the car dashboard.
Navigation is characterised by
high-resolution maps with 3D and high-speed elements for the calculation of
routes and by Dead Reckoning technology that even follows the route in areas
not covered by a GPS signal. The 8.8" TFT display also shows the vehicle
settings, the diagnostics, the parking assistant control, highlighting the type
of set-up associated with the Alfa DNA, and interaction with the CAN network
for the collection and exchange of data.
Moreover the display is fully
integrated within the design of the dashboard, thanks to the innovative optical
construction of the clear black plastic mask that is coupled with the TFT
display through a process of "optical bonding". This procedure
consists of a peculiar bonding of two surfaces which, allowing more effective
filtering of the light, results in increased brightness and readability of a
display. This technology thus provides a "total black" curve mask
that is aesthetically harmonised with the car dashboard. In practice, from the
user's perspective, the image of the display appears on the surface of the
dashboard with an excellent level of viewing and contrast.
With regard to lighting
systems, Magneti Marelli has collaborated with Alfa Romeo to produce the
headlamps and headlights of the Giulia, distinctive and characteristic design
elements of the car. The Giulia Quadrifoglio headlamps are made with Xenon
technology equipped with AFS (Adaptive Frontlight System) technology and with a
35W lighting module, a solution that increases the lighting capability by 200%
compared to standard halogen headlamps, thus ensuring greater safety when
driving. The LED technology is adopted for position lights, DRL (Daytime
Running Light), cornering lights and for the indicators. The LED rear tail
lights, a synthesis of stylistic and technological excellence, identify the
rear of the car uniquely and distinctively, further enhancing the straight and
dynamic line of the car.
There are also many
technologies in the other powertrain areas. The 510 hp 6-cylinder petrol 3.0
engine with twin turbo-charger in fact has a motorised throttle and intake
manifold manufactured by Magneti Marelli. Magneti Marelli also produced the
components of the front and rear suspensions, the exhaust system, the pedal
board and the plastic parts.
Source: Magneti Marelli