Fornasari are developing a special 'tender' version of its high RR60 high performance SUV and are showing a scale model of the nautical themed car at the 79th Geneva Motor Show to guage interest.

Fornasari are developing a special yachting 'tender' version of its high RR60 high performance SUV and are showing a scale model of it at the 79th Geneva Motor Show to gauge interest. With precious wood finishing and naval detailing the Italian niche carmaker demonstrates once again the possibility of creating a truly unique vehicle. A particular car, yet fast and exclusive.

The RR60 Tender version will feature a shorter cabin that gives way to a deep rear storage deck that is wood panelled and accessed via a hinged tailboard. The cabin now has a removable roof section and finished in the style of a yacht cockpit with the upper section sweeping back to overhang the rear deck. Fine wood is used to trim the finished vehicle, including yachting-style slats in the front spoiler air intakes and the brake air exits just behind the front wheels. The lip of the front spoiler, side sills covers and the tread section on top of the rear bumper are all finished in wood, while this eye-catching treatment is completed by a horizontal finishing trim that runs at waist height from the sides of the cockpit to chase out across the top of the the rear tailgate, and a mid-door wooden rubbing strip. Lastly a polished aluminium petrol filler cap adds to the theme.

The car's chassis comprises of the usual Fornasari underpinnings, consisting of a special tubular chassis in molybdenum-chrome that results in a real space-frame application. More than 450 tubes are incorporated into the design in order to obtain greater stiffness and torsion capability, and all with a weight of less than 150 kg. The racing-style suspension wishbones are equal on all four corners. The suspension travel of 240 mm has been chosen by Fornasari so as not to affect or change to any extent the geometrical configuration, and this is preset.

The Tender retains the vehicle's overall sheer size (its dimensions are the same as the RR60) to keep to the company's philosophy of creating a 'maxi SUV'. Massive wheel-tracks and wheelbase, a stretched height from the ground, a top-class suspension travel, ideal in/out angles, a low weight, power distribution on both axles and load distribution near to 50/50 makes this off-road vehicle as similar in characteristic as possible to a road vehicle. The minimal roll and pitch allows for smooth driving, while both the power and engine elasticity are impressive for a 5-seater vehicle. Power gets transmitted to the wheels by means of a central viscous joint releasing a 60 percent to the back limited-slip differential, while leaving the 40 percent power remaining to balance the front differential.

The heart of the RR60 Tender consists of the latest generation of 6-litre engines from General Motors as developed by Fornasari in the U.S. under the specialist guidance of Cottrell. The result is a light but reliable all-aluminium unit with 610 bhp that has decent fuel consumption, is in full compliance with gas emissions laws, puts no limits to power exploitation and has high levels of torque (748 Nm).

For the transmission again the RR60's options are retained, either a six-speed manual or four-speed automatic is available. Also, it is possible to specify a version with reduced gears but such a solution compels a less sporting transmission effect for the driver. Like the engine, the brakes come from GM; however there is the option to choose Brembo ones. Alloy wheels range from 18" - 20", or even a specially large 23" size, and they host tyres from the 285/55/18" up to the 305/35/23" ones.

Fornasari RR60 Tender - Technical Specifications

Engine: 6000cc - 8 cylinders
Power: 610hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque: 748 Nm @ 5100 rpm
Traction: Integral 4WD
Length: 454 cm
Width: 208 cm
Height: 169 cm
Wheelbase: 300 cm
Weight: 1650 kg
Seats: 5

Max speed (self-limited): 280 km/h
Acceleration 0-100 km/h: 3.8 seconds
1 Km run in: 23 seconds

Central differential: Viscous coupling 60% rear, 40% front
Rear differential: Dana 44 slip limited
Automatic transmission: Hydra-matic 4 speed with overdrive
Manual transmission: Borg Warner 6 speed
Gear ratios: Automatic: 1^3.06, 2^1.63, 3^1.00, 4^ 0.70, reverse 2.29
Manual: 1^2.66, 2^1.78, 3^1.30, 4^1.00, 5^0.74, 6^0.50, reverse 2.90
Axle ratios: Automatic 4.10, Manual 4.56