Abarth released the full details on the new 600e, just in time for its market launch in Europe. The EV is Abarth’s 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. 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 for the Scorpionissima launch special.
The Abarth 600e Turismo retains the
original 237 hp, with the same 345 Nm 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 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.
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 “Perfo eCMP” 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 WLTP range of the
Abarth 600e is worse than the less powerful Fiat, which can travel an extra 75
km between charges.
To differentiate the “evil” 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 “cassettone”. 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.
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, Abarth’s 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 £ 36,975
(US$ 48,044) for the Turismo, and from £41,975 (US$ 54,540) for the Scorpionissima.
For comparison, the smaller and less powerful Abarth 500e starts from £ 31,195
(US$ 40,536) in the same market.
