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INTRODUCTION
 After the recent Geneva Motor Show, Lancia
has taken another opportunity to present the concept of Dolce Far Niente. The
Lancia Ypsilon, already an icon of style and elegance, has added new hi-tech
features to help you do more by making you do less.
An example? The D.F.N., a
new robotised sequential manual gearbox that is highly convenient in town
traffic (due to its automatic mode) once you have experienced all the
satisfaction of a sporty, dynamic drive with the manual setting. Hence Lancia's
whimsical reinterpretation of the technical D.FN System as the acronym D.F.N.
(Dolce Far Niente).
The D.F.N. transmission employs a hydraulic servo device to automate clutch
controls and gear lever so as to retain all the attributes of a dry clutch and
manual gearbox (weight, strength and reliability, low energy consumption).
Two operating modes are available: semiautomatic (manual) and automatic.
The first is more similar to manual operation and allows you to change gear
using a joystick on the tunnel.
Because no clutch pedal is present, the device
is controlled simply by moving the lever: forward to change up (towards the +
symbol), back to change down (toward the - symbol). A simple push is sufficient
to ensure the transmission makes a fast, accurate gear change.
The second mode offers two settings: Normal and Economy. The Normal strategy
offers outstanding driving comfort to assure scintillating gearshifts under all
conditions. The Economy strategy is used when you wish to reduce fuel
consumption while still maintaining top level handling and driving comfort.
With
both options, the system stretches the rev rate to the highest ratio reached,
when the engine delivers peak torque or power. In automatic mode, the system
recognises the road gradient (by means of a software algorithm) and modifies the
gear shift point to ensure the best possible compromise between the driver's
needs, ground conditions and vehicle situation (speed and engine rpm) at all
times.
The D.F.N. also offers other advantages over conventional manual and automatic
gearboxes.
Firstly, the system may read the driver's needs and thus adapt to his driving
style. To do this, it analyses the engine rpm and maps the pedal position
(interpreted as performance requests as the level rises).
Another specific feature of the D.F.N. is its ability to assess vehicle
deceleration and adjust downshifts. In semiautomatic mode, for example, the
system allows downshifts, particularly when the driver demands a lower gear to
take a corner at speed during a sporty drive. In automatic mode, the system
anticipates the downshift to ensure the driver can always call on the most
appropriate speed to maintain the required comfort level or fuel saving.
Then again, to ensure safety and prevent undesired gear changes, the system
engages neutral when the engine is still running and the door has been opened.
Lastly, the 'Dolce Far Niente' device also activates warning lights and buzzers
to notify the driver of emergency situations or manoeuvres that are not
permitted and could damage the engine or gearbox.
With the D.F.N. gearbox in automatic mode, its robotised electronic management
system allows the gears to be changed at the time of maximum engine performance.
This makes it possible to exploit all the power and torque of the 1.4 16v and
1.3 Multijet engines and achieve a distinct improvement in acceleration over a
manual gearbox. In automatic mode with the Economy key engaged, the Ypsilon
consumes less fuel than a manual gearbox. With the Multijet engine, fuel
consumption over a combined cycle is 4.5 l/100 km compared to 4.6 l/100 km
obtained with a manual gearbox. With the 1.4 16v engine, the result is 6.4 l/100
km as opposed to 6.6 l/100 km (again with a manual gearbox).
The engineers have therefore succeeded in imposing a set of gear shift settings
that reduce fuel consumption without reducing performance and thus driving
satisfaction.
Last but not least, these hi-tech features are offered at a price significantly
lower than that of a conventional automatic transmission. |
