Van Luxemburg
15-12-2007, 12:00
Lepanto 650 Moiano: A Gentlemen's Supercar
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b76/VanLuxemburg/5bce3db2.png
Specifications
Type: Lepanto 12-cilinder, V-form, cast aluminium, 5 valves per cylinder, double overhead camshafts.
Displacement: 5.991 cm3
Compression: 11.3:1
bore x stroke: 92.0 x 74.2 mm
Sequential, multipoint fuel injection. Atmospheric engine (naturally aspirated). Transversely, mid-mounted.
Power output: 650 PS at 8.200 rpm
Maximum torque: 630 Nm at 6.200 rpm.
Driven Wheels: 2, Rear
Acceleration: 0-100 km/h 3.5 seconds 0-200 km/h: 8.8 seconds
Top speed: 342 KM/H
Fuel Consumption: Highway travel: 15,2 l / 100 km
Combined: 22,1l / 100 km
Advised fuel: Super RON98
Fuel capacity: 95 litres
Dry weight: 1650 kg
Max Payload: 350 Kg
Max Towing Capacity: - Kg
Turning circle: 11,6 metres
Gearbox: Lepanto Manual Gearbox, 6-speed
Standard Equipment
Audio / Telematics
Full-screen 6.5” colour Satellite navigation system with 30 GB hard drive
Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity
Radio CD player with MP3 functionality, Bose sound system with digital amplifier & subwoofer (8 speakers)
CD auto-changer (10 disc)
Exterior
3 sets of 19" 8-spoke design alloy wheels (1 set with Pirelli P-Zero Rosso Tyres (road use), 1 set with Pirelli P-Zero Corsa System tyres (track & sport use), 1 set Pirelli W240 Sottozero V (winter use, till 240 km/h))
Metallic paint
Electrically folding, adjustable, heated wing mirrors made out of carbon
Functional / Electrical
Lepanto alarm system with GPS tracking
Windscreen with IR reflecting layer, tinted anti-dazzle band & heated wiper blade area
Bi zone automatic climate control
360 degrees ‘Birds-Eye’ Park Assistant
Multifunction display & trip computer
Saloon utility pack (carpet mats & luggage retaining nets)
Visibility pack (rain, dusk, condensation sensors & electrochromic rear view mirror)
Electrically operated electrochromic sunroof
Electrical Height adjustable driver and passenger seats
Adaptive Cruise control (radar-operated)
Electric front windows, double layered glass
"Follow-me home" lights
Remote control with central door locking and automatic window closing
Electric tilting action for driver and passenger seats
Head-up Display (display of navigation instructions, speed & rev counter)
Adjustable Suspension(Ice/Mud, Standard, Sport, Hypersport, Off settings)
Carbonfibre bodyparts
Interior
Front seats with Five stage heating and ventilation
Steering wheel mounted audio controls
Leather steering wheel & gear knob
Dashboard in Leather, Carbon
Carbon interior accents
A-grade Calf leather upholstery
Safety
Headlight washer system
Front fog lights
Passenger airbag deactivation using the key
Front seat belts with electronic pretensioners & load limiters
Vehicle Dynamic Control with hill holder (ABS + ASR + EBD + Brake Assistant), can be adjusted with Suspension settings.
Bi-Xenon headlights with adaptive corner lighting
LED rear lighting
Fire Prevention System (FPS)
Driver, passenger, side & window airbags
Driver knee airbag
Ceramic brakes all-round: 381mm, ventilated
Deployable spoiler, above 150 km/h
Options:
Sequential Direct Gear Shift 6-gear transmission (gear shift in 0.11 seconds) $3,300
Lepanto: Technological Strength through Beauty
Officially, Lepanto says that they do not focus on technological breakthroughs or supremacy in terms of speed anymore. What they want to is offer the driver a sense of being perfect, in a vehicle full of craftsmanship, indulged in seas of heritage. But, nowadays, it could well be they are starting to follow the latest trends again. With the 650 Moiano.
The Lepanto workshops are located in the ‘dry’ part of Venezia, on the Via Lepanto. It is an old, impressive building, where garage doors are unknown: the cars are rolled out of a wide double door next to the main entrance. Inside, the walls are not only filled with tools, but also with posters, paintings and objects that have to do with the impressive history of the 114-year old brand. Placed on an automobile lift, a Lepanto 650 Moiano is the centrepiece of this scene, it’s nose with the Lepanto logo pointing forward aggressively. As it is offloaded from the lift, the engine is started to slowly roll outside, where we can take over. The vehicle produces a deep growl, but when the engine revs, the growl changes into a high howling sound, which can send shivers down one’s spine.
Our destination today is the track of Moiano, after which this car was named. We are escorted by Giancarlo Moretti, head of the Lepanto garage in Venezia. He has been one of the key figures in the development of the 650, and therefore can tell us everything about the vehicle. ‘It was developed together with some experts from Monteluci, and we could also borrow their test track at Moiano. It is like back in the sixties, when Monteluci and Lepanto also cooperated. I guess VLT tries to bring back memories nowadays. We named the car Moiano to commemorate both the cooperation between the two Venezian brands in the sixties, aswell as thank Monteluci for the use of their test track. We will however also utilise it in the future, for development and training matters.’
The 6-litre V12 was mostly designed by Lepanto, but Moretti has also told us that we can expect that the base of this engine will also be used in future Monteluci’s. Sadly, he didn’t specify which ones, but our bets are currently on the Ducareale, which should be able to complement the VLT L7 in the top class. The V12 develops 650 horsepower, and is a naturally aspirated engine. ‘The use of turbochargers would be blasphemy for most customers in Van Luxemburg, so we have left it this way. The chance Lepanto will use turbocharger sin the future is minuscule’, according to Moretti.
The Moiano is completely handcrafted. Built by the best specialists that were trained within the confines of the Lepanto facility, the new Lepanto is said to set the standard for the next models of the brand. The factory builds about one vehicle per week, and can by far not meet the estimated production of 200 cars per year. ‘It’s more like 35 per year. But that way we can ensure there’s not a thing wrong with the car.’ Moretti says. And indeed, there’s nothing wrong with it, we cannot even find a stitch wrong in the vehicle. ‘We take a whole day for quality checks, and when the owner arrives to pick it up, we can always correct some things the owner wants. Ofcourse, the last-minute adjustments to the suspension can be made when the owner thinks they’re required. We expect that that possibility will only be used sporadically, but anything is possible here.’
Even while the vehicle is not adjusted to our personal wishes (since that is only for customers), the vehicle performed excellently on the track. While we try to ease on the corners, the Moiano has got an everlasting acceleration, and that, combined with the perfect suspension that can steer through the bends without a hitch, the vehicle seems to have the same speed as a UFO from outer space. With the throttle controlling a hyperdrive. The high howl of the 6-litre V12 rings out all over the track while the 650 accelerates and accelerates, reaching speeds of up to 280 km/h on the banked part of the track, we didn’t feel the need to push the needle of the speedometer any further, but even at that speed, the vehicle remained rock-steady, and only the sound of the vehicle reminded oneself of how fast he was driving.
Of course, one can place a few side notes at this vehicle: The price for this 650-HP V12 F430-and-599-GTB-beater is ridiculous, starting at around $500,000 USD. This $300,000 increase in price over an F430 Scuderia cannot even be justified by the quality and power of the vehicle. The exclusivity of this vehicle might also become a problem: with only two official dealerships in Van Luxemburg, supposed to sell to the whole world, most of the vehicle will probably remain in Van Luxemburg, even when Lepanto has a pick-up-and-return service for their vehicles abroad.
What we conclude from this first drive? The Lepanto is an excellent sportscar, maybe even supersportscar. But the high price and limited amount of retailers make it a bit prohibitive for the average millionaire.
Pro
- Excellent driving dynamics, great engine
- Great quality
- Perfect customer service
Con
- High price
- Limited amount of retailers
Vehicle Price: $512,780
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b76/VanLuxemburg/5bce3db2.png
Specifications
Type: Lepanto 12-cilinder, V-form, cast aluminium, 5 valves per cylinder, double overhead camshafts.
Displacement: 5.991 cm3
Compression: 11.3:1
bore x stroke: 92.0 x 74.2 mm
Sequential, multipoint fuel injection. Atmospheric engine (naturally aspirated). Transversely, mid-mounted.
Power output: 650 PS at 8.200 rpm
Maximum torque: 630 Nm at 6.200 rpm.
Driven Wheels: 2, Rear
Acceleration: 0-100 km/h 3.5 seconds 0-200 km/h: 8.8 seconds
Top speed: 342 KM/H
Fuel Consumption: Highway travel: 15,2 l / 100 km
Combined: 22,1l / 100 km
Advised fuel: Super RON98
Fuel capacity: 95 litres
Dry weight: 1650 kg
Max Payload: 350 Kg
Max Towing Capacity: - Kg
Turning circle: 11,6 metres
Gearbox: Lepanto Manual Gearbox, 6-speed
Standard Equipment
Audio / Telematics
Full-screen 6.5” colour Satellite navigation system with 30 GB hard drive
Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity
Radio CD player with MP3 functionality, Bose sound system with digital amplifier & subwoofer (8 speakers)
CD auto-changer (10 disc)
Exterior
3 sets of 19" 8-spoke design alloy wheels (1 set with Pirelli P-Zero Rosso Tyres (road use), 1 set with Pirelli P-Zero Corsa System tyres (track & sport use), 1 set Pirelli W240 Sottozero V (winter use, till 240 km/h))
Metallic paint
Electrically folding, adjustable, heated wing mirrors made out of carbon
Functional / Electrical
Lepanto alarm system with GPS tracking
Windscreen with IR reflecting layer, tinted anti-dazzle band & heated wiper blade area
Bi zone automatic climate control
360 degrees ‘Birds-Eye’ Park Assistant
Multifunction display & trip computer
Saloon utility pack (carpet mats & luggage retaining nets)
Visibility pack (rain, dusk, condensation sensors & electrochromic rear view mirror)
Electrically operated electrochromic sunroof
Electrical Height adjustable driver and passenger seats
Adaptive Cruise control (radar-operated)
Electric front windows, double layered glass
"Follow-me home" lights
Remote control with central door locking and automatic window closing
Electric tilting action for driver and passenger seats
Head-up Display (display of navigation instructions, speed & rev counter)
Adjustable Suspension(Ice/Mud, Standard, Sport, Hypersport, Off settings)
Carbonfibre bodyparts
Interior
Front seats with Five stage heating and ventilation
Steering wheel mounted audio controls
Leather steering wheel & gear knob
Dashboard in Leather, Carbon
Carbon interior accents
A-grade Calf leather upholstery
Safety
Headlight washer system
Front fog lights
Passenger airbag deactivation using the key
Front seat belts with electronic pretensioners & load limiters
Vehicle Dynamic Control with hill holder (ABS + ASR + EBD + Brake Assistant), can be adjusted with Suspension settings.
Bi-Xenon headlights with adaptive corner lighting
LED rear lighting
Fire Prevention System (FPS)
Driver, passenger, side & window airbags
Driver knee airbag
Ceramic brakes all-round: 381mm, ventilated
Deployable spoiler, above 150 km/h
Options:
Sequential Direct Gear Shift 6-gear transmission (gear shift in 0.11 seconds) $3,300
Lepanto: Technological Strength through Beauty
Officially, Lepanto says that they do not focus on technological breakthroughs or supremacy in terms of speed anymore. What they want to is offer the driver a sense of being perfect, in a vehicle full of craftsmanship, indulged in seas of heritage. But, nowadays, it could well be they are starting to follow the latest trends again. With the 650 Moiano.
The Lepanto workshops are located in the ‘dry’ part of Venezia, on the Via Lepanto. It is an old, impressive building, where garage doors are unknown: the cars are rolled out of a wide double door next to the main entrance. Inside, the walls are not only filled with tools, but also with posters, paintings and objects that have to do with the impressive history of the 114-year old brand. Placed on an automobile lift, a Lepanto 650 Moiano is the centrepiece of this scene, it’s nose with the Lepanto logo pointing forward aggressively. As it is offloaded from the lift, the engine is started to slowly roll outside, where we can take over. The vehicle produces a deep growl, but when the engine revs, the growl changes into a high howling sound, which can send shivers down one’s spine.
Our destination today is the track of Moiano, after which this car was named. We are escorted by Giancarlo Moretti, head of the Lepanto garage in Venezia. He has been one of the key figures in the development of the 650, and therefore can tell us everything about the vehicle. ‘It was developed together with some experts from Monteluci, and we could also borrow their test track at Moiano. It is like back in the sixties, when Monteluci and Lepanto also cooperated. I guess VLT tries to bring back memories nowadays. We named the car Moiano to commemorate both the cooperation between the two Venezian brands in the sixties, aswell as thank Monteluci for the use of their test track. We will however also utilise it in the future, for development and training matters.’
The 6-litre V12 was mostly designed by Lepanto, but Moretti has also told us that we can expect that the base of this engine will also be used in future Monteluci’s. Sadly, he didn’t specify which ones, but our bets are currently on the Ducareale, which should be able to complement the VLT L7 in the top class. The V12 develops 650 horsepower, and is a naturally aspirated engine. ‘The use of turbochargers would be blasphemy for most customers in Van Luxemburg, so we have left it this way. The chance Lepanto will use turbocharger sin the future is minuscule’, according to Moretti.
The Moiano is completely handcrafted. Built by the best specialists that were trained within the confines of the Lepanto facility, the new Lepanto is said to set the standard for the next models of the brand. The factory builds about one vehicle per week, and can by far not meet the estimated production of 200 cars per year. ‘It’s more like 35 per year. But that way we can ensure there’s not a thing wrong with the car.’ Moretti says. And indeed, there’s nothing wrong with it, we cannot even find a stitch wrong in the vehicle. ‘We take a whole day for quality checks, and when the owner arrives to pick it up, we can always correct some things the owner wants. Ofcourse, the last-minute adjustments to the suspension can be made when the owner thinks they’re required. We expect that that possibility will only be used sporadically, but anything is possible here.’
Even while the vehicle is not adjusted to our personal wishes (since that is only for customers), the vehicle performed excellently on the track. While we try to ease on the corners, the Moiano has got an everlasting acceleration, and that, combined with the perfect suspension that can steer through the bends without a hitch, the vehicle seems to have the same speed as a UFO from outer space. With the throttle controlling a hyperdrive. The high howl of the 6-litre V12 rings out all over the track while the 650 accelerates and accelerates, reaching speeds of up to 280 km/h on the banked part of the track, we didn’t feel the need to push the needle of the speedometer any further, but even at that speed, the vehicle remained rock-steady, and only the sound of the vehicle reminded oneself of how fast he was driving.
Of course, one can place a few side notes at this vehicle: The price for this 650-HP V12 F430-and-599-GTB-beater is ridiculous, starting at around $500,000 USD. This $300,000 increase in price over an F430 Scuderia cannot even be justified by the quality and power of the vehicle. The exclusivity of this vehicle might also become a problem: with only two official dealerships in Van Luxemburg, supposed to sell to the whole world, most of the vehicle will probably remain in Van Luxemburg, even when Lepanto has a pick-up-and-return service for their vehicles abroad.
What we conclude from this first drive? The Lepanto is an excellent sportscar, maybe even supersportscar. But the high price and limited amount of retailers make it a bit prohibitive for the average millionaire.
Pro
- Excellent driving dynamics, great engine
- Great quality
- Perfect customer service
Con
- High price
- Limited amount of retailers
Vehicle Price: $512,780