Covini C6 Wheels Review

April 2007

The original idea was conceived in '74 as an emulation of the Tyrrell F1 car and made provision for 10in front wheels because there where no low profile tyres at the time. The project was ditched in favour of the Soleado prototype, deemed more important, and lay dormant until the 80s when hydro-pneumatic suspension for the four front wheels where devised to optimise weight distribution under various loading conditions.

High evelopment costs and other contingencies forced the project to be delayed again. Its use of new ABS technologies and airbags in the 90s pointed in the direction of new research into active and passive safety. This aspect encouraged backing from companies for its development.

THE ADVANTAGES OF SIX WHEELS

Four steering front wheels are becoming increasingly interesting in high performance cars for active and passive safety (a blown tyre, aquaplaning, braking, road adhesion, comfort etc.).

The main advantages:
- less risk for front tyre deflating
- less risk of aquaplaning
- better braking
- better grip
- better comfort
- better absorbing of frontal impact

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: circa 450 Nm (45.9 Kgm) at 2700 rpmTRANSMISSION: 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 15in wheels with 205/45-15 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)