Abarth 695 Biposto orders outpace 2014 production capacity
Abarth’s 695 Biposto, unveiled at Geneva 2014, has seen demand far exceed supply, as buyers rush for the brand’s fastest street-legal model to date.
Abarth’s 695 Biposto, launched at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show, has drawn more orders than the company can build in its first year of production. According to Abarth, demand for the two-seat hot hatch has “far exceeded” the available supply for 2014, with first deliveries scheduled to begin by year’s end.
The 695 Biposto sits at the top of the Abarth range as the fastest street-legal car the brand has produced. Its 1.4-litre T-Jet turbocharged engine produces 190hp at 5,500rpm and 250Nm at 3,000rpm, driving the front wheels. The car’s low kerb weight of 997kg, achieved through extensive use of lightweight materials and the removal of rear seats, allows a 0-100km/h sprint in 5.9 seconds and a maximum speed of 230km/h.
Abarth has focused on track-inspired engineering for the Biposto. Key components include a rear titanium roll bar by Poggipolini, Brembo brakes, Akrapovic exhaust, Extreme Shox adjustable suspension, and 18-inch OZ wheels. Inside, the car features four-point harnesses and lightweight racing seats, underscoring its stripped-back approach.
Demand and production limits
The strong response since order books opened in June 2014 has taken Abarth by surprise. The company has confirmed that the number of orders placed has outstripped its ability to manufacture cars within the year, meaning some customers will wait until 2015 for delivery. The Biposto’s appeal lies in its combination of extreme performance and exclusivity, with buyers drawn to its status as a road-legal track car with limited build numbers.
Abarth has not confirmed how many units it plans to build in total, but the company’s statement points to a shortfall between demand and initial supply. This situation is expected to enhance the car’s desirability among enthusiasts and collectors. The company has used the surge in orders to promote the car further, releasing a new set of official images to keep interest high as the first cars prepare for delivery.
Technical details and positioning
The 695 Biposto’s technical specification puts it in a rare class for a car based on the Fiat 500 platform. The stripped-out cabin, titanium roll bar, and racing harnesses are features usually reserved for track-only specials. Yet the Biposto remains fully road legal, targeting buyers who want a focused driving experience without resorting to a trailer or track-day car.
The Biposto’s launch follows a tradition of high-performance Abarth variants, but raises the bar for the marque. Its combination of lightweight engineering and power output sets it apart from previous models such as the Abarth 595. For more on the car’s debut, seeAbarth 695 Biposto debuts as brand’s fastest road car at Geneva.
