Okay, why six wheels? What's the advantage to this type of setup?
According to Ferruccio Covini, the creator, the vehicle is protected if one of the front wheels is deflated, has extra braking capacity thanks to four individual brake units up front plus two in the back, less chance of aquaplaning, increased grip and a more comfortable ride. Um... okay.
The car reportedly will be powered by a 4.2L Audi V8, putting out around 380 horsepower, with power sent to the rear wheels. Gotta wonder if they ever considered AWD?
Covini says he actually thought about this concept 30 years ago, and a prototype showed up at the Geneva Auto Show back in 2004. So it's been a long haul for Covini to get this to market.
For those who think this idea is off the wall, remember that there is some history with 6-wheeled race cars, such as the Elf Tyrell F1 racer that Jody Schecter raced (here).
brn says:
05:24 AM, 12/18/08
I have a funny feeling that this isn't going to catch on.
jederino says:
03:13 PM, 12/18/08
But it does solve an engineering problem we didn't know deserved a more complex solution!
estreka says:
11:32 PM, 12/19/08
Funny. I've played that track countless times on various computer games. Did anyone else notice that the track doesn't cut back after the turn following the backstretch (turn 9)? I wonder how old that video is.
nuieve says:
11:03 PM, 03/ 2/09
I get headaches by watching at it. The front 4 wheels give double vision effect. Unbearable.