Home » Covini C6W: the 6-wheels supercar

Covini C6W: the 6-wheels supercar

By Andrew C., 30 Aug, 2010. 0 Comments

Initially, the idea was envisaged by Ferruccio Covini in '74 and made stipulation for 10 inches front wheels for reason that there were no low profile tires back then. The venture was abandoned in favor of the Soleado model, thought to be more significant, and remained inactive until the 80s when hydro-pneumatic suspension for the four front wheels where designed to maximize weight sharing under different loading situations. High cost of development and other unforeseen events obliged the venture to be postponed once more. Its utilization of current ABS technologies and airbags in the 90s pointed it toward new research into dynamic and passive safety. This aspect motivated support from companies for its continual development. More details and photos after the jump! Six wheels because in case of a flat front tire, vehicle control is ensured by the wheel next to it. Four disc brakes at the front, even though a smaller single space, makes sure that there is a greater braking surface; of course, this means reduction in the chances of overheating and a higher brake effort and a low risk of aquaplaning, provided by the two foremost wheels, which get rid of water for the ones behind them, guaranteeing an enhanced road-hugging comfort. The consequence is more evenly distributed reaction forces in the suspension; in case of a pothole, the reaction is divided between the four front wheels and the shudder in the chassis is greatly restricted. The reduced unsprung weight in the wheels enhances the hold also. Directional stability is better: a change of angle due to slack in the steering mechanism, in such structures as silentblocks, is balanced by the second set of wheels. Two extra springs and dampers offer superior vehicle handling. Technical Specifications:

ENGINE: rear, longitudinal, 8 cylinder in V formation, 4 valves per cylinder, naturally aspirated, petrol direct injection Bosch-motronic.
CAPACITY: 4200 cc
MAX POWER: 380 PS (260KW) at 6400 rpm
MAX TORQUE: about 450 Nm (45.9 Kgm) at 2700 rpm
TRANSMISSION: rear wheel drive transaxle
GEARBOX: mechanical 6-speed + reverse. Manual and electro-hydraulic steeringwheel mounted servo
CHASSIS: steel tubular with carbon fibre reinforcements and structural parts
SUSPENSION: independent front and rear wishbones
WHEELS AND TYRES: front 16in wheels with 215/45-16 tyres; rear 20in with 345/25-20 tyres
BRAKES: front and rear vented Brembo discs. Bosch servo and electronic brake distribution
BODYWORK: glass fibre and carbon fibre
DIMENSIONS: length 4180mm; width 1990mm; height 1080mm; wheelbase
2230mm/2750mm (to foremost/middle front transaxle); front track 1540mm; rear track
1620mm ; dry weight 1150Kg
TOP SPEED: 300Kph (185mph)