Abarth 695 biposto unveiled as the fastest Abarth ever

Abarth has unveiled its new ‘race car for the road’, the 695 biposto at the Geneva Motor Show, 50 years after the launch of the first 695.

The 1964 edition 695 featured a 699.5 cc displacement to provide maximum power of 30 horsepower (22kW), helping it reach a top speed of 130 km/h. The 695 was appreciated for its agility and versatility in town and on mixed routes.

Fast forward to 2014, the 695 biposto features a 1.4-litre four-cylinder turbocharged T-Jet engine developing 190 horsepower (141kW). Tipping the scale at just 997kg, the Fiat 500 based 695 biposto propels from 0-100km/h in 5.9 seconds, en route to a top speed of 230 km/h.

Abarth engineers shed the compromises typical of road-going vehicles such as the rear seats, xenon headlights, fog lights, climate control, electric windows and radio system to give the 695 its focused, racing edge. An aluminium bonnet and carbon fibre wing mirrors further reduce weight.

Numerous features are derived straight from the track; a gearbox with dog rings – for the first time on a road-going car currently in its category – and fixed front windows with polycarbonate sliding panels (a high-performance technical material used for sports equipment and aeroplane windows due to its flexibility and resistance).

It also features a front intercooler, Akrapovic exhaust system, Extreme Shox adjustable shock absorbers, MXL digital data logger, Abarth Corsa by Sabelt seats with four-point seat belts, Brembo braking system, lightened 18-inch OZ rims and rear titanium roll bar by Poggipolini.

ABS, ESP, TTC (Torque Transfer Control), disc and clutch self-locking differential and racing-derived Brembo braking system with front floating, ventilated and perforated discs (305×28 mm) and four-piston one-piece calliper (4×38 mm) provide maximum safety to back up the 695’s sporting intent.

Automotive styling specialist Zender developed the 695’s front and rear bumpers, side skirts, wheel arches and spoiler to provide a bespoke feel. The Abarth’s bodywork is finished in a new textured-effect Performance Grey colour, while the front bonnet trim, door handles and tailgate and rear handle feature a titanium finish.

The 695 biposto’s cabin is characterised by its rear titanium roll bar, ‘Abarth Corsa by Sabelt’ racing seats with carbon shell, four-point harnesses and ‘anti-intrusion’ net for securing luggage.