Text B.

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 are 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.

Let us suppose that the driver is not too tired and possesses normal reaction skills. Then the programed dis­tance may be too large for him. After deciding to pass someone, he simply presses on the accelerator pedal and switches on the signal light. If he doesn't turn on the signal the camera keeping track of lateral movements will warn him. It will make a sound resembling the friction of wheels on the rough surface of the breakdown lane. If the driver does not respond to the signal and the car drives beyond the limits of the white lines on the edges of the road, the little motor built into the steering wheel column will readjust the steering wheel.

You drive off the highway to a sec­ondary road where you are blinded by the headlights of cars moving in the opposite direction. Don't worry, your " alto" will switch on its infrared head­lights and an infrared camera. You can then see the road on a small TV screen located right before you.

Задание 2. Используя текст “ Electrical Control” и рис. 12, укажите сходства и различия в системах электронного контроля Renault и “alto” Citroen XM.

Рис.12