Abarth 695 Biposto
Power comes from a heavily reworked version of Fiat’s 1.4-litre T-Jet petrol engine, with a new Garrett turbocharger, larger intercooler, altered fuel rail and Akrapovic exhaust system. The unit delivers 140kW at 5500rpm 22kW more than the standard Abarth 500.
Buyers can choose between a standard six-speed manual gearbox (maximum 249Nm) and an optional race-bred fivespeed dog-ring ’box (maximum 270Nm) mated to a mechanical limited-slip diff.
The standard Abarth’s MacPherson strut and torsion beam suspension has been comprehensively reworked, with much firmer springs, wider tracks, adjustable ride height and front dampers, and more resilient bushings. The brakes have also been revised, with 305mm Brembo discs and four-pot calipers up front and 240mm discs with single-pot calipers at the rear.
The interior has been pared back to net a 38kg saving in kerb weight over the standard Abarth 500. Gone are the rear seats, standard door inserts, air conditioning, radio and a good deal of sound-deadening material.
Deep racing seats offer plenty of lateral support but are mounted rather high. As with the exterior, polished carbonfibre abounds throughout. There’s also new pedals, tread plates and a sturdy strut brace across the rear of the cabin all fashioned from titanium.
On road, the 695 Biposto pulls away cleanly, with impressive flexibility at lower revs. However, its engine needs some coaxing with your right foot before it really begins to deliver the sort of shove you expect from a car flaunting serious track pretensions. Once you’ve got it percolating beyond 3000rpm, there is a clear lift in performance as the turbocharger spools up with full force. Keep it pegged and the Biposto hauls to the 6500rpm redline with great enthusiasm and a wonderfully raspy exhaust note.
More than the engine, though, it is the race gearbox that really moulds the car’s on-track character. Endowed with an open metal gate and a tall shift lever perfectly positioned a hand’s width away from the steering wheel, it channels the engine’s reserves with fabulous speed. It’s the clear preference for anyone who intends to take the Biposto on a circuit regularly, though the manual ’box might be the smarter choice for everyday use.
In dry conditions, the Biposto is claimed to hit 100km/h in 5.9sec, two seconds faster than the standard Abarth 500. However, we have reservations about its ability to get power down cleanly in the wet. On a smooth surface, the 695 Biposto’s racing genes are evident in the determined way it changes direction, resists lean and attacks kerbs around a circuit.
It is, however, very sensitive to throttle inputs at the limit. Get on the power too early and understeer builds. Lift off suddenly and the back end will swing around. The electro-mechanical steering is weighty and imparts a direct feel in Sport mode, but it sometimes feels artificially springy returning to centre and is often corrupted by a sudden tug of torque steer when you stamp on the throttle at the exit of a corner.
Suspension is also very stiff. On public roads, you feel every little surface imperfection. No-one expects it to offer real comfort, but on badly pitted roads it can spoil the fun. A lapse in concentration can throw you off line with such intensity it takes a dab hand to ensure you don’t end up in the scenery.
Brand manager Marco Magnanini describes the Biposto as “madness”. It’s a description many will think applies to its (estimated) $65K price tag, too. Worse still, the party-piece gearbox is an extra $15,800!
If we were to spend that sort of money on a track toy, there are plenty of cars we’d choose ahead of this.
Engine / 1368cc inline-4, DOHC, 16v, turbocharger
Power / 140kW @ 5500rpm
Torque / 270Nm @ 3000rpm
Weight / 997kg
0-100km/h5.9sec (claimed)
Price / $65,000 (estimated)
Abarth 695 Biposto
Reviewed by Unknown
on
6:02 AM
Rating:
Reviewed by Unknown
on
6:02 AM
Rating:
No comments: