Alfa Romeo Selespeed system
    Back to INDEX    
     
         
 

SYSTEM OPERATION - OVERVIEW OF OPERATION
  The Alfa Romeo 147 T. Spark engine, with electronically controlled manual transmission is called Selespeed. This system is applied to a traditional manual transmission, that has added an electronically controlled electro-hydraulic device that automatically manages the clutch and the gear engagement.

The gearbox can function in two different operating modes:
1. Semiautomatic (or manual), where the driver makes the direct request to change gear through the lever on the tunnel or by pressing the buttons on the steering wheel.
2. Automatic (or City), where it is the system that decides when to change gear (this mode can be selected with the specific button).
The clutch pedal has been eliminated and take-off is by means of a control lever with a "single stable central position" of the floating type that can be used to increase/decrease the gear ratio engaged and the engagement of reverse gear (R) and idling (N). There are also two buttons on the steering wheel spokes that can be used when the vehicle is moving to increase/decrease the gear engaged. At every activation by the turning of the key to MAR, the system always selects the semiautomatic mode (manual). If, when the "automatic" (City) mode is running, the driver requests a gear change, the system interprets this action as a request from the user to have direct control, and switches to "Semiautomatic" mode.
   
   

Steering wheel

  
  The information regarding the gear engaged is shown on the display in the car instrument panel (rev counter).
The symbols shown on the display are:
• N = idling
• 1 = first gear
• 2 = second gear
• 3 = third gear
• 4 = fourth gear
• 5 = fifth gear
• R = reverse
A fault warning light and a buzzer call the attention of the driver in the case of faults or critical driving conditions for the vehicle or for the transmission components (example: clutch over heating). Selespeed considerably simplifies driving , and in town is less tiring , also in situations where the gear has to be changed frequently, but at the same time it ensures brilliant performance.