Vehicle model
Abarth 695 Rivale
The Abarth 695 Rivale represents one of the most exclusive and sought-after limited editions in the Abarth lineup, launched in 2015 to celebrate the alliance between the Italian automaker and the world of luxury yachting. This special series was developed in partnership with Riva, the renowned Italian manufacturer of prestigious boats, creating a bridge between two universes symbolizing Italian excellence in design and performance. Limited to only 695 units worldwide, this edition embodies absolute exclusivity and the artisanal refinement characteristic of both century-old brands. Based on the Fiat 500 Abarth, the 695 Rivale distinguishes itself through sophisticated aesthetic treatment directly inspired by Riva yachts, notably the Aquarama. The bodywork features an exclusive two-tone Sera Blue livery with a white roof, recalling the emblematic colors of marine hulls. Chrome details abound, evoking the metal fittings of luxury watercraft, while the specific design 17-inch alloy wheels recall boat propellers. The interior constitutes the true jewel of this series, with ivory leather seats enhanced by blue stitching and precious wood inserts sourced directly from Riva workshops. The leather-wrapped steering wheel, gear shift knob, and dashboard benefit from varnished wood insertions, applied using the artisanal techniques employed for yachts. Mechanically, the 695 Rivale relies on the turbocharged 1.4 T-Jet engine developing 180 horsepower, paired with a five-speed manual gearbox or, optionally, a sequential robotized transmission. This powertrain enables the small sports city car to achieve 0-100 km/h in 6.7 seconds and reach a top speed of 225 km/h, remarkable performance figures for a car in this category. The chassis benefits from Abarth improvements with lowered and stiffened suspensions, a Brembo braking system, and a Record Monza Sovrapposto sport exhaust producing a characteristic sound signature. The positioning of the 695 Rivale transcends that of a simple sports city car to enter the realm of automotive collector's items. Its launch price, significantly higher than that of a standard 595 or 695, reflected its status as an ultra-limited edition and its level of artisanal finishing. Each unit was delivered with a numbered certificate of authenticity and an exclusive accessories kit including a leather bag incorporating Riva aesthetic codes. The 695 Rivale's heritage fits within Abarth's tradition of highly desirable special series, perpetuating the spirit of limited editions that have punctuated the history of the scorpion brand. This successful collaboration with Riva demonstrated Abarth's ability to transcend the automotive segment to create true rolling works of art, fusing sporting performance and artisanal luxury in a unique compact format. Today, this edition remains one of the most collectible modern Abarths, sought after by enthusiasts who appreciate the convergence of Italian craftsmanship traditions across different domains of excellence.
History
History of the Abarth 695 Rivale
The Abarth 695 Rivale represents one of the most exclusive and sought-after limited editions in the Abarth lineup, launched in 2015 to celebrate the alliance between the Italian automaker and the world of luxury yachting. This special series was developed in partnership with Riva, the renowned Italian manufacturer of prestigious boats, creating a bridge between two universes symbolizing Italian excellence in design and performance. Limited to only 695 units worldwide, this edition embodies absolute exclusivity and the artisanal refinement characteristic of both century-old brands. Based on the Fiat 500 Abarth, the 695 Rivale distinguishes itself through sophisticated aesthetic treatment directly inspired by Riva yachts, notably the Aquarama. The bodywork features an exclusive two-tone Sera Blue livery with a white roof, recalling the emblematic colors of marine hulls. Chrome details abound, evoking the metal fittings of luxury watercraft, while the specific design 17-inch alloy wheels recall boat propellers. The interior constitutes the true jewel of this series, with ivory leather seats enhanced by blue stitching and precious wood inserts sourced directly from Riva workshops. The leather-wrapped steering wheel, gear shift knob, and dashboard benefit from varnished wood insertions, applied using the artisanal techniques employed for yachts. Mechanically, the 695 Rivale relies on the turbocharged 1.4 T-Jet engine developing 180 horsepower, paired with a five-speed manual gearbox or, optionally, a sequential robotized transmission. This powertrain enables the small sports city car to achieve 0-100 km/h in 6.7 seconds and reach a top speed of 225 km/h, remarkable performance figures for a car in this category. The chassis benefits from Abarth improvements with lowered and stiffened suspensions, a Brembo braking system, and a Record Monza Sovrapposto sport exhaust producing a characteristic sound signature. The positioning of the 695 Rivale transcends that of a simple sports city car to enter the realm of automotive collector's items. Its launch price, significantly higher than that of a standard 595 or 695, reflected its status as an ultra-limited edition and its level of artisanal finishing. Each unit was delivered with a numbered certificate of authenticity and an exclusive accessories kit including a leather bag incorporating Riva aesthetic codes. The 695 Rivale's heritage fits within Abarth's tradition of highly desirable special series, perpetuating the spirit of limited editions that have punctuated the history of the scorpion brand. This successful collaboration with Riva demonstrated Abarth's ability to transcend the automotive segment to create true rolling works of art, fusing sporting performance and artisanal luxury in a unique compact format. Today, this edition remains one of the most collectible modern Abarths, sought after by enthusiasts who appreciate the convergence of Italian craftsmanship traditions across different domains of excellence.
Technology
Technologies, engines and platforms
The 695 Rivale features the 1.4 turbo T-Jet MultiAir gasoline engine producing 180 horsepower, paired with a five-speed manual gearbox or an optional sequential robotized transmission. The Abarth sport chassis includes suspensions lowered by 30 mm, Koni FSD (Frequency Selective Damping) shock absorbers, and a Brembo braking system with 305 mm ventilated front calipers. The Record Monza Sovrapposto sport exhaust produces the signature Abarth sound. The MultiAir system optimizes intake valve management to improve efficiency and responsiveness. Electric power steering offers precise feedback, while Sport and Normal driving modes adapt engine response and exhaust parameters according to driver preferences.
Tires and wheels
Tire and wheel compatibility
Exact tire and wheel dimensions for the Abarth 695 Rivale vary by configuration, but the special series is typically equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels featuring an exclusive design. Consult your owner's manual or the label on the door jamb for the precise recommended dimension for your model year.
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