When it comes to supercars, there are only a few names on the list and most of them are Italian.
From Lamborghini to Maserati, and Ferrari to Bugatti, you could say that Italians have a knack for building supercars the same way they do making pizzas.
However, there is one other Italian entrant to the supercar business that almost no one has ever heard of and that’s the Covini 6SW. The idea for a six-wheeled supercar was first conceived in 1974 by a man named Ferruccio Covini. But back then, it was truly an idea that was ahead of its time and was therefore unable to take off.
Take a look at this supercar below!
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Video credit: Rumble
For one, low-profile tires weren’t yet available at that time. The project was soon abandoned and it was only in the 1980’s that it experienced a revival with the invention of hydro-pneumatic suspensions. However, the roadblocks didn’t end there.
As could be expected from a highly technical project in a capital-intensive industry, costs quickly piled up and served to further delay the project until the 1990’s. It was during this time that new vehicle technologies and the easy integration of airbags made the project a more palatable idea for investors.
Federico Covini, Ferruccio’s elder son, explained that at the start, it wasn’t their objective to make something to sell. They just wanted to build something unique and their passion kept them going. Of course, dreams still have to run on money which is why they had to find investors to help realize the project.
Federico explained: “We had to find the right investors in order to reach our target.”
Thanks to the dedication of the Covinis and their team, the six-wheel supercar is now a reality. Even better, you can get one yourself! Federico adds that buyers can customize the car according to their preferences, including interior design and color.
But while it looks striking, how does it perform? A 500 hp engine powers this monster on the road up to a whopping 300 km/h. If that sounds dangerously fast, that’s actually where the beauty of the six-wheel design comes in.
Even if one of the front tires blow out, the extra wheel allows the car to maintain control. Four brake disks in front also provide a larger braking surface so that braking is smoother and produces less heat.
Six wheels also allow for better road handling as well as reduced risk of aquaplaning. The car also has improved directional stability because of its unique design.
Ferruccio proudly said: “No other manufacturer has this technology; the car is very driveable with our power steering.”
Replaced!