Ermini 686 “Seiottosei”

Ermini is a little-known Italian car manufacturer whose last model was produced over fifty years ago. But now they’re back. Next year they intend to start delivering the first batch of their 686 “Seiottosei” roadsters to their respective buyers. The Ermini 686 is already well-on in development. In fact they were at the rolling chassis stage back in March of this year.

The Ermini 686 is intended to revive the niche of the “Barchette Sport” which emerged in Italy many decades ago. This category of sports car made a name for itself by prioritising the dynamic drive of light and nippy cars over the powerful road presence of larger sports cars with higher displacement engines. To keep weight to a minimum the Ermini 686 is based on a steel spaceframe chassis with carbon fiber body panels and passenger compartment. The target weight for the car is a mere 686 kgs (1,512 lbs). And now you know why it’s called the 686.

Ermini Automobili Italia are turning to their French neighbours for the engine. Mounted just behind the cockpit is a Renault-sourced 2.0 litre 4-cylinder twin-turbocharged engine producing 295 horsepower. This is mated to a Sadlev six-speed sequential gearbox which delivers the power to the rear wheels. Performance is estimated at 3.4 seconds to 62 mph (100 km/h), and 167 mph (270 km/h) v.max.

The styling of the Ermini 686 was penned by Giulio Cappellini, who was chosen to manage the Ermini Design Team. The simple and efficient  lines of the car look like they belong more on the racetrack than on the road. But that’s a crossover Ermini are happy to be associated with.

Chairman of Ermini Automobili Italia, Eugenio Ercoli said of the 686. “With this car, lovers of those uncompromising vintage sports cars with their distinctive dynamism, long since replaced by modern supercars, will finally be able to enjoy themselves…”

Clearly he’s not familiar with the Lotus Elise.

Ermini 686 “SeiottoSei” Specifications:

Chassis: Trellis / steel tubing and carbon panels
Length: 4012 mm
Track: front 1625 mm , rear 1595 mm
Width: 1850 mm
Suspension: front and rear-wheel suspensions “push rod”, double a-arm
Engine: Renault F4RT RS – 4 cylinders 16 valve 1.998cc (300CV)
Gearbox: Sadev sl 75 six speed sequential + reverse
Brakes: Brembo with self-ventilating brake disc rotors
Coachwork: Carbon fiber . Two-seater
Clutch: double-disc clutch 5,5”
Tires: Toyo R888 front 215/45-ZR17 , rear 245/40-ZR18
Weight: 686 Kg
Performance: 270 Km/h
Acceleration: 0-100Km/h in less than 3.4 sec.