Fiat 600e Gets An Abarth Evil Twin With Up To 278 HP
- Abarth has launched the 600e in Europe, priced from Β£36,975 ($48,044) in the UK market.
- The hot B-SUV is available in Turismo and Scorpionissima flavors, with 237 hp and 278 hp.
- The most powerful Abarth features angry looks, 20-inch wheels, and a sharper chassis setup.
Abarth released the full details on the new 600e, just in time for its market launch in Europe. The EV is Abarthβs first-ever electric crossover and the most powerful production model with the Scorpion emblem on the hood. It is available in two flavors, the Turismo and the Scorpionissima, offering 237 hp and 278 hp respectively. Production of the most powerful trim is limited to 1,949 units, honoring the founding year of the Italian brand.
The Abarth 600e was originally announced in early 2024, promising an output of 237 hp (177 kW / 240 PS). However, just like the closely related Alfa Romeo Junior Veloce, Stellantis realized it could squeeze a few more ponies out of the single electric motor, resulting in a more respectable 278 hp (207 kW / 280 PS) for the Scorpionissima launch special.
More: Alfa Romeo Says Oops, Junior Veloce EV Makes 278 HP Not 237 HP
The Abarth 600e Turismo retains the original 237 hp (177 kW / 240 PS), with the same 345 Nm (254.5 lb-ft) of torque. The driver has access to the Turismo, Scorpion Street, and Scorpion Track driving modes, unleashing different levels of power and tweaking the ESP settings. Power is transmitted to the front axle via a standard Torsen mechanical limited-slip differential from JTEKT.
In the Scorpion Track mode, the 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) sprint is completed in 5,85 seconds for the Scorpionissima and in 6,24 seconds for the Turismo, while top speed is electronically limited to 200 km/h (124 mph).
Abarth says that the 600e was developed in collaboration with Stellantis Motorsport, using parts from partner companies Michelin, Sabelt, JTEKT Torsen, and Alcon. The EV rides on the βPerfo eCMPβ architecture, which is an enhanced version of the regular eCMP that underpins several Stellantis hatchbacks and SUVs.
The Abarth-specific chassis setup includes Alcon brakes, a stiffer suspension, a rear anti-roll bar, and wider tracks. The 54 kWh battery pack also received a special cooling system which is said to improve performance. Predictably, the 334 km (208 miles) WLTP range of the Abarth 600e is worse than the less powerful Fiat, which can travel an extra 75 km (46 miles) between charges.
Angry Looks, Dark-Themed Interior
To differentiate the βevilβ Abarth 600e from its cute Fiat twin, the design team created a unique bodykit. Changes include the deeper front and rear bumpers, the 20-inch alloy wheels, and the prominent rear spoiler. The squared-off design of the bumpers is inspired by the boxy radiator of the Abarth 850 TC βcassettoneβ.
Furthermore, the color palette includes unique shades like the Acid Green and the Scorpionissima-exclusive Hypnotic Purple, alongside the Antidote White, Shock Orange, and Venom Black. The launch special also features glossy black accents, black decals, and colored brake calipers.
More: Stellantis To Review The Future Of Its 14 Brands By 2026, Says CEO Tavares
Inside, the highlight is the Sabelt bucket seats with integrated headrests, featuring a more aggressive design and Alcantara upholstery in the Scorpionissima, rather than the fabric upholstery of the Turismo. Equipment includes a 7-inch digital instrument cluster and an infotainment system with a 10.25-inch touchscreen display and Abarth-specific graphics, a six-speaker audio system, ChatGPT integration, and Level 2 ADAS. Weirdly, Abarthβs artificial sound generator is only featured in the Scorpionissima.
The Abarth 600e will be available to order in main European markets starting October 29, 2024. In the UK, pricing starts from Β£36,975 ($48,044) for the Turismo, and from Β£41,975 ($54,540) for the Scorpionissima. For comparison, the smaller and less powerful Abarth 500e starts from Β£31,195 ($40,536) in the same market.