PMI Covini C6W
The PMI Covini C6W is one of those "wow" cars. Picture
this, a sports coupe with 2 sets of front wheels. Think there ain't
a car sporting 6 wheels?
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Well, buckle your seats because the Italian
aerospace engineer Feruccio Covini has reinvented a multi-wheeled
automobile. And why say it's a reinvention?
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The PMI Covini C6W is typically a re-invention; taking cues from
the Formula One open-wheel race car Tyrell P34 that was banned in
the 80's borne of the undue advantage of an additional set of front
wheels, to eventually limit the Grand Prix to 4-wheeled race cars.
You might consider a 6-wheeled automobile a bit freakish. It's
like having an extra finger on your hand for a normal set of 5 or
a truck outfitted with a wrong set of turning wheels. But in no
way was the PMI Covini C6W crafted in an attempt to be distinctive
but instead engineered to provide superior driving performance.
But why would anybody else want a 6-wheeled car, besides racing
it for speed? Just like the Tyrell, a 4-wheeled front ensue better
braking, traction and cornering; whether the driver is up for speed
to compete in car races or simply attuned to a smooth, efficient
ride.
An additional set of disk brakes upfront provides greater sweep
area and mass to achieve more reliable braking. Imagine how the
Covini and its multiple disc-brakes could deliver precise braking
power to perform sudden halts while incessantly cruising at top
speeds. In the same way, an extra pair of tires definitely guarantees
better road adhesion; thereby producing more efficient traction
while cornering to reduce the likelihood of under-steering in the
midst of a speedy ride.
And just in case you encounter those road dents or worst, one of
your front tires become deflated, the impact to its chassis is effectively
dampened through the dynamics of multiple front wheels.
The Covini C6W is a super car in its class and not just for the
extra set of front wheels that cushions its run. The car is powered
by a 4200 cc capacity, V8-type rear engine that delivers a maximum
power of 380 PS at 6400 rpm and torque of about 450 NM at 2700 rpm.
Top cruising speed is pegged at 185 mph. Transmission-wise; the
Covini is a 3-axled, rear wheel drive vehicle that comes maneuvered
by a 6-speed, reversible transmission while outfitted with independent
front and rear double wishbone for its suspension.
For its body, the Covini is made of glass fibers and carbon fibers
while its chassis is outfitted with steel tubular with an outlay
of carbon fiber reinforcement and structural parts.
For its main attraction, the Covini comes equipped with 16 inch
front wheels and 215/45-16 tires; the rear end sports 20 inch wheels
and 345/25-20 tires. Tire and wheel dimensions are said to reduce
drag while gaining speeds of 10 to 15 horsepower while cruising.
Since its debut at an auto show in Geneva, this 6-wheel wonder
solicited varied reactions from car enthusiasts. Many remained skeptical
about the capability of power steering to handle an additional set
of tires.
Others are utterly unimpressed over the potential of a 4-wheeled
front auto, other than providing a better grip over the front end.
Nevertheless, the Covini becomes a novel alternative to the usual
breed of sports cars in the mainstream.
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