Abarth UK have shared with MotorMartin recently how they marked their first appearance at Salon QP as Automobile Partner with displays of the limited edition 695 Rivale – the result of a collaboration with luxury yacht builder Riva – and the stunning two-seater roadster, the 124 spider.
Salon QP ran from 2–4 November, with Abarth’s finest nestled among many exquisite timepieces from around 70 of the world’s leading watchmakers at the Saatchi Gallery, London.
Abarth 695 Rivale
It’s been shared with MotorMartin how Riva’s successes in the twenties and thirties and Abarth’s in the fifties and sixties were the foundations upon which these Italian icons were built. The limited edition Abarth 695 Rivale, making its debut appearance in the UK, is where these two legends of style, performance and craftmanship come together to create the most sophisticated and refined Abarth ever built.
Exclusive styling features and premium materials pay tribute to the elegance and character of the new open ’56 Rivale’ luxury yacht, with the trademark Riva two-tone Sera Blue and Shark Grey colour scheme with Aquamarine double-stripe beauty line representing a thin line of sea on the horizon. Blue leather interior and optional mahogany finish to the dashboard, steering wheel and gear lever, satin chrome finish to the door handles and tailgate, and optional handwritten name plate fitted with the same screws used on a Riva yacht, complete this unique collaboration.
The Akrapović exhaust system with carbon tailpipes, Brembo brakes with black callipers and grey 17-inch Supersport wheels go on to underline the stunning performance and driving characteristics which Abarth brings to this party. The 180hp MultiAir engine promises a top speed of 139mph and acceleration from 0-62mph in just 6.7 seconds, with a power to weight ratio matching that of a supercar.
Inside, the exclusive instrument panel and Uconnect 7-inch HD touch screen infotainment system brings the latest in onboard technology – Apple CarPlay and Android Auto ready – with navigation and touch or voice controlled operation.
Abarth 124 spider
With MotorMartin currently spending time with the Fiat 124 Spider, it is particularly interesting to note that taking up its position next to the 695 Rivale will be the Abarth 124 spider – marking the return of the iconic and revered ‘spider’ badge – the natural heir to the original launched in 1972. This two-seater roadster embodies everything for which the Abarth marque is famed – performance, styling and advanced equipment – with each wearing its own metal plaque etched with a unique number to underline its exclusivity.
Sporting a powerful 1.4-litre 170hp engine, the 124 spider is a real driver’s car, with the snug low seating position making you feel at one with the road, and at one with the car. Thrilling performance is ensured with a top speed of 142mph, with optimum weight distribution and racing suspension bringing precise and agile handling. To feed the senses further the Record Monza exhaust as standard delivers the all-important signature Abarth sound.
Developed with the Abarth Racing team, styling is unmistakably Italian, with the trademark matt black bonnet a reference to the classic Abarth 124 Rally, which sported a matt finish to prevent the driver being dazzled by the sun. Available in two pastel and three metallic colours, each name pays homage to one of Abarth’s prestigious rally wins – for example the San Marino 1972 Black.
Equally at home on urban roads as well as race tracks, the new Abarth 124 spider is attracting a new generation of enthusiasts with its performance, technology, comfort and ease of driving. The car combines the authentic roadster experience with thrills, technology, safety and unmistakable Italian design.
Inside the 124 spider, the Abarth DNA is confirmed with an absolute focus on perfect ergonomics, with leather seats designed to be both comfortable and in the optimum driving position – low and retracted to perceive side movements. The controls are perfectly in line with the sporty set-up of the car, with the position of the aluminium pedal board, vertical steering wheel and short gear stick ensuring a fully-engaged driving experience. Superb.
Both cars are available now from Abarth’s network of UK dealers. For further information and to find your nearest dealer, MotorMartin urges you to visit www.abarthcars.co.uk.
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