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What happens when a scorpion follows an endless trail of scorching sand to a breezy flat coast that melts into a vast ocean of water? Something like the Fiat 500 Abarth 695 Rivale, perhaps. Fiat is cheering the warmer months with a new limited-edition model that celebrates 175 years of Riva, a high-end Italian yacht and boat manufacturer that’s been in business since 1842. Over time, the two companies have forged a bond with heritage, technology, and style that is displayed in both the car and the Riva 56 Rivale, a special-edition yacht.
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To that end, the 695 Rivale is said to be the most sophisticated Abarth, ever. That all starts with the paint, which is not as simple as you might think. Unlike a traditional two-tone scheme or an offset-color roof, Abarth says the Shark Gray illustrates the road, while the Riva Sera Blue the sky. An aquamarine water line representing the sea—where the sky meets the road—separates the two. It also has satin chrome door handles and tailgate molding, exclusive badging, an aggressive body kit, gloss-gray 17-inch diameter Supersport aluminum wheels, and a slotted metal hatch plate that matches those on the yacht.
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The interior is elevated from normal production 695 Abarth models with blue leather seats and door panels, carbon fiber kick plates, and a dash made from carbon fiber or real mahogany. If the wood is chosen, buyers will also have the options for a blue and black leather steering wheel, a blue leather instrument panel cover, and a mahogany gear lever knob and kick plate. The hand-written number plate can be customized to the buyer’s preference, to match their yacht. Digital connection comes through a 7.0-inch HD Uconnect touchscreen that is both Apple CarPlay– and Android Auto–capable.
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Under the hood of the 695 is 1.4-liter T-Jet inline-four with a Garrett turbocharger that Fiat claims makes 180 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. That’s linked to either a five-speed manual transmission or five-speed sequential automatic. With a horsepower to weight ratio of 12.8 pounds per horsepower, Abarth says this little dinghy will power from zero to 62 in 6.7 seconds and has a top speed of 140 mph. Enhancing the performance capability are Brembo brakes with 4-piston fixed calipers in the front, a Koni suspension with Frequency-Selective Damping, and an Akrapovič exhaust system with carbon tail pipes. That last one sweetens an already zesty purr.
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Hoping to establish instant classic status, Abarth created an ultra-exclusive version called the 695 Rivale 175 Anniversary, which is limited to a total of 350 examples: 175 coupes and 175 cabriolets. They include hand-finished blue and black leather seats, special badging, model-specific wheels, and a silk-screen-printed logo on the dashboard.
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