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Last year saw Covini spring a
surprise on everyone and unveil their highly unusual 6-wheel C6W sportscar.
Covini
Engineering is a small company, founded in 1978 by Ferruccio Covini, which is
dedicated to the construction of automotive prototypes. Born from the passion
for cars, it has thus far been active mainly with experimentation and innovation
rather than with the production.
The original C6W idea was conceived
twenty nine years ago in 1974, but the idea of utilising four front wheels, was
not possible with the technology available at the time. The project was shelved
in favour of the Soleado prototype, deemed a higher priority, and lay dormant
until the 1980s when hydro-pneumatic suspension for the four front wheels was
devised to optimise weight distribution under various loading conditions.
However, high development costs and other contingencies, forced the project to
be delayed again. Its use of new ABS technology and airbags in the 90s pointed
it in the direction of new research into active and passive safety. This aspect
encouraged backing from other company's to assist its development.
The Covini C6W
made its first major public appearance at the new 'Top Marques Monaco' show in
Monte Carlo, held at the end of April. A new event, conceived to showcase
prestige vehicles, the list of exhibitors included the famous Italian sportscar
builders, Ferrari, Maserati, Lamborghini and Pagani, as well as other evocative
names such as Aston Martin, Bentley, Lotus, Morgan, McLaren, BMW and
Mercedes-Benz.
The show was
deemed a success by Covini with strong interest being shown in the 6-wheel
project. "During Top Marques we had a lot of interest from people, who
appreciated the innovation of the car and also its technological contents",
commented Gianluca Covini. "Since the end of the show we have also started to
receive orders", he concluded.
Now with all
important homologation approval, Covini expect to deliver the first cars, built
at a new purpose built plant at Verbania, early next year.
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