The Gazette Lanzarote Jan 2014 | Page 119

torsmotorsmotorsmotorsmotorsmotorsmotorsmotorsmotorsmotorsmotorsmotorsmotorsmotorsmotorsmo innovations that were formerly only deemed possible by visionaries like Ferdinand Piëch. Boasting a maximum speed of more than 400 km per hour, the Veyron is unmatched in the super sports category. It offers a total of 736 kW (1,001 HP), and its ample power reserves even at high speeds are the fabric of dreams for luxury-class limousines: for a constant speed of 250 km/h, the Veyron only needs 270-280 HP. This means that the seven-gear clutch transmission works with a torque of up to 1,250 Newton meters. The Electronic Stability Program ensures the necessary flexibility and maneuverability at any speed. The Veyron reaches velocities that would literally lift the car off the ground – if it weren’t for its ingenious aerodynamics, { “It would take off if it could.” M TORING NEWS VW ITV offer Volkswagen is offering to take all its customers' cars through their ITVs (Spanish MOT test equivalent), at no extra cost. Second-hand and new vehicles alike will be transported to the testing station for the Spanish equivalent of an MOT, which is needed every two years for those aged between four and 10 years } which keeps it firmly on the road even at full speed. Adjusting the back spoiler, reducing ground clearance, opening and closing the lids – it all adds to the perfect balance between propulsion and downforce. Such a super sports car may not seem to be brought to a halt easily, but the Veyron’s ceramic brakes slow it down faster than it can accelerate. While it takes this exceptional car only 2.5 seconds to go from 0 to 100 km/h, it needs even less time – a mere 2.3 seconds – to come to a standstill from 100 (reference point). To reduce the risk of injuries in accidents, Bugatti had a Formula 1 safety concept adapted for the Veyron. All these technical details combine to make the Veyron a truly exceptional super sports car. and annually thereafter. Owners need to pay the usual fee - the same amount as they would if they took their cars to the centre themselves, and which differs by autonomous region but will not bear any extra fee for the dealership to go through the process instead. This cuts out queueing and having to book appointments and also enables Volkswagen to ensure as many cars as possible have their ITV tests. If the car fails its ITV, or passes with repair recommendations to be resolved before the next one, Volkswagen are offering a 15% discount. Help. I’ve had an accident! Spanish motor manufacturers are piloting a scheme in which cars are fitted with a SIM card that automatically calls the 112 emergency hotline in the event of an accident. A chip similar to those found in mobile phones records details of the vehicle, the seriousness of the accident and the location, and alerts the police while the crash is happening to ensure a faster response time. Known as the eCall system, all European Union countries must fit these to every car sold by October 1,2017. It even tells the 112 hotline which language the car-owner prefers to speak, given that multi-lingual services especially English - are already available to anyone calling the emergency number. Pedestrians ignored The death of a 34-year-old man at Playa Honda has once again highlighted the dangers caused by people crossing main roads. The man, who worked at a business in the industrial zone of Playa Honda, was hit by two vehicles after attempting to dash across the main road. The car knocked hi