From the combination of two Italian greats in the fields of technology, innovation, care over detail and the quest for performance, Abarth has unveiled its vision of the exclusive Fiat 500 Riva, unveiling the Abarth 695 Rivale, a special series conceived in partnership with Italian boat-maker Riva. This historical brand of the nautical world, which has always been synonymous with Italian elegance and style, contributed to creating the most sophisticated Abarth ever.
Available in a limited series of sedan and cabriolet versions, the Abarth 695 Rivale can be recognised by its exclusive livery: two-tone Riva sera blue and shark grey paintwork, embellished with an aquamarine double stripe that runs at waistline height, resembling the “beauty line” on yachts.
The satin chrome finish on the door handles, the “695 Rivale” name on the tailgate and rear bumpers, the satin chrome moulding on the tailgate, which evokes the sophisticated shapes of a yacht, making this model even more unmistakable thanks to its aesthetic affinity with the side grilles on the new Riva yachts.
So much charm comes from the usual quest for better performance through the constant technical upgrading that characterises every Abarth car: in fact, under the bonnet of the 695 Rivale, hides a 1368 cm3 engine, which guarantees a maximum power of 180 HP and a torque of 250 Nm. The power-to-weight ratio of the 695 Rivale is that of a real supercar and its performance is extraordinary: a maximum speed of 139 mph and 6.7 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 62 mph. It is, therefore, a car that can satisfy sophisticated customers looking for elegance, sophistication and performance.
Inside, the carbon fibre kick plates, blue leather seats and interior door panels, black mats with blue inserts and the carbon fibre or mahogany dashboard are variants available on request to give the car even more nautical look. Wood – the most natural of materials – is combined with most advanced technological solutions for a result of absolute excellence, just like on Riva yachts: the perfect combination of ultimate technology and expert craftsmanship. The mahogany variant allows you to embrace the Riva philosophy in greater depth: in addition to the dashboard strip, the special steering wheel is covered in blue and black leather with a mahogany badge, blue leather instrument panel cover and mahogany gear lever knob and kick plate.
Together with the Abarth 695 Rivale, the 695 Rivale 175 Anniversary is also unveiled to celebrate 175 years of the Riva brand, which was founded in 1842. This “ultra-limited edition” accentuates the handcrafted finishes by adding customised elements, special wheel rims, celebratory logos and hand-finished blue and black leather front seats. 175 sedan and 175 cabriolet versions are available.
all images courtesy of FCA Group