The article discusses the European New Car Assessment Program (Euro NCAP), which conducts crash tests on new cars to evaluate their safety features. The program has been operating since 1997 and has tested almost 2000 cars. The article highlights some of the most expensive cars that have been crash tested, including the Chevrolet Camaro, Audi Q8, Range Rover Velar, Porsche Panamera, Mercedes SLS, Lamborghini Murcielago, Koenigsegg Agera, and Bugatti Veyron.
The crash tests involve a series of simulations, including frontal, side, and rollover crashes, as well as tests for pedestrian safety and electronic safety systems. The cars are rated on a scale of 1 to 5 stars, with 5 stars being the highest rating.
The article notes that some manufacturers, such as Koenigsegg and Bugatti, have found ways to reduce the cost of crash testing by using computer simulations and reusing the same base model for multiple tests. The article concludes by asking whether it is worth conducting expensive crash tests when computer modeling and other non-destructive testing methods could be used instead.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. In 1997, a program for evaluating new cars was established in Europe.
2. The Hero Incei Pi is an independent organization that conducts car safety tests.
3. Cars are crashed in strict accordance with concession regulations.
4. The research includes testing of electronic safety systems, pedestrian safety tests, and five variants of crash tests.
5. The crash tests include two head-on collisions at a speed of 64 km/h and two side impacts at a speed of 50 km/h.
6. The Chevrolet Camaro costs $46,500 and the crash test cost the manufacturer almost $200,000.
7. The Audi Q8 crossover costs $79,000 and received a 5-star rating in crash tests.
8. The Range Rover Vilar costs $90,000 and received a 5-star rating in crash tests.
9. The Porsche Can costs $130,000 and received a 5-star rating in crash tests.
10. The Mercedes SLS costs $205,000 and received a 5-star rating in crash tests.
11. The Lamborghini Murcelago costs $450,000 and received a 5-star rating in crash tests.
12. The Koenigseg Riger costs over $1 million and was tested using a unique method to save costs.
13. The Bugatti Veyron costs at least $1.9 million and received a 5-star rating in crash tests.
14. Almost 2,000 crash tests have been carried out since the European new car assessment program was established.
15. The crash tests are conducted to evaluate the safety of cars and to provide ratings for manufacturers.
16. The tests are conducted at a speed of 64 km/h for head-on collisions and 50 km/h for side impacts.
17. The tests include a simulation of a rear impact at a speed of 25 km/h.
18. The Audi Q8 crossover has a 93% survival rating for adult passengers in a frontal impact.
19. The Mercedes SLS has a powerful engine that accelerates to 100 km/h in less than 4 seconds.
20. The Bugatti Veyron has a carbon fiber monocoque that passed all overload collisions with honor.