Abarth 600e is the electric thrill we didn’t know we needed

22 August 2023

For those of us who live for that intoxicating blend of speed and style, the recent unveiling of the Fiat 600e didn’t really spark any electricity in the air (pun absolutely intended). Enter Abarth, Italy's high-octane modifier, aiming to amp up the Fiat 600e to an even spicier Abarth 600e model. If reports are accurate, we might see this electrifying version by 2025. This isn't Abarth's first rodeo with EVs. They gave us the Abarth 500e last year, which was, let's just say, interestingly electric.

Without giving away much, Fiat and Abarth's head honcho, Olivier Francois, dropped a hint when asked about the feasibility of an Abarth 600e, simply remarking, “It’s logical.” Classic CEO talk, isn’t it? They always keep you guessing.

Now, for those out of the loop, the standard Fiat 600e runs on the same EV platform as the Jeep Avenger. Some fun numbers? The Fiat 600 boasts a 156-horsepower electric motor fed by a 54-kWh battery. The WLTP-rated range is commendable 249 miles. Get this, though – in city conditions, it could stretch up to 373 miles on one charge. Not bad, Fiat. Not bad.

But here's where it gets intriguing: reflecting on the Fiat 500e and its Abarth variant, there’s a punchy power difference of 35 hp. If Abarth takes this ‘more power’ mantra to the 600e, we might be looking at a formidable near-200 hp for its front-wheel-drive model. Given the platform’s potential, we could even daydream about an AWD Abarth 600e with a tantalizing 300 hp. The key word here is "could." But a man can dream, can't he?

And what would an Abarth be without its distinct looks? According to Autocar, we can anticipate a series of sporty design enhancements for this fiery Italian EV crossover. Think aggressive bumpers, custom wheels, and snug bucket seats. Oh, and for those who miss the roar of a traditional engine, rumor has it there might be a speaker belting out artificial engine sounds, much like its Abarth 500e sibling. Because why experience the silent efficiency of an EV when you can pretend it’s still 1999?

Here’s a nifty tidbit for those hungry for more: Abarth, originally founded as a racing team in 1949, has a logo featuring a scorpion. Why a scorpion? Because its founder Carlo Abarth was born under the Scorpio zodiac sign. A little sting in every design, perhaps?

As always, the anticipation game is strong. We wait, we wonder, and we hope that the Abarth 600e will be the electric crossover that adds some serious pizzazz to our daily commutes. And while speculations are fun, the real thrill lies in the drive. Until then, stay charged!

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