evident in the determined way it changes
direction, resists lean and attacks kerbs
around a circuit.
It is, however, very sensitive to throttle
inputs at the limit. Get on the power
too early and understeer builds. Lift off
suddenly and the back end will swing
around. The electro-mechanical steering
is weighty and imparts a direct feel
in Sport mode, but it sometimes feels
artificially springy returning to centre
and is often corrupted by a sudden tug
of torque steer when you stamp on the
throttle at the exit of a corner.
Suspension is also very stiff. On public
roads, you feel every little surface
imperfection. No-one expects it to
offer real comfort, but on badly pitted
roads it can spoil the fun. A lapse in
concentration can throw you off line
with such intensity it takes a dab hand to
ensure you don’t end up in the scenery.
Brand manager Marco Magnanini
describes the Biposto as “madness”. It’s
a description many will think applies
to its (estimated) $65K price tag, too.
Worse still, the party-piece gearbox is an
extra $15,800!
If we were to spend that sort of money
on a track toy, there are plenty of cars
we’d choose ahead of this. M
11133
ABARTH 695 BIPOSTO
Engine 1368cc inline-4, DOHC, 16v,
turbocharger
Power 140kW @ 5500rpm
Torque 270Nm @ 3000rpm
Weight 997kg
0-100km/h 5.9sec (claimed)
Price $65,000 (estimated)The Biposto hauls to the 6500rpm red line
with great enthusiasm and a raspy note
d motorofficial f motor_mag^27