Vocabulary

power train - система передачи мощности.

to transmit - передавать

accessories - второстепенные части

source of power - источник энергии

internal combustion engine - двигатель внутреннего сгорания

combustion chamber - камера сгорания

fuel tank - топливный бак

vapor - пар

gauge - измерительный прибор

spark plug - свеча зажигания

crank shaft - коленчатый вал

propeller shaft - карданный вал

clutch - сцепление

final drive - главная передача

flywheel - маховик

reverse gear - задняя передача

revolutions per minute (rpm) - обороты в минуту

ЗАДАНИЯ К ТЕКСТУ:

1. Прочтите и переведите текст, пользуясь словарём.

2. Ответьте на вопросы:

1. Which are the basic parts of the automobile? 2. What is the purpose of engine? 3. What does the fuel system consist of? 4. Which jobs are performed by electric system? 5. What does the power train consist of? 6. What function does the clutch provide in the engine of the automobile? 7. How does the transmission work?

Smart Cars to Enter Auto Market

Carmina (as this system is known) not only informs the driver about the intensity of traffic, the weather, parking places or gas stations, but also chooses the optimal route with account to roads and traffic flows. All information is illumined on a liquid-crystal screen positioned on the dash board. For example, on the map of Paris and the Ile-de-France district different colors are used to designate “unloading” routes, bottlenecks and repair works, as well as sectors which are closed for passage. The colors continually change, reflecting the changing traffic conditions.

Before switching on the guidance system which “speaks” five languages, one needs to feed all information about the city and the streets of departure and destination into the computer. Following this, a white arrow appears on the screen, pointing to the initial position, the name of the next street and the distance to it. The driver also constantly sees the arrow indicating the general direction of movement and the distance remaining in the trip

If you listen to music, the FM program will be periodically interrupted by a voice telling you: “Turn right in 200 meters” or “Head for exit three from the square.” If the address of the point of departure has been fed incorrectly, it will take the system not more than three minutes to find its bearings relative to one of the four GPS (Global Positioning System) satellites, correct the error and establish the real whereabouts with an accuracy of several tens of meters.

But if you miss the turn in ten to fifteen seconds a new route will be offered to you – the shortest and the least difficult. It is also presumed that Carmina will learn to appraise the time needed for the trip.

In Paris the system works thanks to magnetic sensors positioned under the roadbed (near traffic lights): every five seconds they transmit to the traffic controller's office information regarding traffic levels.

At first glance, the “alto” only differs from other Citroen, XM models because of a laser ranger finder built into the radiator grill and a small camera mounted above the inner rearview mirror. But if we take a look in the cabin, it will become clear that there arc many more differences.

On the windshield there is a small superhigh frequency antenna. It transmits signals to road beacons which are currently being constructed. In the event of slippery road conditions the necessary information will be sent to the traffic controller who will then transmit warning signals to drivers approaching the dangerous sector.

In the event of highway driving the “alto” is equipped with a “smart” speed regulator. This system switches on a laser range finder (which in the future might be replaced by radar), as well as a computer and electronic control of the accelerator and brake pedals. If you decide to drive at 130 kph, the system will automatically make sure the distance between you and the car in front of you is not less than 54 meter (half a second in terms of time). If, for example, you have caught up with a motor vehicle driving at 120 kph the system will automatically reduce the distance to 45 meters.