Regarding the last, the world record of the TGV Atlantique was already above (515.3 km/h = 320.2 mph). On 13 February, the TGV Est test train already reached an inofficial world record of 553 km/h (343.6 mph). Here you see it at a moment it goes 544 km/h, throwing sparks:
a little later:
*Lunatic*, n. One whose delusions are out of fashion.
But I'd hope these tests also make practical sense, as an extreme test of the technology of the next generation of TGVs (chiefly: at last switch to distributed traction [a first in high-speed Jacobs, that is between-the-cars bogies], that with the next best electric motor type [permanent magnet synchronous] and state-of-the-art power electronics [IGBT]). *Lunatic*, n. One whose delusions are out of fashion.
Here is the SNCF drawing lots web site
Good luck! "Dieu se rit des hommes qui se plaignent des conséquences alors qu'ils en chérissent les causes" Jacques-Bénigne Bossuet
