Abarth, the efficiency arm of Fiat, has unveiled its first electrical mannequin – the 500e hatch and cabriolet – after it was leaked final month.
It’s due right here late in 2023, following the native launch of the associated Fiat 500e early subsequent 12 months. That’s a a lot shorter delay than the Fiat is experiencing, having first launched in Europe in 2020.
Abarth says the 500e gives extra efficiency than the petrol 695, with improved responsiveness in metropolis driving that sees it go from 19 to 40 km/h 50 per cent sooner because of “improved weight distribution, higher torque, and a wider wheelbase.”
Below the bonnet is a everlasting magnet electrical motor that gives 114kW of energy and 235Nm of torque and takes the automotive from 0 to 100 km/h in seven seconds.
The motor is paired with the identical 42kWh lithium-ion battery because the Fiat 500e on which it’s primarily based.
It helps DC fast-charging at as much as 85kW, giving the Abarth 25 miles of cost in 5 minutes. The 500e reaches the 80 per cent mark in 35 minutes.
The low-speed acoustic alert has a particular sound, whereas a “strumming guitar” sound performs while you first exceed 19km/h.
Within the absence of the rorty engine be aware of one in every of its petrol engines, Abarth has developed an non-obligatory Sound Generator which “faithfully reproduces the sound of an Abarth petrol engine” together with its personal distinctive, petrol car-like low-speed acoustic alert sound.
Three driving modes can be found: Turismo, which dials outputs again barely to 113kW and 220Nm; Scorpion Avenue, which balances energy and power effectivity; and top-performance mode Scorpion Observe.
Each Turismo and Scorpion Avenue utilise the one-pedal driving characteristic, which permits drivers to decelerate by lifting their foot and concurrently recovers kinetic power to recharge the battery.
Whereas the Abarth, just like the Fiat 500e it’s primarily based on, carefully resembles its older petrol counterpart, it options some distinctive design parts like a closed-off grille, honeycomb air consumption, and a brand new Acid Inexperienced hero color.
The brand new mannequin additionally options the model’s new lateral scorpion brand, Titanium Gray mirror caps, LED headlights, and darkish gray Abarth lettering entrance and rear.
Inside there are sports activities seats, as anticipated for an Abarth, in addition to a ten.25-inch touchscreen with built-in navigation and a 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster, plus leather-based upholstery with Alcantara detailing.
The brand new mannequin is being celebrated in Europe with a particular version 500e Scorpionissima, which is restricted to 1949 models – a nod to the founding 12 months of the model.
The restricted version has a barely extra racing-inspired look with metal pedals, an engraved kick plate, unique aspect stickers, 18-inch diamond-cut Titanium Gray alloy wheels, and a three-spoke leather-based steering wheel.
Deliveries of the Abarth 500e are anticipated to start in Europe within the second quarter of 2023, and a one-month pre-booking part has opened for ‘Abarth group members solely’ earlier than opening to most of the people.
Final 12 months, Abarth introduced that will probably be electric-only by 2024, which is six years forward of Fiat’s 2030 goal.
“Each change made within the Abarth is about getting the most effective driving efficiency. That’s precisely how our founder, Carlo Abarth, all the time went at it. So, from that standpoint, let’s say that nothing has modified: higher acceleration, higher dealing with, extra enjoyable. After which there’s Abarth’s legendary signature: it’s sound,” stated Fiat and Abarth CEO Olivier Francois.
