Just under two years after the launch of their pioneering 6-wheeled 300 km/h supercar, Covini Engineering are present at the Geneva Motor Show with a mild evolution of their intriguing C6W.

The Covini C6W is powered by a mid-mounted longitudinal 4.2 V8 Audi engine, producing 380 bhp at 6,400 rpm. Maximum torque is 450 Nm at 2,700 rpm. The chassis is by tubular spaceframe with carbon fibre reinforcements and structural parts. The dry weight of the car is 1,150 kg.

Covini Engineering was founded in 1978 by Ferruccio Covini, after he had constructed several prototypes as a hobby. The company, which specializes in the construction of static and automotive prototypes, mainly focuses on experimentation and innovation rather than volume.

The original idea of the Covini C6W was conceived thirty one years ago in 1974, but the concept was not viable at the time due to technological barriers. As a result, the project was shelved in favour of the 4.4 Soleado prototype, which was considered as more important, and lay dormant until the 1980s when hydro-pneumatic suspension for the front four wheels was devised to optimise weight distribution under various loading conditions.

However, high development costs and other contingencies, forced the project to be delayed yet 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.
 

Over the last three decades Covini have been busy pushing automotive thinking forward and honing themselves into a skilled and innovative company.

Their major projects to date include the T44 Soleado in 1978, a sportscar offering 4 wheel drive and a cutting edge body shell comprising of interchangeable panels, followed by the B24 Sirio four years later, a 2-seater sports saloon which became the first production-ready diesel powered car to reach 200 km/h (125 mph).

They followed this up in 1986 with the T40 Summit, a luxurious and elegant 2+2 coupe propelled by a 4-litre engine and, last but not, least the C36 Turbotronic two years later, a coupé able to shatter the 300 km/h barrier (188 mph). All of these prototypes share the distinction of being powered by diesel engines from Italian engine builder VM Motori.

Covini Engineering has also taken part in other projects, including the design and manufacture of the Dragon Fly ultra-light 2-seater helicopter, and the Chevrolet Callaway C7 muscle car.

In 2003 Covini put the finishing touches to the C6W and gained the all-important homologation approval. Last this year, very limited production, is expected to commence at their all new purpose built plant at Verbania.

by James Granger & Edd Ellison in Geneva