AbarthFiat’s performance division, has unveiled its first electric vehicle – the 500e hatch and cabriolet – after it leaked last month.
It will launch at the end of 2023, following the local launch of the related Fiat 500e Early next year. That’s a much shorter delay than Fiat is experiencing, making its European debut in 2020.
Abarth says the 500e offers more performance than the 695 petrol engine, with improved responsiveness in city driving helping the car accelerate from 19 to 40 km/h 50 percent faster thanks to “allocation” improved weight, better torque and a wider wheelbase.”
Under the bonnet is a permanent magnet electric motor that provides 114kW power and 235Nm torque and take the car from 0 to 100 km/h in seven seconds.
The engine is paired with the same 42kWh lithium-ion battery as the Fiat 500e on which it is based.
It supports DC fast charging up to 85kW, giving the Abarth 25 miles in five minutes. The 500e hit the 80 percent mark in 35 minutes.
The low-speed audible warning has a distinctive sound, while the “strike guitar” sound is heard when you first exceed 19km/h.
In the absence of the roroty sound of one of its gasoline engines, Abarth has developed an optional Sound Generator that “reacts faithfully the sound of the Abarth gasoline engine” including scene sounds. Low speed alarm is like a special gasoline car of its own.
Three driving modes are available: Turismo, output dials slightly return 113kW and 220Nm; Scorpion Street, where the balance between power and energy efficiency; and the ultimate performance mode Scorpion Track.
Both the Turismo and the Scorpion Street use single-pedal steering, which allows the driver to decelerate by lifting their foot and simultaneously recover kinetic energy to recharge the battery.
While the Abarth, like the Fiat 500e on which it is based, closely resembles the older petrol version, it has some distinctive design elements such as a sealed grille, honeycomb air intakes and a new Acid Blue color. .
The new model also features the brand’s new side scorpion logo, Titanium Gray mirror caps, LED headlights and dark gray Abarth lettering at the front and rear.
Inside there are sports seats, as expected for the Abarth, as well as a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation and a 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster, along with a leather interior with trim elements. Alcantara secretion.
The new model is being celebrated in Europe with a special edition 500e Scorpionissima, limited to 1949 – an event marking the brand’s founding year.
The limited edition gets a bit more racing-inspired styling with steel pedals, engraved stone plates, exclusive side stickers, diamond-cut 18-inch Titanium gray alloy wheels and a leather-wrapped three-spoke steering wheel. .
Deliveries of the Abarth 500e are expected to begin in Europe in Q2 2023, and a one-month pre-order period has opened to ‘Abarth community members only’ before opening to the public.
Last year, Abarth announced that it would use electricity only in 2024which is six years ahead of Fiat’s 2030 target.
“Every change made in Abarth is aimed at achieving the best driving performance. That’s exactly how our founder, Carlo Abarth, has always been. So from that point of view, let’s just say nothing has changed: better acceleration, better handling, more fun. And then there’s Abarth’s legendary signature: it’s the sound,” said Fiat and Abarth CEO Olivier Francois.
