Rayton-Fissore Magnum

Last updated
Rayton-Fissore Magnum
La Forza front 1.jpg
Overview
Manufacturer Rayton-Fissore / Laforza
Also calledLaforza
Production
  • 1985-1998 (Magnum)
  • 1989-2003 (Laforza)
Assembly
Designer Tom Tjaarda
Body and chassis
Class sport utility vehicle (SUV)
Body style 5-door SUV
Layout Front engine, four-wheel drive
Powertrain
Engine
Transmission
  • 5-speed ZF/Iveco manual
  • 5-speed Peugeot BA 10/5 manual
  • 4-speed AOD/AODE automatic (Laforza)
Dimensions
Length4,750 mm (187.0 in)

The Rayton-Fissore Magnum is an Italian-designed and built luxury off-roader, in small scale production between 1985 and 1998. The American V8-powered versions were marketed as Laforza and were built from 1989 until 2003.

Contents

The Magnum began life intended for military and police use, but the Tom Tjaarda designed car, fitted with a sumptuous Italian leather interior in the spirit of the Maserati Biturbo and a range of 4-, 6-, and 8-cylinder engines was marketed as a "luxury 4x4." It was intended as a competitor for the Range Rover and designed to meet those needs the Range Rover left unfulfilled at the time, such as a more luxurious interior and more fuel-efficient smaller engines - including turbodiesels. [2] Better fuel efficiency was essential to European market conditions.

The vehicle was refreshed in 1998 with a facelifted design to include more modern amenities, but still used the same basic body and drivetrain.

Rayton-Fissore

The origin of the Laforza is the Rayton-Fissore Magnum 4x4, presented in July 1984. [3] This vehicle was based on the shortened and lowered chassis of a projected medium-weight military off-roader called the Iveco "40 PM 10" (this project ended up being adopted as the Iveco VM 90). While the original Magnum prototype used the same turbodiesel engine as does the Iveco Turbodaily, the 2,445 cc Sofim turbodiesel which ended up being installed in most of the Rayton-Fissore Magnums was projected from an early stage. [4] The front and rear differentials, suspension, and brakes were carried over from the Iveco truck, which was based on the four-wheel drive version of the Iveco Daily. [4]

1986 Rayton-Fissore Magnum Turbo D Rayton Fissore Magnum 4x4 2.5 turbodiesel modelllo 1986.jpg
1986 Rayton-Fissore Magnum Turbo D

The steel body shell added additional strength to the chassis through a construction technique developed by Rayton Fissore called "UNIVIS." The body consisted of a square tubular structure bolted to the subframe with 10 rubber mounts (Silentbloc). Pre-series cars (built before March 1985) have fiberglass bodywork; the steel-bodied production cars retained the plastic bonnet and bootlid. [2] Most of the Magnum bodies were built by Golden Car of Caramagna Piemonte and then sent to Rayton-Fissore in Cherasco to be finished. Many details such as the lamps came from Italian mass-market automobiles. The four-wheel-drive system was part-time with front and rear differentials, with the rear axle always being engaged. A BorgWarner transfer case provided a low set of gears for off-road use. The rear axle is a leaf-sprung live unit from the Iveco Daily. The standard power steering came from ZF. [5]

About 6,000 Magnums were produced in 18 years of production, of which around 1,200 were the US-market Laforzas. Approximately 1,000 Magnums fitted with the VM turbodiesel were sold to various Italian law enforcement agencies up until the late nineties. Other institutional purchasers included Italy's Guardia di Finanza, the State Forestry Corps, and other, lesser entities. Rayton-Fissore did not have a strong enough sales network to properly market the car and also lacked the financial resources to update it. [6]

Engines

The Magnum was originally available with two petrol engine and one diesel engine. The 2.4 liter (2393 cc) Sofim turbo diesel produces 90 to 110 PS (66 to 81 kW). The 2.0-litre four-cylinder supercharged petrol engine from Fiat/Lancia produces 138 PS (101 kW) and the 2.5-litre (2492 cc) Alfa Romeo sourced V6 produces 160 PS (118 kW), with the V6 being marketed as the Magnum VIP. [7] Only about 120 of the V6-engined version were built.

With an updated version shown at the 1988 Turin Motor Show, the Fiat and Alfa Romeo engines were replaced with VM Motori turbodiesels and a BMW 3.4 liter inline-six as well as a BMW turbodiesel. [8]

Laforza

The first Laforza arrived in the United States in late 1989 with some modifications to the Magnum 4x4 base frame. [9] The major differences included: reinforced and modified cross members and other details necessary to use the 4,942 cc (301.6 cu in) Ford V8 (more commonly known as the "5.0") EFI engine and the AOD transmission. This was coupled with Chrysler's "Selec-Trac" (2WD high, 4WD high, 4WD low) New Process 229 transfer case. The rolling chassis and its interior was finished by Pininfarina in Italy, while C&C in Brighton, MI installed the American-made mechanicals. [9]

The body underwent some minor restyling, bumpers and tail lights were different, as well as the headlights and grille. The Magnum 4x4's leather interior was retained in the American version, but upgraded with a new type of dash and seats as well as the center tunnel and the door panels.

1989 to 1993

The original Laforza 5-liter was updated by Pininfarina who also did the final assembly. This model features Ford 5.0 EFI V8 (truck version) with automatic overdrive transmission (AOD) and a high/low gear transfer case (New Process model 229).

1995 to 1998

The Laforza GT was equipped with a Ford V8 5.0 SEFI V8 (from the Mustang GT) and a few fitted with the 5.8 SEFI V8 (truck version) with the same transmission and transfer case as above. Some of these versions were fitted with an optional Kenne Bell supercharger. In 1996 production was transferred to Rayton-Fissore's successor company Magnum Industriale. [10]

1998 to 2003

The company went through another restructuring in 1998, becoming "Laforza SpA." [10] The updated Laforza Prima was fitted with the Ford V8 5.0 SEFI found on The Ford Explorer and an electronic automatic transmission (AODE) as well as a full-time 4WD transfer case (without low gears) with an Eaton Supercharger as optional. The Prima was renamed Laforza Magnum edition in 1999 when the Ford V8 model was joined by a General Motors 6.0-liter V8 with Eaton supercharger and a 4-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission (Hydra-Matic 4L65-E) coupled with a 2wd/4wd high/4wd low transfer case was also offered. Laforza also planned a version for Europe, using a 3.9-liter 170 PS (125 kW; 168 hp) Iveco direct injection turbodiesel inline-four engine or Alfa Romeo's 3-liter V6, but this model remained a prototype. Golden Car owner Alessandro Festa acquired the rights to the Magnum/Laforza in 2004 but was unable to bring it back to the market. [10]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Peugeot 505</span> Motor vehicle

The Peugeot 505 is a large family car produced by the French manufacturer Peugeot from 1979 to 1992 in Sochaux, France. It was also manufactured in various other countries including Argentina, China, Thailand, Indonesia and Nigeria. The 505 was Peugeot's last rear-wheel drive car.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mazda Capella</span> Motor vehicle

The Mazda Capella, also known as the 626 in North America and Southeast Asia, is a mid-size car that was manufactured by Mazda from 1970 until 2002. Sold in the Japanese domestic market under the Capella name, the vehicle was also commonly known in other major markets as the Mazda 626. Ford, Mazda's partner at the time, also used the Capella platform to create the Ford Telstar and Ford Probe. 4,345,279 of the 626 and Telstar models were sold worldwide.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mazda Familia</span> Motor vehicle

The Mazda Familia, also marketed prominently as the Mazda 323, Mazda Protegé and Mazda Allegro, is a small family car that was manufactured by Mazda between 1963 and 2003. The Familia line was replaced by the Mazda3/Axela for 2004.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Opel Senator</span> Executive car produced by the German automaker Opel

The Opel Senator is a full-size executive car (E-segment) produced by the German automaker Opel, two generations of which were sold in Europe from 1978 until 1993. A saloon, its first incarnation was also available with a fastback coupé body as the Opel Monza and Vauxhall Royale Coupé.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ford Aerostar</span> Motor vehicle

The Ford Aerostar is a range of vans that was manufactured by Ford from the 1986 to the 1997 model years. The first minivan produced by Ford, the model line was marketed against the Chevrolet Astro/GMC Safari and the first two generations of the Chrysler minivans. Introduced shortly before the Ford Taurus, the Aerostar derived its name from its slope-nosed "one-box" exterior.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Isuzu Aska</span> Mid-size sedans

The Isuzu Aska was a nameplate used by Isuzu Motors Ltd. of Japan to denote their mid-size sedans from 1983 to 2002. Originally, the Aska was a version of GM's J-car produced by Isuzu, but later, after Isuzu pulled out of manufacturing passenger cars, the nameplate was applied to rebadged versions of the Subaru Legacy and Honda Accord sold through Isuzu's Japanese distribution network.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ford Courier</span> Motor vehicle

Ford Courier is a model nameplate used by Ford since the early 1950s. The Courier moniker has been used on a variety of vehicles all around the world since it was first used in North America for a saloon delivery. The Courier nameplate was also used by Ford for a series of compact pickup trucks and would also see use by Ford of Europe denoting a Fiesta-based panel van. Ford Brazil used the nameplate for a Fiesta-based coupe utility pickup marketed across Latin America.

The Mazda B-series engine - not to be confused with the Mazda B-Series truck - is a small-sized, iron-block, inline four-cylinder with belt-driven SOHC and DOHC valvetrain ranging in displacement from 1.1 to 1.8 litres. It was used from front-wheel drive economy applications to the turbocharged full-time 4WD 323 GTX and rear-wheel drive Miata as well as numerous other models. The Mazda B-series is a "non-interference" design, meaning that breakage of its timing belt does not result in damage to valves or pistons, because the opening of the valves, the depth of the combustion chamber and the shaping of the piston crown allow sufficient clearance for the open valves in any possible piston position.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Honda Concerto</span> Motor vehicle

The Honda Concerto is a car produced from 1988 to 1996. It was jointly developed by Honda and the Austin Rover Group and was introduced in Japan on 15 June 1988, and in European markets in October 1989. Japanese production finished in October 1992 and British production finished in 1995. The car was named for the musical composition and was a successor to the second generation Honda Ballade, a higher specification Honda Civic. All Japanese versions were exclusive to Japanese Honda dealerships called Honda Clio.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mazda B series</span> Series of pickup trucks made by Mazda

The Mazda B series is a series of pickup trucks that was manufactured by Mazda. Produced across five generations from 1961 to 2006, the model line began life primarily as a commercial vehicle, slotted above a kei truck in size. Through its production, Mazda used engine displacement to determine model designations; a B1500 was fitted with a 1.5 L engine and a B2600, a 2.6 L engine.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ford Super Duty</span> Heavy-duty line of pickup trucks by Ford

The Ford Super Duty is a series of heavy-duty pickup trucks produced by the Ford Motor Company since the 1999 model year. Slotted above the consumer-oriented Ford F-150, the Super Duty trucks are an expansion of the Ford F-Series range, from the F-250 to the F-600. Rather than adapting lighter-duty trucks for heavier use, Super Duty trucks have been designed as a dedicated variant of the Ford F-Series, including pickup trucks and chassis-cab vehicles; the Ford F-450 is the largest pickup truck offered for sale in North America.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Isuzu Faster</span> Motor vehicle

The Isuzu Faster is a pickup truck that was manufactured and marketed by Isuzu between 1972 and 2002 over three generations. The Faster was succeeded worldwide by Isuzu D-Max, except in Japan and North America.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Iveco Daily</span> Commercial van produced by the Iveco

The Iveco Daily is a large light commercial van produced by the Italian automaker Iveco since 1978; it was also sold as the Fiat Daily by Fiat until 1983. Unlike the more car-like unibody Fiat Ducato, the Daily uses a separate ladder frame typical of heavier commercial vehicles. The Iveco Daily is produced at the Iveco Suzzara plant, near Mantova in Italy, where Iveco has recently made substantial investments to renew the production lines.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mahindra Thar</span> Indian offroad compact SUV

The Mahindra Thar is a compact, four-wheel drive, off-road SUV manufactured by Indian automaker Mahindra and Mahindra Ltd.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Toyota Corolla (E90)</span> Motor vehicle

The Corolla E90, introduced in 1987 for the 1988 model year, was the sixth generation of cars sold by Toyota under the Corolla nameplate. It was the last generation of Corolla to be classified as a subcompact car and the first to be exclusively front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive; the performance option of rear-wheel drive was dropped.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Iveco VM 90</span> Italian multirole military truck

The Iveco VM 90 is an Italian multirole military vehicle. It is a hybrid, somewhere between a truck and tactical SUV, manufactured by Iveco, on the base of the Iveco Daily. From this version was subsequently also derived the 40.10WM civilian version, designed for law enforcement and civil protection.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Volkswagen Passat (B2)</span> Motor vehicle

The Volkswagen Passat (B2) is an automobile which was produced by German manufacturer Volkswagen from 1981 to 1988. It was the second generation of the Volkswagen Passat. The platform was slightly longer than the preceding Passat (B1). As with the previous generation, it was based on the platform of the Audi 80; the corresponding B2 version of which had been already launched in 1978. The Santana was also manufactured in China, Brazil, Mexico and Argentina. In Brazil, the Santana station wagon was sold as the Quantum. In the United States, both the Santana sedan and station wagon were sold as the Quantum. The Passat saloon and estate were produced in South Africa for their local market until 1987. The production of Passat B2 in China ended in January 2013.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Carrozzeria Fissore</span> Italian builder of coaches

Carrozzeria Fissore was an Italian coachbuilder located in Savigliano, near Turin (Piedmont).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ford Mondeo (first generation)</span> Mid-size sedan produced by Ford

The Ford Mondeo I (first generation) is a mid-size car that was produced by Ford, beginning on 23 November 1992, with sales beginning on 22 March 1993. It is also known as the Mk I Mondeo; the 1996 facelift versions are usually designated Mk II. Available as a four-door saloon, a five-door hatchback, and a five-door estate, all models for the European market were produced at Ford's plant in the Belgian city of Genk. In December 1992, Autocar published a section on the Mondeo, and how it would conquer rivals.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bremach</span> Former Italian tactical truck manufacturer

Bremach was an Italian/American manufacturer of tactical trucks specializing in the manufacturing of military vehicles and 4WD fire engines.

References

  1. Büschi, Hans-Ulrich, ed. (March 9, 1989). Automobil Revue 1989 (in German and French). Vol. 84. Berne, Switzerland: Hallwag AG. p. 498. ISBN   3-444-00482-6.
  2. 1 2 Meurer, Stany (1985-02-07). "Rayton Fissore Magnum: Die heeft stijl" [It's got style]. De AutoGids (in Flemish). Brussels, Belgium: Uitgeverij Auto-Magazine. 6 (140): 48.
  3. Büschi, Hans-Ulrich, ed. (March 5, 1987). Automobil Revue 1987 (in German and French). Vol. 82. Berne, Switzerland: Hallwag AG. p. 481. ISBN   3-444-00458-3.
  4. 1 2 Mazzocchi, Gianni, ed. (April 1984). "Anteprima: Il ≪militare≫ lascia la divisa per andare fuoristrada" [Preview: A fighter casts off its uniform, goes off-road]. Quattroruote (in Italian). Milan, Italy: Editoriale Domus. 29 (342): 77–78.
  5. Meurer, p. 49
  6. Loiacono, Salvatore (2002-01-18). "Il Magnum torna con Laforza" [The Magnum returns with Laforza]. Motor1.com (in Italian). Motorsport Network. Archived from the original on 2019-12-28.
  7. Automobil Revue 1987 , p. 482
  8. Bellu, René, ed. (September 1989). "Salon: Toutes les Voitures du Monde 89/90". L'Auto Journal (in French). Paris: Homme N°1 (15 & 16): 339.
  9. 1 2 Stark, Harry A.; Bush, James W., eds. (1990). Ward's Automotive Yearbook 1990. Vol. 52. Detroit, MI: Ward's Communications, Inc. p. 118. ISBN   0910589010.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: ignored ISBN errors (link)
  10. 1 2 3 "Magnum Laforza V6 3.0: L'ultimo giro di giostra" [The last ride on the carousel]. Autoruote4x4.com (in Italian). New Explorer. 2013-04-26. Archived from the original on 2015-02-27.