Magneti Marelli’s technologies and components in the areas of lighting, electronic systems, Powertrain, suspensions and exhaust systems can be found on the most important vehicles introduced at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show.
The Alfa Romeo MiTo “Quadrifoglio Verde”, showcased in a worldwide preview in Frankfurt, is equipped with a 1.4 litre, 170 hp MultiAir engine, as well as Magneti Marelli’s Synaptic Damping Control suspension system, called Dynamic Suspension on the Alfa MiTo and a special configuration, the result of combining road testing by Alfa Romeo and Magneti Marelli’s most groundbreaking engineering expertise.
The Dynamic Suspension system consists of 4 electronically controlled shock absorbers, 5 accelerometric sensors, a control unit and an interface with Alfa DNA for different settings and with other on-board electronic systems.
The system provides better passenger protection from uneven road surfaces thanks to effective filtering and optimises comfort by recognizing obstacles (such as a bum or a hole) and adapting suspension behaviour accordingly. The driver obtains three benefits by using the Dynamic Suspension system: comfort, safety and agility. First of all, the electronic shock absorbers adapt to road conditions by controlling all chassis movements. Moreover, by actively reacting to all kinds of road conditions, the Dynamic Suspension system always guarantees maximum grip and safety. Lastly, thanks to better pitch and roll control in all conditions, there is better stability and cornering. The system interacts perfectly with the three different control strategies of the Alfa DNA device (“Normal”, All Weather” and “Dynamic”).
In addition, Magneti Marelli also supplies electronic engine control units for the Alfa MiTo equipped with 1.4 litre Multiair engine, (also available in the 105 and 135 hp versions, in addition to the 170 hp).
The Alfa Romeo 159 features the debut of the Radionav, the latest-generation entertainment and satellite navigation system developed by Magneti Marelli, equipped with a 6.5” TFT colour screen, incorporating satellite navigator, car radio with dual tuner, CD player / MP3 reader and slot for the SD (Secure Digital) card containing the map database.
Magneti Marelli also makes available its technology on one of the most awaited for new vehicles in Frankfurt, the Ferrari 458 Italia. First and foremost, the instrument panel, which represents an advance in the concept of ergonomics with regards to the man-machine interface fitted on the road cars built by the Maranello carmaker. In the middle of the panel we find the rev counter and the selected gear display, while the TFT screen on the right displays the info-telematic node, with navigation, infotainment and telephone functions, the digital speedometer and the parking video camera. To the left of the panel, on the other hand, the screen for Vehicle Dynamic Assistance management.
Magneti Marelli also supplies the rear headlamp with LED technology, featuring an outer crown consisting of 24 red LEDs for the parking and stop function and an inner crown made of 16 yellow LEDs (red on the U.S. model) for the blinker function.
As for another worldwide preview, the Grande Punto Evo, Magneti Marelli makes a significant contribution, starting from the new instrument clusters, which are now available in three main versions depending on the different vehicle configurations. In addition to ensuring excellent ergonomics, all the versions feature an elegant look, similar to the look sported by higher segment clusters, and represent a basic aesthetic feature in the completely updated dashboard.
The Grande Punto Evo also mounts Magneti Marelli headlamps which, although with the same size and vertical development of the previous ones, are completely new, with a dark frame, clear blinkers and C-shaped LED parking lights.
The other components and systems supplied by Magneti Marelli for the Grande Punto Evo also include the integration of the new Blue&Me–TomTom system in the dashboard.
With regards to the Maserati Gran Cabrio, Magneti Marelli on the other hand contributes its instrument panel, info-telematic system, xenon adaptive front headlamps and rear LED headlamps.
Lastly, Magneti Marelli’s instrument clusters are also featured on leading models such as the Audi A5 Sportback.