Ford Seattle-ite: one of history's most significant concept cars

“Variable density glass around the passenger compart-ment would give cool, diffused light on the interior, eliminate glare and permit efficient air-conditioning.”

The benefits of four front wheels are many and were first encapsulated in 1962 by the Ford Seattle-ite (previous page) stylists’ belief they would “greatly enhance tracking, traction, and braking efficiency.”

WhenTyrrell used the layout in Formula One in the mid-seventies, the stated aim was to “... minimise induced drag by reducing lift at the front and to turn that gain into the ability to enter and leave corners faster.” In a roadgoing sense, the passive safety afforded by two front wheels at each corner means a front tyre puncture will not cause the vehicle to lose control.

Then there’s the additional stopping power afforded by four front discs and four tyres to transmit the force - although the individual area of each footprint is smaller than that of a traditional tyre, the total area of two is greater. The risk of aquaplaning is reduced as the two foremost wheels clear the water for the ones behind them, offering better road adhesion.

Bringing the six-wheeled debate to currency is a contemporary six-wheel sports concept car from Italian Auto designer Covini who cites all of the above and more as reasons why six wheels makes more sense than four.

Covini has also found that as each wheel has less unsprung weight, a more compliant suspension can be used to complement the greater grip and better directional stability.

With a well-matched set of tyres, says Covini, a 6W car can be expected to have higher cornering speeds than 4W and very expensive, low-volume supercar buyers not drive on the road with effective but uncomfortable rigid racing car suspensions.

The Covini argument is strengthened further by studying the development issues of the race car.