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 facelift 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 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 three engine options, including two petrol engines 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">Ford Sierra</span> Motor vehicle

The Ford Sierra is a mid-size car or large family car manufactured and marketed by Ford Europe from 1982–1993, designed by Uwe Bahnsen, Robert Lutz and Patrick le Quément — and noted for its aerodynamic styling producing a drag coefficient of 0.34, a significant improvement over its predecessors.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nissan Pathfinder</span> Motor vehicle

The Nissan Pathfinder is a range of sport utility vehicles manufactured by Nissan since 1986. Until the third-generation model, the Pathfinder is based on Nissan's compact pickup truck platform which it shares with the Navara/Frontier. The front end of the D21 and R51 Pathfinder is notably identical with the Navara/Frontier up until the B-pillars.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mazda MPV</span> Minivan manufactured by Mazda

The Mazda MPV is a minivan manufactured by Mazda. Introduced in 1988 as a rear-wheel-drive model with optional selectable four-wheel drive, this was replaced in 1999 with a front-wheel-drive version with optional all-wheel-drive in some markets. Over one million MPV models have been produced since its introduction.

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

The Mazda Capella, also known as the 626 in Europe, 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">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">Toyota Tacoma</span> Mid-size pickup truck

The Toyota Tacoma is a pickup truck manufactured by Japanese automobile manufacturer Toyota since 1995. The first-generation Tacoma was classified as a compact pickup. The second generation and third generation models are classified as mid-sized pickups. The Tacoma was Motor Trend's Truck of the Year for 2005.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Toyota T100</span> Motor vehicle

The Toyota T100 is a full-size pickup truck produced by Toyota between 1992 and 1998. It was developed strictly for the US markets, where larger pickups have a sizable market share.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Toyota 4Runner</span> Sport utility vehicle manufactured by Toyota

The Toyota 4Runner is an SUV manufactured by the Japanese automaker Toyota and marketed globally since 1984, across six generations. In Japan, it was marketed as the Toyota Hilux Surf and was withdrawn from the market in 2009. The original 4Runner was a compact SUV and little more than a Toyota Hilux pickup truck with a fiberglass shell over the bed, but the model has since undergone significant independent development into a cross between a compact and a mid-size SUV. All 4Runners have been built in Japan at Toyota's plant in Tahara, Aichi, or at the Hino Motors plant in Hamura.

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

The Isuzu MU is a mid-size SUV which was produced by Japan-based manufacturer Isuzu from 1989 to 2004.

Toyota Motor Corporation's A family is a family of automatic FWD/RWD/4WD/AWD transmissions built by Aisin-Warner. They share much in common with Volvo's AW7* and Aisin-Warner's 03-71* transmissions, which are found in Suzukis, Mitsubishis, and other Asian vehicles.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">TorqueFlite</span> Automatic transmission made by Chrysler

TorqueFlite is the trademarked name of Chrysler Corporation's automatic transmissions, starting with the three-speed unit introduced late in the 1956 model year as a successor to Chrysler's two-speed PowerFlite. In the 1990s, the TorqueFlite name was dropped in favor of alphanumeric designations, although the latest Chrysler eight-speed automatic transmission has revived the name.

<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">Renault Safrane</span> Motor vehicle

The Renault Safrane is an executive car designed and built by the French manufacturer Renault from 1992 until 2000. Throughout its production it remained the most expensive and most luxurious Renault available, although its commercial success was limited, compared to some similar models and also compared to its predecessor. Just over 300,000 Safranes were built, compared to nearly 800,000 Renault 25. It was replaced by the Vel Satis, and to some extent, by the short-lived two-door Avantime.

Tom Tjaarda was an American automobile designer noted for his work on a broad range of automobiles — estimated at over eighty — from exotic sports cars including the Ferrari 365 California and De Tomaso Pantera to high-volume popular cars including the first generation Ford Fiesta (1972) and the Fiat 124 Spider (1966).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Iveco Daily</span> Commercial truck produced by 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">Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W202)</span> Car model

Mercedes-Benz W202 is the internal designation for a compact sedan/saloon manufactured and marketed by Mercedes-Benz between 1992–2001, as the first generation of the C-Class, now in its fifth generation. Replacing the 190 series/W201 in June 1993, the C-Class sedan was Mercedes' entry-level model until 1997, when the company launched the A-Class. Production reached 1,847,382 over model years 1994–2000.

<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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ford Raptor</span> High performance model line from Ford

The Raptor is a nameplate used by Ford for its high-performance pickup trucks and SUVs. In use since the 2010 model year, the Raptor is designated as the highest-performance version of the F-150, Ranger and Bronco. Drawing its name from both bird of prey and the velociraptor, the model line is intended as a street-legal counterpart of an off-road racing trophy truck. The F-150 Raptor is currently in its third generation; the Ranger Raptor was introduced in 2019 while the Bronco Raptor was released in late 2021.

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). 6 (140). Brussels, Belgium: Uitgeverij Auto-Magazine: 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). 29 (342). Milan, Italy: Editoriale Domus: 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) (15 & 16). Paris: Homme N°1: 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.