Abarth is set to electrify the hot hatch sector with the launch of a performance version of the Fiat 500e – but orders are being taken exclusively online.
Boasting improved weight distribution, improved torque, and a wider wheelbase than the Fiat 500e, along with a Sound Generator feature aiming to reproduce the sound of an Abarth engine, the new model claims to be the “responsive and exciting Abarth 500 ever”.
The Stellantis-owned car brand is launching the new model with a flagship Scorpionissima Limited Edition version and an online-only booking option opened to priority customers this week.
A statement issued by the brand said: “The customer experience of the New Abarth 500e will be paperless, online, and intuitive, which is in line with the brand’s strategy of simplicity and customer satisfaction.
“Customers will get a taste of the checkered flag right from the first click. All it takes is just a few minutes to make your choice and pre-book your car."
Abarth said the exclusive one-month pre-booking phase will be dedicated to the Abarth community members only, as a special reward for their engagement in the co-creation of the New 500 through the web-based “Performance creators” project.
Olivier Francois, Fiat and Abarth’s chief executive and global chief marketing officer, described the new Abarth 500e as “one of the most exciting launches in the history of the brand”, adding: “I like to think of it as family, so our fanbase will be involved in every step of our electrification journey.”
He added: “You may ask ‘why electric?’. Well, basically, performance made us do it: in fact, every change made in the Abarth is about getting the best driving performance.
“From that point of view, let’s say that nothing has changed: better acceleration, better handling, more fun.”
The New Abarth 500e is equipped with a powerful 42kWh battery and an electric motor delivering 155PS, resulting in a seven second acceleration time from zero to 62mph.
Adding to the benchmark performance statistic for the new 500e, Abarth claimed that the 500e’s acceleration from 12 to 25mph is 50% faster than the petrol-powered Abarth 695.
Its acceleration from 37 to 62mph is also a second faster than the 695, while also beating the 695 by over a second on a lap of Balocco’s test track.
From a charging perspective, a 85kW fast-charging system allows an 80% charge to be added in 35 minutes.
Just 1,949 units of the Scorpionissima Limited Edition 500e will be produced – a number that pays homage to the brand’s birth year.
Available in hatchback and convertible form, it and comes in Acid Green or Poison Blue paint and is equipped with 18-inch Titanium Grey alloys, a fixed glass roof, sporty steel pedals and a kick plate with an engraved logo.
The New Abarth 500e Scorpionissima is equipped as standard with the 10.25-inch Uconnect Radio touchscreen infotainment system featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
A powerful JBL premium audio system is also included as standard.
