Italian sports car brand Abarth has committed to a fully electric future, confirmed by Fiat and Abarth’s European director, Gaetano Thorel. This transformation responds to increasingly strict emissions regulations and rising costs of maintaining traditional internal combustion engines. Following the discontinuation of the 595 and 695 models in August last year, Abarth is now fully focused on electric vehicles, as evidenced by the launch of the 500e and the new 600e.

The New Abarth 600e: Performance and Dynamics

The new Abarth 600e, derived from the Fiat 600e, offers enhanced technical specifications and the sporty character synonymous with the brand. The top-tier Scorpionissima version features an electric motor delivering up to 278 hp and 254 Nm of torque. This allows the car to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.9 seconds and reach a top speed of 200 km/h. A more affordable variant offers a slightly reduced performance, with 237 hp, a 6.2-second 0-100 km/h time, and the same top speed.

Under the hood, the 600e houses a 54 kWh battery, shared with the Fiat 600e. However, Abarth has modified it with an upgraded cooling system to optimize performance. Improvements also include a reworked chassis, larger brakes, and wider tires made from a softer compound, all of which enhance handling. These changes, however, reduce the car’s range to 333 km (down from 409 km).

A Response to Emissions Regulations

Thorel emphasized that traditional internal combustion engines are no longer economically viable. “Why offer a sports hatchback emitting 180 g/km, for which customers in Italy would pay up to €2000 annually in taxes, when I can provide an electric car with the same characteristics at the same price?” he said. Hybrid technology is also not an option for Abarth. “Mild-hybrid engines do not allow us to achieve the performance that aligns with the brand’s DNA,” he added.

 

Staying True to Abarth’s DNA

Even in the electric era, Abarth aims to preserve its roots. Historically, the brand focused on enhancing standard Fiat models through engine upgrades, dynamics, and sound. Developing entirely new models, as competitor Alpine is planning, is not currently in Abarth’s strategy. However, Thorel did not rule out expanding the lineup with an SUV based on Fiat’s upcoming concept.

The 600e also features unique touches such as a “sporty sound” produced by an external speaker, an enlarged rear spoiler, and optional bucket seats. The sound remains the biggest mystery, as all owners of combustion versions take pride in it. Will an artificial sound from a speaker be able to satisfy them? Prices start at approximately €49,000, with first deliveries expected in March.

Only time will tell how successful this strategy will be. In this price range, alternatives like the Tesla Model 3 Performance, offering significantly greater power (460 hp) and range (528 km), could pose a challenge.

Source: autocar,  abarth.co.uk