New Technologies

Expanded use of computer technology, development of stronger and lighter materials, and research on pollution control will produce better, ‘smarter’ automobiles. In the 1980s the notion that a car would ‘talk’ to its driver was science fiction; by the 1990s it had become reality.

Onboard navigation was one of the new automotive technologies in the 1990s. By using the satellite-aided global positioning system (GPS), a computer in the automobile can pinpoint the vehicle’s location within a few feet. The onboard navigation system uses an electronic compass, digitized maps, and a display screen showing where the vehicle is relative to the destination the driver wants to reach. After being told the destination, the computer locates it and directs the driver to it, offering alternative routes if needed.

Some cars now are equipped with GPS locator beacons, enabling a GPS system operator to locate the vehicle, map its location and, if necessary, direct repair or emergency workers to the scene. Cars equipped with computers and cellular telephones can link to the Internet to obtain constantly updated traffic reports, weather information, route directions, and other data. Future built-in computer systems may be used to automatically obtain business information over the Internet and manage personal affairs while the vehicle’s owner is driving.

Computer control of automobile systems increased dramatically during the 1990s. The central processing unit (CPU) in modern engines manages overall engine performance. Microprocessors regulating other systems share data with the CPU. Computers manage fuel and air mixture ratios, ignition timing, and exhaust-emission levels. They adjust the antilock braking and traction control systems. In many models, computers also control the air conditioning and heating, the sound system, and the information displayed in the vehicle’s dashboard.

During the 1980s and 1990s, manufacturers trimmed 450 kg (1000 lb) from the weight of the typical car by making cars smaller. Less weight, coupled with more efficient engines, doubled the gas mileage obtained by the average new car between 1974 and 1995. Further reductions in vehicle size are not practical, so the emphasis has shifted to using lighter materials, such as plastics, aluminium alloys, and carbon composites in the engine and the rest of the vehicle.

Looking ahead, engineers are devising ways to reduce driver errors and poor driving habits. Systems already exist in some locales to prevent intoxicated drivers from starting their vehicles. The technology may be expanded to new vehicles. Anti-collision systems with sensors and warning signals are being developed. In some, the car’s brakes automatically slow the vehicle if it is following another vehicle too closely. New infrared sensors or radar systems may warn drivers when another vehicle is in their ‘blind spot’.

Catalytic converters work only when they are warm, so most of the pollution they emit occurs in the first few minutes of operation. Engineers are working on ways to keep the converters warm for longer periods between drives, or heat the converters more rapidly. Diesel engines use cheaper fuel, burn it more efficiently, and produce fewer pollutants, but they are noisy. Popular in trucks and heavy vehicles, diesels are only a small portion of the automobile market.

Exercise 2 Answer the following questions.

1. What is the text about? 2. What will produce better, ‘smarter’ automobiles? 3. When did onboard navigation become one of the new automotive technologies? 4. What does the onboard navigation system use? 5. What are some cars now equipped with? 6. What can cars equipped with computers and cellular telephones perform? 7. Do microprocessors regulating other systems share data with the CPU? 8. When do the car’s brakes automatically slow the vehicle? 9. What are engineers working on? 10. What advantages have diesel engines?

Exercise 3 Translate and memorize the following expressions from the text.

Expanded use, computer technology, science fiction, to become reality, onboard navigation system, to pinpoint the vehicle’s location, digitized maps, alternative routes, direct repair, to equip with computers, cellular telephone, route directions, to automatically obtain business information over the Internet, to manage personal affairs, looking ahead, to reduce driver errors, anti-collision system, warning signals, diesel engines, heavy vehicles.

Exercise 4 Find synonyms among the following words.

Use, to direct, to link, data, portion, to reach, constantly, automobile, to equip, error, to produce, modern, to adjust, typical, location, consumption, to create, car, position, to achieve, to control, to fit out, to connect, continually, information, to arrange, contemporary, normal, mistake, part.

Exercise 5 Write a summary of the text, presenting the content of each paragraph in 2-3 sentences. Use the expressions:

The main idea of the text is ... The text deals with one of the most important (urgent) issues ... Much attention (consideration) is given to (classification, description)... It focuses on the matters of … The text gives an overview of... The text is mainly concerned with ... The aim of the survey is to show (demonstrate, find)... Particular emphasis is given to the analysis of... The text gives a detailed analysis of (reports on)... To sum up ... In conclusion ...

Индивидуальное задание для студентов заочного отделения к курсу

«Английский язык»

Вариант № 6/3c

Exercise 1 Read the text and translate it in written form.