The Riva x Abarth ‘695 Rivale’ sails into view

Taking styling cues from a Riva superyacht, could this be the most sophisticated Abarth yet?

Two giants of Italian vehicle-making have come together to create one of the most spectacular hot hatches ever to be built. To celebrate Riva’s 175 years, the Abarth 695 Rivale is elegant and unique like a Riva motorboat, and guarantees exceptional performance like every Abarth special series.

Available in a limited series of sedan and cabriolet versions, the Abarth 695 Rivale can be recognised by its exclusive livery: two-tone Riva sera blue and shark grey paintwork, embellished with an aquamarine double stripe that runs at waistline height, resembling the “beauty line” on yachts.

The satin chrome finish on the door handles, the “695 Rivale” name on the tailgate and rear bumpers, the satin chrome moulding on the tailgate, which evokes the sophisticated shapes of a yacht, making this model even more unmistakable thanks to its aesthetic affinity with the side grilles on the new Riva yachts. This may be a car, but it’s a close cousin of superyachts.

And, from the combination of two Italian greats in the fields of technology, innovation, care over detail and the quest for performance, the Abarth 695 Rivale is second to none when it comes to engineering prowess. But it also impresses above the bonnet, with this historical brand of the nautical world, which has always been synonymous with Italian elegance and style, contributing to creating the most sophisticated Abarth ever.

But it doesn’t stop there. To further celebrate the yachtmakers’ 175th year, Riva have also created the style-similar “56 Rivale”, one of the most agile and efficient yachts ever built by the boatyard in Sarnico.

Traits that it has in common with the 695 Rivale, which also borrows some of Riva’s typical stylistic aspects to highlight the concept of elegance and character that sets it apart. In fact, the yacht and the car share some aesthetic elements, like Riva’s characteristic grey livery and the satin chrome mouldings.

Inside, the carbon fibre kick plates, blue leather seats and interior door panels, black mats with blue inserts and the carbon fibre or mahogany dashboard are variants available on request to give the car even more nautical look. Wood – the most natural of materials – is combined with most advanced technological solutions for a result of absolute excellence, just like on Riva yachts: the perfect combination of ultimate technology and expert craftsmanship.

The mahogany variant allows you to embrace the Riva philosophy in greater depth: in addition to the dashboard strip, the special steering wheel is covered in blue and black leather with a mahogany badge, blue leather instrument panel cover and mahogany gear lever knob and kick plate.

Regarding the boat, distinct features of the new Rivale 56′ include the striking glazed windows running along the hull, flush portholes, the dazzling metallic colours of the exteriors, and the detailing in teak. On board is everything you could want from a Riva, with ice maker and barbecue ensuring luxury living, and innovations such as a reinvented underwater step system and reclining sun pad upping the practicality factor.

With two ensuite cabins, you’ll sleep soundly – even more so given the quiet engines. But don’t be fooled, this is one powerful boat – with a maximum speed on the standard engines of 35 knots.

But which would you rather journey off in? The nippy and incredibly sophisticated small car, or the deluxe yacht from which it takes its styling cues?

Visit riva-yacht.com for more information.

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