NationStates Jolt Archive


Lepanto 650 Moiano: A Gentleman Supercar

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
Aurum Domus
15-12-2007, 18:17
From The Desk Of The High General

I would like to purchase one of these magnificent automobiles for my personal collection. Money will be wired upon order confirmation.

Regards,

Samuel Oron
Van Luxemburg
16-12-2007, 16:22
From: Giancarlo Moretti, Automobili Lepanto S.p.A.
To: High General Samuel Oron, Aurum Domus
Subject: RE: Order

Dear Sir,

We thank you for your order. Your vehicle (now identified as chassisnumber LEP650M-0009) will be delivered to you in Venezia, Van Luxemburg within the year. A driving course with the car on the circuit of Moiano is included. The vehicle price is $512,780, and can be wired upon delivery of the vehicle. You can always contact me with questions about the building process or any other subjects one might wonder about.

Signed,

Giancarlo Moretti,
Automobili Lepanto S.p.A.
Venezia, Van Luxemburg
gmoretti@lepanto.vl

Lepanto, Technological Strength through Beauty
Van Luxemburg
17-12-2007, 21:32
*bump*
Van Luxemburg
24-12-2007, 14:45
*bump*
Calizorinstan
24-12-2007, 20:58
From the Desk of President John Arnold

I would like to purchase this car to complement my Monteluci Duca SFS limited edition car, the money has been wired.

President John Arnold
Calizorinstan
Van Luxemburg
25-12-2007, 15:59
From: Giancarlo Moretti, Automobili Lepanto S.p.A.
To: President John Arnold, Calizorinstan
Subject: RE: Order

Dear Sir,

We thank you for your order. Your vehicle (now identified as chassisnumber LEP650M-0014) will be delivered to you in Venezia, Van Luxemburg within the year. A driving course with the car on the circuit of Moiano is included. The vehicle price is $512,780, and can be wired upon delivery of the vehicle. You can always contact me with questions about the building process or any other subjects one might wonder about.

Signed,

Giancarlo Moretti,
Automobili Lepanto S.p.A.
Venezia, Van Luxemburg
gmoretti@lepanto.vl


Lepanto, Technological Strength through Beauty
Van Luxemburg
26-01-2008, 16:45
*bump*
Van Luxemburg
24-03-2008, 18:40
*bump for sales, and to show my industry still exists*
Stevid
24-03-2008, 19:17
OCC:

The fact that you've called in a gentlemen's car means that some of your accessories make sense. This mimics the Bently Continent GT with comfort and pleasures but is like the Veyron in speed and looks.

Missing a few things though to make this car a Supercar- some major things are missing. To achieve the speed you've stated (212 mph I believe) the body NEEDS to be carbon fibre. Also one other thing, I know it's a concept car solely for NS but i'm sure people who buy this will be in a nation with corners and race tracks. This thing needs a spoiler, desperately to push that car down and give it more grip (not really traction- it has that) in the corners. Make the spoiler like the Veyron's, you can switch it off and folds into the body of the car or it can be set to rise whe the car reaches a certain speed, say 110 mph.

Otherwise I like.

EDIT:

The luxeries you've stuffed into it like, GPS, air con (although most supercars have it anyway), the onboard computer that you can use to adjust the suspension and such.... it all adds up and it makes it heavy. Now I think about it, this car is a Bently Continental GT, BMW M3 and a Bugati Veyon all rolled into one. Sounds good but has way too many drawbacks- price being the obvious one, handling being the second and I doubt people buying this thing would want to invest in some serious tires to help with traction and grip.
Van Luxemburg
24-03-2008, 19:25
(OOC: I'm refraining from saying that this car needs a carbon fibre body. It is not absolutely necessary for it to be made completely out of carbon fibre. Cars like the Veyron also have body parts made out of aluminium.

But I admit that I have forgotten to mention things. I can now just say that they were already on them, but they weren't. Just a thing I forgot, my fault, I admit. I'll be editing it in now.

Ofcourse the car is heavy. A Veyron is heavy, an SLR is heavy, a Ferrari 599 GTB is. They all weigh 1500+ kgs, the Bentley Continental coming in at 200+ kgs. Handling will be solved by the spoiler, and the customer can ask Lepanto to flavour it to their own likings, so no problems there. It is also supplied with some of the best tyres around, namely Pirelli P-Zeros, so that isn't a problem either. And yes, it is expensive, but what would you expect from a completely handbuilt, handcrafted supercar with free service etcetera etcetera?)
Stevid
24-03-2008, 19:35
OOC: No problem, most of it checks out. But it does need a spoiler, it really does. I can imagine this thing on a track in a grip race and losing to a Subaru WRX or an EVO IX because this thing won't stick to the road in the corners, apart from the rolling corners.

The Veyon's actual body is all carbon fibre (Apart from the mechanisim that operates the spoiler) but the axal and hubs are aluminium, I think the wheel nuts are titanium. Just some general tweaks to the car and it'll be near perfect. Trust to weight ratio will not be as good as the Veyron and in a drag or grip race the Veyron will win because this thing is too heavy. But you've created it in such a way that it has the comfort and luxeries of a Bently GT (You say it's a gentlemens car) and so the added weight makes sense.

If you designed it as a super fast super car, like the Bugati Veyron, that I'd instantly say chuck out almost all the electrical junk because in individual parts it weighes next to nothing, but stick 'em altogther it adds some significant weight.

EDIT:
^^^^
Just noticed your edit.
Van Luxemburg
24-03-2008, 19:39
(OOC: No, it was never designed as a Veyron-beater. It never will. It will indeed be more in line with the Bentley Continental GT, Ferrari 612 Scaglietti & 599 GTB etcetera. It is also marketed as a car which can beat F430's etcetera, but I really placed it a bit higher up the ladder (in terms of luxury & power, that is. An F430 Scuderia will be able to ditch it on curvy roads), on purpose.

As you can see, I made the edits, including a spoiler that will deploy above 150 km/h.)
Stevid
24-03-2008, 19:45
(OOC: No, it was never designed as a Veyron-beater. It never will. It will indeed be more in line with the Bentley Continental GT, Ferrari 612 Scaglietti & 599 GTB etcetera. It is also marketed as a car which can beat F430's etcetera, but I really placed it a bit higher up the ladder, on purpose.

As you can see, I made the edits, including a spoiler that will deploy above 150 km/h.)

OOC: Nice one mate, that was the one thing really wrong with it- the missing spoiler. This thing on paper could easily out perform a 612. But it's obvious from just looking at it that it's designed for luxery over overall performance. Nowt wrong with that at all because I love the Bentley Continental GT. If you wanted it to be like the Veyron you would've removed the comfort junk.

It's a really good car mate. Get on the phone to Ford or some other company with money. I'm sure they'll like it. ;)
Van Luxemburg
24-03-2008, 19:51
(OOC: Hehe, Mattia (the guy who draws the images for me) and I have been joking about producing these cars (including the Monteluci's from VL) in RL. It was just a joke, ofcourse, but if I ever get the opportunity to do it.... Maybe contact the Fiat Group then for some help.

Ahum, just dreaming. Back to the real world. Thanks for the shout!)
Stevid
24-03-2008, 19:58
OOC: No problem mate but I won't buy one ICly, I'm a fan of modified and unmodified rally cars. EVOs, Subaru WRXs, C5s and Ford Focuses. More than welcome to establish a garage or manufacturing factory within Stevid or a dominion of the Holy Empire.
Bruxella
24-03-2008, 20:13
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Undressed...new Lepanto unveiled at Geneva show


WHETHER you love them, or hate them, even the most subdued of Lepantos have the power to rip your eyeballs from their sockets!

That’s unlikely to prevent all eyes focusing on the new Lepanto 650 Moiano though, which took pride of place today at the Stando Motor Show.

The company is famous for the striking looks of its luxury cars and this latest model is no exception. Each of these EXCLUSIVE handcrafted cars is tweaked for its individual owner by a team of specialist craftsmen before delivery.

With a top speed of 342 KM/H and acceleration of 0-100 km/h 3.5 seconds, whilst maintaining all the features expected of a TOP-NOTCH luxury saloon, who wouldn't want one?

But with demand expected to far outstrip production and with the only two dealerships located in Van Luxemburg, don't expect to see these on the street of Bruxelles anytime soon. With a starting price of $512,780, this is truly a car for the megarich!

STOP PRESS: The Palace have just confirmed the King is to surprise PRINCE EDDIE with a brand new Lepanto as a 21st birthday gift!