US-bound Fiat 500e spawns feisty Abarth model with 153 hp

A redesigned Fiat 500e electrical hatch heads to U.S. showrooms in early 2024, and it might have a feisty Abarth flagship on provide when it arrives.

The brand new 500e Abarth was revealed on Tuesday and is about to go on sale subsequent 12 months in markets the place the most recent 500e is already out there. It was revealed with only one powertrain: a 153-hp electrical motor that drives the entrance wheels.

Efficiency claims embrace 0-62 mph acceleration in seven seconds, which is roughly two seconds faster than the inventory 500e rated at 117 hp in its most potent guise. No high velocity was talked about.

Maybe what’s extra spectacular is the 500e Abarth’s mid-range punch. In most cases, it is faster than the older gas-powered 500 Abarth 695 which comes with 177 hp, in response to Fiat. The corporate stated 12-25 and 37-62 mph acceleration are each about one second faster within the 500e Abarth, and a lap of father or mother firm Stellantis’ Balocco check monitor additionally yielded a one second faster time for the EV.

Dealing with has additionally been improved due to the larger footprint and decrease heart of gravity of the most recent 500e’s platform. The car measures roughly 2.4 inches longer and a pair of.4 inches wider than the gas-powered mannequin. The wheelbase has additionally been stretched by 0.8 inches.

The battery is a 42-kwh unit. Whereas no vary estimate was given, Fiat stated an 85-kw charger will allow 25 miles to be added in 5 minutes of charging. Charging from 10-80% may also be doable in about 35 minutes.

To assist maximize vary, drivers can choose a Turismo mode that drops energy and torque barely, and gives full pressure regenerative braking that allows one-pedal driving. A Scorpion Road mode designed for city use additionally will get one-pedal driving, however with energy and torque at max ranges. There’s additionally a Observe mode the place efficiency is maximized in all areas.

On the skin, the car sports activities all the everyday Abarth cues like a roof-mounted spoiler, upgraded wheels, tires, and brakes, plus a sporty design for the entrance consumption’s grille. Inside, the Abarth will get all of the 500e’s high options, together with a ten.25-inch infotainment display screen with graphics distinctive to the Abarth mannequin. There’s additionally a steering wheel and pedals sporting Abarth’s scorpion brand.

When requested, a spokesman for Fiat stated the corporate is concentrated on the launch of the common 500e within the U.S., although he did not rule out the 500e Abarth coming right here. We additionally know Fiat is popping out with further trendy Abarth fashions. Olivier Francois, who heads each Fiat and Abarth, has hinted that he expects there to be a couple of Abarth mannequin on sale at any time. One risk for a second Abarth is a scorching model of a future electrical Fiat 500X.