In a recent conversation with British automotive outlet Autocar, Olivier François, the CEO of Fiat and Abarth, has shed light on the prospects of an electrifying addition to the Abarth portfolio – the Abarth 600e. While concrete details are yet to be disclosed, the mere notion of an Abarth-enhanced Fiat 600e has sent ripples of excitement through the industry. If speculations hold true, the performance-oriented offering could make its grand entrance into the market as early as 2025.
François underscored the logical progression towards an Abarth version of the Fiat 600e, a sentiment that resonates with the brand’s dedication to exhilarating driving experiences. However, he tactfully navigated around divulging intricate specifics. One unequivocal aspect he emphasized was the demarcation between Fiat’s utility-focused vehicles and Abarth’s high-octane, enthusiast-driven machines. “We are not sports cars. We are not luxury. We are not big cars,” François asserted, illuminating the distinct niche Abarth is poised to occupy within the expansive Stellantis Group.
The Fiat 600e, already available for orders, is firmly planted on the e-CMP platform, a technological underpinning shared with other stalwart models within the Stellantis constellation. With a potent electric motor churning out 115 kW of power in conjunction with a robust 54 kWh battery, the Fiat 600e boasts an estimated range eclipsing 400 kilometers on the WLTP cycle. Charging capabilities are equally impressive, featuring an 11 kW AC charger and a formidable 100 kW peak DC charging capacity.
While the specific powertrain details of the Abarth 600e remain cloaked in mystery, speculation abounds regarding its potential performance prowess. Autocar surmises that the Abarth 600e could potentially inherit the electric powertrain from its smaller sibling, the 500e, accompanied by a meticulously tuned “driver-oriented” chassis setup. It’s worth noting, however, that the 113 kW power output of the Abarth 500e’s electric drive system marginally lags behind the standard e-CMP motor.
Yet, the realm of possibility remains wide open. Considering the precedent set by the initial electric Abarth, boasting an extra 26 kW over its conventional counterpart, it’s conceivable that the Abarth 600e could crank out an estimated 140 kW of power. Furthermore, the tantalizing prospect of a dual-motor setup – perhaps akin to Jeep’s e-CMP electric Avenger – raises the bar for traction and power, even though a production-ready e-CMP all-wheel-drive system has yet to materialize.
Enthusiasts and industry insiders eagerly anticipate the Abarth 600e’s potential debut, which Autocar forecasts to occur in the early months of 2025. Drawing parallels with the Abarth 500e’s market entry timeline, the magazine extrapolates a similar trajectory for the 600e variant. As anticipation mounts, all eyes remain fixated on Abarth, as it readies to introduce a thrilling chapter in the evolving narrative of electrified performance.
