Riviera announces the 515, its newest addition to the SUV Collection

by Stephen Milne on 27 Oct 2013 Riviera has just announced details of its new 515 SUV, which will have a full interior display on show for the first time at the Gold Coast International Marine Expo on November 1-3 this year, ahead of her world release at the Riviera Festival of Boating in May 2014.

Created in-house using industry-leading Unigraphics 3D software, Riviera's team of talented and passionate international designers and engineers have focused on absolute maximisation of this brand new design in 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 work.

Bearing Riviera's classic hallmark design, the new 515 SUV has been crafted with Riviera's rich-heritage in mind. Combining the high performance, blue water cruising and fish raising abilities of the classic Flybridge with the single-level leisurely entertaining features of the popular Sport Yacht series, has created a vessel like no other, a true bridge between them both.

Riviera's head designer Stephen Ford said the new 515 SUV featured a host of clever and versatile design innovations.
'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 he centre line. The helm features two Navigator low-back helm chairs,' he said.

The hardtop features two impressive Webasto sunroofs above the saloon area that open electrically with the push of a button. Webasto is a highly regarded Dutch company, which was established in 1901 and pioneered the first steel sunroof to Daimler-Benz in 1956.

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 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.

'The modern and functional U-Shaped galley features a modern two-pack finish to the overhead cupboards, which compliment the satin finish American oak timber cabinetry. There is a hopper window that opens out to the cockpit area that in effect opens up the rear of the boat to the cockpit. In the headlining above the galley there is a rod locker complete with clips for rods and reels, making this the ideal vessel for the avid angler or cruising entertainer.'

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 sport fishing,' Mr Longhurst said.

The cockpit features an island storage centre which offers space for an optional additional barbecue or live bait tank with filter and glass front. The cockpit seating features an optional integrated and interchangeable table, which provides a versatile alfresco entertaining area. There is a freezer and recycling bin located just behind the cockpit lounge for convenient access while entertaining.

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.

Side deck access has been enhanced with grab rail and optional extended bow rail. This boat also features an impressive commercial air intake system designed to keep the engine room cooler and thus reducing fuel consumption.

Below decks is a flexible accommodation plan featuring three very generous sized staterooms and two bathrooms. The master stateroom can be located either forward or aft and has an ensuite bathroom in both optional layouts to allow owners to truly personalise their boat. The two aft cabins offer full head-room while large hull windows with opening port holes on both sides give an abundance of natural light and fresh air. Optional hull port lights are available for the forward stateroom.

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 900s - 515kW (2 x 700hp).

Be the first in the world to inspect the full interior display of the striking new 515 SUV at the Gold Coast International Marine Expo held from November 1 - 3 at the Riviera's 14-hectare, state-of-the-art Coomera facility, Waterway Drive, Coomera.

More at www.riviera.com.au