Text 3 Computer controls galore

The most wide-ranging computer-coordinated electronic systems are to be found in this US $73 160 Audi, whose Multi-Media Interface controls a mobile telephone, satellite navigation system, tautness of the air suspension system, as well as audio, heating, air conditioning, and assorted goodies, all with a dial and some buttons. Other standout features include its aluminum-rich construction, making for a light package, even given the extra machinery needed for its four-wheel drive. Also nifty an override that lets the driver take direct, temporary, manual command of the automatic transmission's gearbox and shift, plus a radar-enabled cruise control that maintains a constant distance from the car in front (a feature available in several other high-end cars this year). Like the Cadillac XLR, the AS allows for keyless ignition, but goes it one better by offering a fingerprint-sensing pad, not only to thwart impostors but also to set up a particular person's desired seat configuration, radio channels, and other favorites.

Упражнение 1. Ответьте на вопросы по тексту.

1. What does Audi A8 interface control?

2. What do its outstanding features include?

3. What is its similarity with Cadillac XLR?

4. What lets the driver take direct, manual command or the automatic transmission gearbox and shift?

TEXT 4

Упражнение 1. Переведите текст и назовите технические характеристики Honda Civic GX на английском языке.

Honda civic gx

Relying solely on natural gas, this Honda has been languishing in fleets since its introduction four years ago for lack of enough «true» gas stations. In the 2004 model year, Honda will break out of this niche by selling the car for US $20 510 at retail along with a home refueling station. The stations are to be made by FuelMaker Corp. (Toronto), in which Honda has a 20 percent equity stake, and will feed off a home's piped-in cooking gas to recharge the compressed-gas tanks overnight.

Such steps are necessary because the GX's 1.7-L, four-cylinder engine was from the first optimized for natural gas, unlike «flexifuel» designs that also burn gasoline. That means it can take full advantage of the fuel's high octane level, providing excellent performance and superlow emissions (and 20 percent less greenhouse gas, too). Among the technical tricks used to achieve all this is a continuously variable transmission. A full tank will carry it more than 300 km in the city, 420 km on the highway.

Литература

1. Чистик, М.Я. Английский язык для политехнических вузов: учебник / М.Я. Чистик. – 3-е изд., испр. и доп. – М.: Высшая школа, 1988. – 351 с.

2. Полякова, Т.Ю. Английский язык для инженеров: учебник / Т.Ю. Полякова, Е.В. Синявская, О.И. Тынкова, Э.С. Улановская. – М.: Высшая школа, 2000. – 300 с.

3. Андрианова, Л.Н. Учебник английского языка для заочных технических вузов и факультетов: учебник / Л.Н. Андрианова, Н.Ю. Багрова, Э.В. Ершова. – М., 2000. – 300 с.

4. Дубровская, С.Г. Учебник английского языка для I–II этапов обучения в технических вузах: учебник / С.Г. Дубровская [и др.].  М.: АСВ, 2002. – 338 с.

5. Бгашев, В.Н. Английский язык для машиностроительных специальностей: учебник / В.Н. Бгашев, Е.Ю. Долматовская. – 3-е изд., испр. и доп. – М.: Астрель, 2005. – 381 с.

Учебное издание

Коновалова Лидия Геннадьевна

Дьяченко Елена Николаевна

Кудрявцева Алла Александровна

Паршина Оксана Геннадьевна