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France unveils super-fast train France unveils super-fast train
(10 minutes later)
French engineering giant Alstom has unveiled a new high-speed train.French engineering giant Alstom has unveiled a new high-speed train.
The AGV (Automotrice Grande Vitesse) train will travel at up to 360km/h (224mph), powered by engines placed under each carriage, the company says.The AGV (Automotrice Grande Vitesse) train will travel at up to 360km/h (224mph), powered by engines placed under each carriage, the company says.
Alstom compares the AGV - successor to the TGV - to the world's largest passenger plane, the Airbus A380 plane, in terms of importance and innovation.Alstom compares the AGV - successor to the TGV - to the world's largest passenger plane, the Airbus A380 plane, in terms of importance and innovation.
The unveiling at Alstom's research centre in La Rochelle is being attended by French President Nicolas Sarkozy.The unveiling at Alstom's research centre in La Rochelle is being attended by French President Nicolas Sarkozy.
See more details of the AGV design See more details of the AGV design
With an engine under each carriage, the AGV - which translates as "high-speed, self-propelled carriage" - is unlike the TGV, which has engines only at the back and front.With an engine under each carriage, the AGV - which translates as "high-speed, self-propelled carriage" - is unlike the TGV, which has engines only at the back and front.
The TGV's maximum speed currently is 320km/h. But a modified TGV achieved a world rail speed record for a train on conventional rails last April, reaching 574.8km/h.The TGV's maximum speed currently is 320km/h. But a modified TGV achieved a world rail speed record for a train on conventional rails last April, reaching 574.8km/h.
The AGV's new engines are more energy-efficient and the innovative multiple-unit design allows more passenger space, Alstom says.The AGV's new engines are more energy-efficient and the innovative multiple-unit design allows more passenger space, Alstom says.
It also reduces maintenance costs, the company says.It also reduces maintenance costs, the company says.
The Italian operator NTV has already bought 25 of the AGV trains, and will run them on the Italian high-speed network at a speed of 300km/h in 2011.The Italian operator NTV has already bought 25 of the AGV trains, and will run them on the Italian high-speed network at a speed of 300km/h in 2011.
Automotrice a Grande Vitesse, AGV Power is distributed along the train in the wheel trucks or bogies rather than being concentrated in the front and rear carsDistributing power under the carriages frees up 20% extra space for passengers. The AGV can carry between 300 and 700 people seatedThe AGV weighs less than its rivals which reduces its power consumption. It consumes 30% less energy than a TGV Automotrice Grande Vitesse, AGV Power is distributed along the train in the wheel trucks or bogies rather than being concentrated in the front and rear cars.Distributing power under the carriages frees up 20% extra space for passengers. The AGV can carry between 300 and 700 people seated.The AGV weighs less than its rivals which reduces its power consumption. It consumes 30% less energy than a TGV.
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