Spotlight: Riviera 515 SUV

Riviera has announced details of its new 515 SUV ahead of her world release at the Riviera Festival of Boating from May 22-25, 2014.

Created in-house using Unigraphics 3D software, Riviera’s team of designers and engineers focused on absolute maximisation of every minute detail.

This sophisticated software allows Riviera designers to see the exact size, space and scale of every aspect of the boat in the computer long before a single piece of timber is cut for the plug.

Riviera says that the 515 SUV, which shares the same platform/hull as the 50 Enclosed Flybridge released this year, has been crafted with its rich heritage in mind.

Combining the high performance, blue-water cruising and fish-raising abilities of the classic Flybridge with the single-level entertaining features of the popular Sport Yacht series, has created a bridge between them both. And with plenty of options you  an create an SUV to suit your precise needs.

"The elevated helm area provides excellent visibility and enough space for two 16-inch display screens, as well as a steering wheel position just off the centre line. The helm features two Navigator low-back helm chairs," he said.

On inspection, we thought this one of the best Riviera helms to date.

The hardtop features two impressive Webasto sunroofs above the saloon that open electrically with the push of a button.

The incorporation of this new sunroof design marks another exciting development in the 515 SUV’s DNA, which includes purposeful lines, hefty scantlings, the solid feel in a seaway, spacious layout and Euro-style luxurious décor. And, of course, a full flybridge-size cockpit.

"The spacious saloon features an L-shaped lounge to port with a hi-lo dining table which folds and lowers into a coffee table. Adjacent to the dining area is a three-seater settee in which the middle seat base can slide out as an ottoman and form additional seating around the main dining table. An optional smaller dining table can be fitted that lifts out from the settee and sits between the two remaining seats to form a work space or additional dining capacity.

"Forward of the three-seater settee is the television and Fusion sound system stored beneath the dash on the starboard side for all your onboard entertainment needs. The television can be viewed from all seating positions.

Riviera’s chairman and owner Rodney Longhurst said the design team had retained elements of the distinctive Riviera look while introducing myriad new design aspects. The striking exterior profile of the 515 SUV is just the first indication that this is an entirely new style of Riviera.

"From the moment you step onboard you will sense this is a new approach from Riviera. Double side transom doors in the cockpit allow better access from both the port and starboard sides, plus we have a number of different transom door options to suit different boating applications for cruising or sports fishing," Mr Longhurst said.

The 515 SUV also features extensive cockpit storage with a central self-draining moulded lazarette bin that has been integrated into the cockpit floor, tender storage is on the boarding platform and there is the option for a hydraulic platform which can be fitted to the boat on which a large rigid bottom tender can be mounted.

Standard power is the new generation and fuel-efficient twin Cummins QSC Zeus 600 pod drives that deliver improved fuel efficiency, faster cruise and top speeds with aft facing propellers and joystick control for close quarters manoeuvring. Riviera’s new 515 SUV is expected to top 29-30 knots, cruising at 22-24 knots and delivers a range of 390 nautical miles with 10 per cent reserve fuel.

There are two engine options available on the new 515 SUV. The Volvo Penta IPS 800s -- 441kW (2 x 600hp) or IPS 950s -- 533kW (2 x 725hp).

For more information go to: rivieraaustralia.com