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2004 Covini C6W

2004 Covini C6W

2004 Covini C6W

It was with a large interest in automotive prototyping that Ferruccio Covini founded Covini Engineering in Italy with the aim of constructing static and dynamic automobiles. From Covini’s passion for cars and engines came a body of work with a focus on experimentation.

Since Covini’s first project, a rebodied 1977 Fiat Meta, he has collaborated with many companies, including Callaway (C7 Corvette) and Cadillac (1993 STS). Of all of his cars, none is more interesting and developed than the 2004 Covini C6W.

In his design, Covini ventured to create a practical sports car with an extra set of front wheels. This distinct concept had been used before on the Tyrell P34, a formula-one car that decreased drag by having smaller wheels and maintained grip by doubling them. Covini explained that the advantage of have four front wheels in a sports car :

– less risk for front tyre deflating – less risk of aquaplaning – better braking – better grip – better comfort – better absorbing of frontal impact

The 6CW project first started in 1974 and was developed until it became too difficult to build with the given resources. With more recent financial backing, and newer technologies, such as ABS, the 6CW is finished.

The finalized version of the 6CW will be released at the 2004 Geneva Auto Show where orders will be taken. Expected production is set at six to eight cars a year in a new plant in Verbania.

Written by Richard Owen, edited by Leif Parker

In Detail

engine Audi V8
position Mid Longitudinal
aspiration Natural
valvetrain 4 Valves per Cyl w/
fuel feed Direct Petrol Injection
displacement 4200 cc / 256.3 in³
power 283.4 kw / 380 bhp @ 6400 rpm
specific output 90.48 bhp per litre
bhp/weight 330.43 bhp per tonne
torque 450 nm / 331.9 ft lbs @ 2700 rpm
body / frame Fibreglass and Carbon Fibre body over Tubular Steel Frame
driven wheels RWD
front brakes Brembro Discs w/ABS
f brake size mm / in
rear brakes Brembro Discs w/ABS
r brake size mm / in
f suspension Double Wishbones w/Inboard Spring-Damper Units
r suspension Double Wishbones w/Inboard Spring-Damper Units
curb weight 1150 kg / 2535 lbs
wheelbase 2750 mm / 108.3 in
front track 1540 mm / 60.6 in
rear track 1620 mm / 63.8 in
length 4180 mm / 164.6 in
width 1990 mm / 78.3 in
height 1080 mm / 42.5 in
transmission 6-Speed Manual
gear ratios :1
top speed ~300 kph / 186.4 mph