Six-wheeled Covini «Gran Turismo" Bashny.Net

Covini - car. And along with the company name (Covini Engineering), virtually unknown outside the Apennine peninsula. Very sorry. Last masterpiece of Italian automakers - Covini C6W - a brilliant representative of the family of sports "Gran Turismo". The clearest, if we take into account the number of wheels, which should be changed at a time during the race ... Tyrrell P34 - one of the most recognizable models in the history of international motor racing. Designed by Derek Gardner, this car was the only race car with six wheels on the starting grid for the Grand Prix of the entire half-century history of "Formula 1". It's not too good performances in the championships of 1976-1977. many do not refer to design flaws or lack of experience of the riders, and the problems of cooperation with Goodyear, which supplies tires to the championship. But victory in steps (for example, the famous double in Sweden in 1976 - Jody Scheckter and Patrick Depaye) just connect with those advantages in the design of which has been the chassis Tyrrell P34.

The idea of ​​making a road sports car with two front axles came to Ferruccio Covina in 1974. Today, it looks ridiculous, but in the mid-70s from it (the idea) had to be abandoned due to lack of commercially available low-profile rubber. Otherwise, it was necessary to put on the front axles 10-inch tires, but the company considered this option unattractive. The project was shelved, and went to the drawing table to a more appropriate time. To him back in the 80s when the hydropneumatic suspension has been developed for the four front wheels, optimizing weight distribution of the axes at different loads. The project was frozen again, but this time due to the high cost and lack of funds for its implementation. In the 90s, when all attended Autoworld security concerns passengers, Covini again drew public attention to the benefits of six-wheel vehicle and even find companies that have expressed their willingness to Covini sponsorship.

And yet, why six wheels? Arguments in favor of the two front axles lot. Thus, already mentioned above, Tyrrell received four front wheels in order to minimize the drag, by reducing the lifting force from the front of the car and the handling of this factor in the possibility to take turns at a higher speed. Something like that ...

For road car in the presence of two of its front axle gives a significant increase in passive safety. The puncture of one wheel becomes less noticeable deceleration - more effective. Even reducing the risk of aquaplaning, as the two front wheels clean track (discarded moisture) to pass through it following them wheels. Thereby, they provided the best adhesion to the road surface. This we have already mentioned. Not only talked about improving passenger comfort. And it is increasing, there is: the less unsprung weight, the better the suspension to cope with the work, the higher the driving stability and handling.

Any advantage in aerodynamics, two additional wheels are not allowed. Vehicle equipped with six wheels is more difficult in terms of mechanical and therefore more expensive to design and build. However, for Covini C6W with his limited-edition (this is an exaggeration) production price does not play any significance. You will not find a price tag on this car. "What for? - Joke in Covini Engineering. - If you are so much interested in the price, you can be sure that he will not afford ».

Two words about the power unit supercar Covini C6W. His belly is tucked away 4, 2-liter V8 engine from Audi, which develops 380 hp (at 6400 ob. / min.) of maximum power and allows the car to accelerate to a speed of 300 km / h.

In Covini Engineering would be unable to bring the project to the end, if not assistance from: DAEWOO (technological research), BOSCH (electronic systems), BREMBO (ABS), MOMO (airbag), PIRELLI (special tires), ANTERA (special floatable ultralight wheels), POLITECNICO DI MILANO (invaluable aid in optimizing and tuning the chassis). I thank them all for what COVINI C6W saw the light.