Covini C6W Six Wheeler

The Covini Engineering team's been clamoring to get the C6W into production for the last 30+ years. Now they might finally have their day.

The Covini Six Wheeler takes its engineering inspiration from the 1976 Tyrell P34 race car which had two pairs of smaller front wheels that were intended to increase air penetration and have a smaller frontal area effectively reducing drag.

The ideas behind the Tyrell P34 don’t necessarily translate to the C6W, though Ferruccio Covini, the company’s founder, gives the following reasons for creating his modern-day six-wheeler:

• Less risk of front tires deflating
• Less risk of aquaplaning
• Better braking
• Better grip
• Better comfort
• Better absorption of frontal impact

The C6W was first shown in 2004 and a revised version was shown at the Geneva Motor Show a year later with new wheels, interior and roof structure. Numerous prototypes have been developed and tested and now ItaliaSpeed is reporting the Covini C6W will be produced in limited numbers starting at the end of 2009. Power for this RWD 6-wheeled beast will be a 4.2-liter Audi mill channeling 433bhp (440PS) and 346lb-ft (470Nm) through a 6-speed manual gearbox. Top speed is expected to be 185 MPH.

Take a look at the C6W in action below: