With a racing inspired dog box transmission, the Abarth 695 Biposto is unlike any other production car on the market. As a result, Evo Magazine recently tested out the potent hot hatch on track at Italy’s Varano Circuit to see what it is like.
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=buot3rnEEps[/youtube]
Under the hood, the Abarth 696 Biposto features a tiny 1.4-litre turbocharged engine. However, Abarth have managed to extract an extraordinary 187 hp from it. When combined with a kerb weight of just 997 kg, the 695 Biposto has a power to weight ratio of 1 hp per 5.2 kg. While this engine is indeed impressive, it is nothing compared to the transmission found in the 695 Biposto.
For the first time in a car in this segment, Abarth have fitted a quick shift dog-ring sequential gearbox. Many racing cars and series around the world implement these transmissions as they enable for clutchless upshifting yet are much more involving than paddle shifters.
In terms of weight savings, the Abarth 695 Biposto doesn’t feature any rear seats and instead a couple of stiff strut bars. Up front, you’ll find carbon fibre seats with minimal padding as well as a lightweight dashboard incorporating carbon fibre. Additionally, there is no climate control or electric windows while new carbon fibre areas on the exterior along with lightweight 18-inch Oz alloy wheels help finish the weight savings.
