Abarth will unveil the new 500e on 22 November
The brand’s first electric car will have up to 200 PS
Abarth is also taking the big step towards electrification. On 22 November, Fiat’s sports car division will unveil its very first electric car, the 500e. Although electrons will replace gasoline, the strategy will remain the same as that adopted for a long time with internal combustion models: to offer a high-performance derivative that combines mechanical character with driving pleasure. Other electric vehicles will arrive quickly after this 500e.
Olivier François, Fiat’s CEO, has already announced that the 500e will indeed take on the style of the 500, but the technical basis of the car will be completely new. This means that the new Abarth 500e will not be based on the Fiat 500e. In order to give the vehicle a decidedly sporty character, it was necessary to start from scratch and not simply make adjustments to the Fiat 500e chassis.
For example, the prototypes on the road were equipped with large disc brakes at both the front and rear, suggesting a completely different technical base. The tyres exclusive to this model will be fitted to 17-inch wheels, which are themselves supported by wider tracks to improve stability. The suspension has also been specifically developed for the Abarth 500e and will be firmer to improve handling.
These modifications are necessary to cope with the stresses imposed by a more powerful electric motor. This powertrain is expected to offer two levels of power. A first version will develop 170 PS, while a second model could even reach more than 200 PS, thus exceeding the 190 PS of the Abarth 695 Biposto, which was one of the most extreme variants of the petrol Abarth 500.
The Abarth 500e will have a 42 kWh battery with a range of around 320 km. As for styling, the little sports car will have a specific front with the Abarth monogram in full letters and an enlarged grille. The profile will feature Abarth stickers and widened skirts. Finally, the rear end will feature an imposing diffuser that leaves no doubt about the car’s rebellious nature.
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