Review

Review: Abarth 695 Biposto (2014-15)

2.5 stars

  • Enthusiastic engine and bi-modal exhaust have aural appeal
  • Bacci Romano manual transmission a joy to use
  • Stiff and lightweight chassis
  • All-or-nothing power delivery
  • Occasional torque steer
  • High retail price given underpinnings

Overview

Available by special order from October 2014, the Abarth 695 Biposto was a two-seat, three-door hatchback. Manufactured in Tychy, Poland, the front-wheel drive Abarth 695 Biposto was powered by a 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine that was mated to a Bacci Romano H-pattern transmission.

Drivetrain

The 1.4-litre ‘T-Jet’ four cylinder petrol engine had a cast iron block, an aluminium cylinder head, a fixed geometry Garrett 1446 (GT1446) turbocharger, intercooler, double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 9.8:1.

The Bacci Romano H-pattern transmission had racing-derived ‘dog rings’ that enabled upshifts to be made without using the clutch. With this transmission, the Abarth 695 Biposto could accelerate from rest to 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds and had a top speed of 230 km/h.

Development and dimensions

Developed as a road-going version of the Abarth 695 Assetto Corse race car, the Abarth 695 Biposto had:

  • A rear titanium roll bar by Poggipolini;
  • Fixed front windows with polycarbonate sliding panels;
  • Racing front door panels;
  • A self-locking clutch-plate differential;
  • A dual-stage exhaust system with titanium tailpipes by Akrapovic; and,
  • An oval trumpet airbox by BMC.

Visual cues for the Abarth 695 Biposto included its ‘two bump’ aluminium bonnet, carbon fibre front spoiler, roof spoiler, rear bumper diffuser, wider track and carbon exterior elements (for the bumpers, side skirts, wheel arches and spoiler). Furthermore, the Abarth 695 Biposto was solely available with a ‘Grey Performance’ matt paint finish.

The 695 Bipsoto was 3657 mm long, 1485 mm tall, has a 2300 mm long wheelbase and a dry weight of 997 kg.

Suspension

The 695 Biposto had MacPherson strut front suspension and torsion beam rear suspension (both with racing coil springs, gas-filled dampers and anti-roll bars). Furthermore, the shock absorbers – supplied by Extreme Shox – featured hydraulic and height adjustment.

Abarth 695 Biposto specifications
  Engine Trans. Peak power Peak torque
695 Biposto 1.4-litre turbo petrol I4 6sp man. 140 kW at 5500 rpm 250 Nm at 3000 rpm

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Abarth 695 Biposto included dual front airbags, a driver’s knee airbag, front side airbags, full-length curtain airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control, anti-submarining front seats and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.

Brakes

The Abarth 695 Biposto had a Brembo braking system which consisted 305 mm by 28 mm ventilated and perforated brake discs with four-piston calipers.

Features

Standard features for the 695 Abarth Biposto included 18-inch OZ alloy wheels with 215/35 R18 tyres, a six speaker sound system with a MP3-compatibility and auxiliary inputs (USB/iPod), climate control air conditioning, ‘Abarth Corsa by Sabelt’ seats with leather and Alcantara trim, Bluetooth connectivity, xenon headlights, front fog lights, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, remote central locking, power windows and mirrors, a tilt adjustable steering wheel, aluminium sport pedals with titanium finish, tyre pressure monitoring, a trip computer and an immobiliser.

Customisation kits

The Abarth 695 Biposto will be available with three customisation kits:

  • Exterior Kit: aluminium bonnet (with specific design), hub caps and wheel bolts, and titanium oil and fuel caps;
  • Carbon Kit: carbon added to the exterior mirror and post covers, and dashboard fascia, front door panel and interior rear-view mirror; and,
  • Racing Kit: MLX digital data logger for measuring lap and acceleration times, four-point seatbelts, carbon shell for the front seats and a racing suit, shows, gloves and helmet.

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