High performance Fiat Abarth 600 EV in the works

The Abarth 600 EV could get a dual-motor set-up that was previewed as a concept earlier on the Jeep Avenger 4x4 EV.

Published On Aug 26, 2023 08:30:00 AM

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Fiat 600 electric hatchback used for representation only

Fiat’s new 600 EV will get a high-performance Abarth variant in future and will follow the 500e hatchback as Abarth’s second electric car. Speaking to our sister publication Autocar UK, Fiat and Abarth CEO Olivier Francois revealed no details of the sporting crossover, but on the subject of the viability of an Abarth 600e, he said: “It’s logical.”

Abarth 600e could get around 192hp power
Could see a debut by early 2025
Fiat could return to India with STLA M platform

Fiat Abarth 600e powertrain and performance

The Abarth 600e is likely to see a global debut by early 2025, delivering a significant power boost over the standard iteration. In the 500e, a more responsive motor ramps up power to 154hp, an increase of 35hp over the standard 500. If the 600e gets a similar treatment, it will be armed with around 192hp.

Although a crossover, the 600e can still be expected to offer a Scorpion Track driving mode, like its smaller sibling. In its quickest setting, the 600e is likely to be good for a 7.0sec 0-100kph time, which would mirror the lighter 500e.

Power will be drawn from the same battery as in the regular 600 EV: a 54kWh (51kWh usable) pack. It offers 400km of range in the 600, but given the added grunt of the 600e, a real-world range closer to 320km is more likely. What remains to be seen is whether Abarth will add a second motor on the rear axle for improved traction and potency.

Fiat Abarth 600e platform and features

The Abarth 600e is based on the Jeep Avenger 4x4 EV showcased as a dual-motor concept at the Paris Motor Show last year, and confirming that the e-CMP platform can easily accommodate a four-wheel-drive powertrain, but Jeep has yet to reveal the performance implications.

The Abarth 600e will be marked out by a suite of sporty touches, such as bucket seats, an Alcantara-clad steering wheel, distinctive paint options and bespoke wheel designs. It is even possible that the 600e will follow its smaller sibling by having a speaker underneath it, producing a faux engine note to accompany acceleration and make it more appealing to petrolheads.

Fiat’s India story

Fiat discontinued its operations in India in 2019 due to poor sales and an outdated line-up. Earlier this month, we reported that parent Stellatis might bring the Fiat brand to India again in order to leverage its upcoming modular STLA M platform between its Jeep, Citroen and Fiat models.

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