The fastest Ferrari is not a car but a train
Italian company with Ferrari managerial influence the first to roll-out next-generation high-speed trainsThe world's fastest and most luxurious trains were released on tracks around Europe this month. The AGV (for Automotrice Grande Vitesse) trains are the next-generation versions of the French-built TGV (Train a Grande Vitesse) which regularly transport patrons at 300-plus km/h.
Built by high-speed specialists Alstom in La Rochelle, the AGV trains are being used first by Italian rail company Nuovo Trasporto Viaggiatori, wherein lies the Ferrari connection. The NTV was founded by a small group of Italian businessmen, including Ferrari chairman Luca de Montezemolo.
Suitably painted bright red, the train sets -- each referred to as an Italo -- incorporate 11 carriages (measuring 200 metres) to accommodate 460 passengers. Bogies providing motive power are set between carriages. This design differs to the more commonly used fore and aft arrangement and provides more space and efficiency, and in the event of derailment, added protection preventing carriages from jack knifing into each other. Alstom estimates the savings in consumption per seat are down by 30 per cent compared to the TGV trains.
Alstom claims the Italo trains can travel at 360km/h and while at that speed, will run as smoothly as competitors' versions at 300km/h. Nonetheless, the NTV trains will be kept at 300km/h while in commuter use.
The AGV's predecessor, the TGV travelled at 574.8km/h in 2007, achieving the world record for fastest wheeled train.
>> with Gizmag News
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