Abarth Goes Full Electric: Is This the Sting in the Tail of Fossil Fuels?
Image Credit: Abarth.
The automotive world is well and truly caught in the electric whirlwind, and even the feisty little Abarth hasn't escaped its clutches. Remember those adorable yet ferocious pocket rockets that could make a grown man giggle like a schoolboy? Yeah, those days are gone, at least in Europe. Abarth, Fiat's performance arm known for its scorpion badge and souped-up city cars, has officially pulled the plug on internal combustion engines in the Old Continent.
Before you start throwing tomatoes, let me assure you that this isn't necessarily a bad thing. I've always had a soft spot for these little Italian stingers, but let's be honest; their gas-guzzling ways were becoming a bit of a dinosaur in today's eco-conscious world. And with emissions regulations tightening faster than a python on a poodle, keeping those ICE Abarths on the road was becoming a costly affair.
Image Credit: Abarth.
So, what's the plan? Well, Abarth is going full steam ahead with electric power. The company already has the 500e and 600e in its portfolio. Both are packing enough punch to give you a jolt in your morning commute. The 500e, a zippy little electric hot hatch, boasts a respectable 155 horsepower and a 42 kWh battery pack, giving it a range of around 160 miles. It's also no slouch, sprinting from 0 to 62 mph in just 7 seconds. Its bigger brother, the 600e, flexes a more muscular 280 horsepower in Scorpionissima trim and a larger 54 kWh battery, offering a range of approximately 210 miles. Both models are priced well in excess of $40,000, making them quite pricey additions to anyone's garage.
Clearly not entirely satisfied with its current lineup, Abarth has its sights set on something bigger, something bolder. An electric SUV! Before you start picturing a lumbering behemoth with a scorpion badge slapped on it, let me tell you that this is Abarth we're talking about. They're not going to just take a Fiat SUV and give it a few extra horses. They're going to inject it with that signature Abarth DNA, that blend of performance, agility, and style that makes their cars so much fun to drive.
Of course, details are still scarce, but rumors suggest that this electric SUV could be based on Fiat's upcoming Panda-inspired SUV, expected to hit the market in 2027. Imagine a compact SUV with the heart of a scorpion, capable of tackling both city streets and winding country roads with equal gusto.
Image Credit: Abarth.
I can only guess what some of you might be thinking: "But Abarth is all about small, nimble cars! An SUV just doesn't fit the bill!" And I hear you. But Abarth has always been challenging conventions. They've taken boring Fiat city cars and turned them into fire-breathing pocket rockets. Why not an SUV? After all, the world is changing, and Abarth needs to adapt if it wants to stay relevant.
Besides, an electric Abarth SUV could be a real money maker for the company. It could attract a whole new generation of enthusiasts who want the practicality and versatility of an SUV without sacrificing the thrill of driving. And then we still have important environmental benefits. With an electric SUV, Abarth could help prove that performance and sustainability can go hand in hand.
I have faith in Abarth. These clever Italians have proven many times over that they can take unassuming cars and turn them into extraordinary machines. And I'm confident that they'll do the same with their electric SUV. So, let's raise a glass to the future of Abarth. A future filled with electric thrills and scorpion stings.
