The Abarth 600e has launched in the UK and is now available in UK showrooms.
The new model is the most powerful Abarth ever, with 280 HP and a 0 to 62 mph acceleration time of 5.85 seconds. The result of a joint project between Abarth and Stellantis Motorsport engineers, Abarth 600e sets a new standard for electric hot hatch cars, and the sporting style and electrification of urban cars.
Abarth 600e is built on the Perfo eCMP, a state-of-the-art sport BEV platform, and is designed to deliver extraordinary driving experience and performance, alongside power and charm. Its captivating personality comes via a muscular exterior and large footprint, expansive wheels, aerodynamic rear spoiler, and aggressive, sporty interiors. Together with the racing experts Michelin, Sabelt, JTEKT, and Alcon, Abarth’s engineers studied and tested the most suitable solutions to obtain the perfect combination for the most powerful Abarth ever.
Two versions of Abarth 600e will be available for the UK market: the Abarth 600e and the highly specified Scorpionissima model.
The most powerful Abarth
Central to Abarth 600e is its own e-motor. The Scorpionissima version is equipped with a 207 kW 280 HP powertrain — the highest power ever reached by an Abarth car. The e-motor was tested on the FORMULA E test bench with a real track simulator. Moreover, the Scorpionissima with 0 to 62 mph acceleration in 5.85 seconds, and the standard version (which delivers 240hp) with 0 to 62 mph acceleration in 6.24 seconds, are fast and responsive. In addition, Abarth 600e has 345 Nm of torque and can reach a 124-mph limited maximum speed with a battery range of up to 207 miles (WLTP combined cycle, depending on the tyres fitted).
Both versions are equipped with three driving modes. Turismo mode provides smooth acceleration and 148 HP for Abarth 600e and 198 HP for Scorpionissima, combined with 300 Nm torque and a maximum speed limited to 93 mph. This configuration also features a sport accelerator pedal and steering calibration, and standard ESP calibration. In addition to these features, the second driving mode, Scorpion Street, comes with 201 HP for the standard version and 228 HP for Scorpionissima with 345 Nm torque, and a maximum speed limited to 112 mph; the third driving mode, Scorpion Track, includes an aggressive accelerator pedal calibration, sport+ steering and specific ESP tunings. Maximum speed in this mode is 124 mph, with 345 Nm torque, and a higher power of 280 HP for the Abarth 600e Scorpionissima and 240 HP for the standard version.
Abarth and Stellantis Motorsport racing know-how
The New Abarth 600e has been developed with a range of motorsport experts. Abarth and Michelin began to collaborate at the outset of the project, in 2021. Alongside sportiness, attention was given to tyre safety, lifespan, and energy performance. With an optimised rubber compound and dedicated architecture, the Michelin Pilot Sport EV tyres are designed to respond to the 280 HP provided by the Abarth 600e, while offering excellent grip in all conditions.
The brakes were designed with Alcon and come from the world of racing. A bigger surface, with monobloc calliper with four pistons, provides resistance to fading and optimises heat dissipation. The speed and braking performance of the car will delight the Abarth community. The Scorpion brand’s experts had as an objective of more power and stability while braking and achieved this through Alcon 380 mm brakes and callipers adapted for the car.
A key component in Abarth 600e is JTEKT’s Torsen mechanical limited slip differential. Its presence gives better trajectory and improves handling, traction in turns, and safety in slippery conditions. The limited slip differential provides additional torque on the external wheel and the car’s handling is improved by the locking-effect setup, which rates 36% during acceleration and 34% during braking.
With their track know-how, racing experts from Abarth and Stellantis Motorsport also increased suspension stiffness and reinforced the chassis with a rear anti-roll bar.
The Abarth 600e’s cooling system with high-capacity coolant pump pushes the boundaries of battery derating to maximise performance. A specific calibration ensures effective cooling in the sports modes also.
A racing spirit is further expressed by the style and technical features of the Sabelt seats, the design of which ensure high levels of support. The Scorpionissima’s seats emphasise lateral support and are optimised by four different high-density foams on each area of the body. The seats of this version also have a track-day look to entice motor enthusiasts with an authentic racing feel.
The Abarth 600e’s exteriors
The exterior of Abarth 600e is inspired by two main themes: the first is the past, interpreting the contrast given by the large, brutally squared-off volume of the front radiator of the Abarth 850 TC and conferring a sporty, emotional impact; the second theme enriches the square geometry with strong graphics, inspired by the world of gaming and digital, and including inclined lines, engraved on the surfaces that become a grille in the air intake. This approach is repeated on the rear bumper.
Furthermore, Abarth focused on four elements in particular: front and rear bumpers, spoiler, and wheels. On the front, the engineers and designers stretched the silhouette, highlighting the so-called “shark nose”, improving aerodynamic performance and thus, providing the specific bumper with a characteristic volume and including three-dimensional Abarth inscription. The front look is enhanced further with a lowered setup and an enlarged track, giving an additional 30mm on the front and an additional 25mm on the back. Far from being merely aesthetic, the strongly squared shapes of the aero spoiler and the extractor in the bumper were studied and tested in a wind tunnel to improve performance. The 20-inch diamond-alloy wheels are majestic and present an eye-catching look: the 5-spoke alloy wheels are designed to reclaim the stylised graphics of the scorpion’s stinger and provide a view of the brakes and painted callipers. In addition, its hubcap is inspired by mono bolts and has a modern faceted design. The electrified scorpion, which made its debut on the Abarth 500e, is also a part of this model: in addition to the logos on the mudguards and the Abarth badge on the bonnet, the scorpion appears on the centreline, engraved on the black surfaces of the front and rear bumpers and spoiler. In addition to the Abarth 600e, the Scorpionissima will feature the gloss black body kit, specific lateral sticker, and painted front brake calipers.
The overall effect gives the car a strong personality and ensures a bold impact.
Defining the vehicle’s aggressiveness, the black mirror caps and handles contrast with the colours of the two models: the Abarth 600e will come in the bold, exciting Acid Green, Antidote White, Shock Orange, and Venom Black; meanwhile, Scorpionissima will be available in Acid Green and the exclusive Hypnotic Purple (both paints included in OTR price).
