Maserati GranTurismo Owner's Manual page 58

Understanding the Vehicle
•
These systems cannot prevent
collisions, including those resulting
from excessive speed in turns,
following another vehicle too closely,
or aquaplaning.
2
• The capabilities of a vehicle equipped
with these systems must never be
exploited in a reckless or dangerous
manner that could jeopardise the
driver's and the passenger's safety or
the safety of others.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
This system enhances directional control
and stability of the vehicle under various
driving conditions. The ESC corrects
over steering and under steering of the
vehicle by applying the brake to the
appropriate wheel.
Engine power may also be reduced to
assist in counteracting the conditions
of instability and maintain the right
direction. The system is also able to
reduce the engine power.
Through sensors fitted on the vehicle,
the ESC system detects the driver's
chosen direction comparing it to the
one maintained while running. In case
of discrepancy between the required
trajectory and the current one, the ESC
system brakes the appropriate wheel to
counteract over or under steering.
56
• Oversteer - when the vehicle is turning
more than appropriate for the steering
wheel position.
• Understeer - when the vehicle is
turning less than appropriate for the
steering wheel position.
The ESC system has two available
operating modes:
ESC ON
This is the normal ESC operating mode.
At each start-up of the vehicle, the ESC
system is set in this mode and should
be used for most driving conditions.
The ESC should only be turned off for
specific reasons as pointed out in the
following paragraphs.
ESC OFF
The "ESC OFF" mode is aimed for a
more spirited driving experience but
also purposeful for driving in deep
snow, sand, or gravel. The current mode
disables all the ESC functionalities
except the ROM; in special cases (heavy
ABS braking) the ESC system will still
work even not engaging the ESC OFF
mode. The ESC OFF soft-key is located
on the bottom bar of the Comfort
Display; to reactivate the system, push
the soft-key.
WARNING!
In SPORT and CORSA mode the ESC
control thresholds are higher for
maximum performance on dry road
surface. To ensure maximum security of
the ESC is recommended not to activate
SPORT and CORSA mode on surfaces
with medium- and low-grip (e.g., wet,
snow, dirt, etc..) with ESC system
active.
NOTE:
To improve the vehicle's traction when
driving with snow socks, or when
starting off in deep snow, sand, or
gravel, it may be desirable to switch
to the "ESC OFF" mode by pressing
the ESC OFF soft-key and remain in
this operational mode no longer than
needed. Once the situation requiring
"ESC OFF" mode is overcome, turn the
ESC on again by long pressing the
ESC OFF soft-key. This may also be
performed while in motion.
Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)
and Electronic Brake-force
Distribution (EBD)
The Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)
provides increased vehicle stability and
brake performance under most braking
conditions. The system automatically