Italian Police Get a New Luxury Car

Category: Human Interest

Listening

Unlocking Word Meanings

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

  1. complement / ˈkɒm pləˌmɛnt / (v) – to go well together with
    Example:

    His stylish helmet complements his motorcycle.


  2. primary / ˈpraɪ mɛr I / (adj) – most important
    Example:

    Our primary task for today is to submit the report.


  3. necessity / nəˈsɛs ɪ ti / (n) – a need
    Example:

    These days, fast Internet connection is a necessity.


  4. shipment / ˈʃɪp mənt / (n) – the act of moving something from one place to another
    Example:

    Some of the products got damaged during shipment.


  5. promote / prəˈmoʊt / (v) – to make something more popular
    Example:

    The company promoted its products through the Internet.


Article

Read the text below.

Italian car manufacturer Lamborghini [LAM-buhr-GEE-nee] donated a new luxury sports car to the Italian State Police.


The car, which is called Lamborghini Huracán Polizia [hoor-AH-kahn po-LEET-zee-uh], is painted blue and white to match the official colors of the Italian Police. A stripe that consists of the three colors of the Italian flag is also painted on the car’s sides.


The Huracán Polizia has a powerful 610-horsepower engine, which allows it to accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in just 3.2 seconds. It can reach a top speed of 300 km/h. It is equipped with high-performance P Zero Pirelli tires to complement its speed.


The Huracán Polizia’s primary function in the police is to transport human organs, which is made possible with a special refrigeration system in its front trunk. The necessity for fast shipment was established in 2016, when donor organs had to be moved all over the Lombardy and Tuscany regions in Italy to their intended recipients on time.


Its secondary function is to provide first aid. The car is equipped with a defibrillator for medical emergencies. Because of its speed, the car will be used to pursue speed law violators and enforce traffic laws. It is also meant to promote the Italian State Police and Lamborghini.


The Huracán Polizia is not the first luxury sports car that Lamborghini donated to the Italian State Police. Previously, the luxury car company gave the police force a Gallardo, which was also used to transport organs and blood donations to emergencies. They also received another Huracán in 2014, which went into service in 2015.


Viewpoint Discussion

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.

Discussion A

• Do you agree with using luxury cars for police work? Why or why not?
• What other industries will benefit from using a luxury car?

Discussion B

• What are the advantages and disadvantages of owning a luxury car?
• Would you like to own a luxury car? Why or why not?