While the Abarth is now all-electric, comprising only the 500th and 600th models, an unexpected turnaround could be in store. At the presentation of the Fiat Grande Panda hybrid, Fiat CEO Olivier François hinted that a return to combustion engines at Abarth was not entirely out of the question. Just idle talk? Not quite.
A hope for purists
The news, although preliminary, is sure to rekindle the enthusiasm of fans of the Scorpion brand. The abrupt switch to all-electric power, which has been poorly digested by a large part of the Abarth community, could well be reviewed, at least in part. "Evaluations are underway", said Olivier François, referring to a reflection that is in its infancy but very real. That's enough to give hope to those who dream of hearing a petrol engine roar under the hood of an Italian bombshell.
A rally engine?
The most credible rumor points to the arrival of the 1.2L turbo petrol engine from the Stellantis group, already used in the competition, including in the Lancia Ypsilon HF entered in Rally4. This engine develops 212 hp in its racing version, without hybridization. On paper, it could be integrated into one of the current platforms (500e or 600e), although a return to internal combustion would require adaptation to current CO2 emissions and noise standards.
In a road version, this 1.2L turbo engine is already known in a hybrid version up to 145 hp (but we've already tested on the Alfa Romeo Junior Q4For Abarth, an evolution of this base could be envisaged, with power revised upwards... and perhaps light or rechargeable hybridization (PHEV), the only viable solution to meet European CO₂ requirements.
A response to enthusiasts' frustration
The Abarth 500e and the all-new 600e, despite their respectable performance (155 to 280 hp), struggle to convince enthusiasts of mechanical sensations. The lack of engine roar, the high weight and the very polite nature of electric driving leave some orphans of the Abarth DNA of yesteryear.
The return of a combustion-powered version, even if only partially electrified, could not only reassure enthusiasts, but also enable the brand to reposition itself.
Nothing is set in stone, but the mere fact that Fiat management is talking about the possibility of a return to combustion engines at Abarth is already a strong signal. Let's take this opportunity to announce that, a few days ago, the latest thermal Abarths were delivered in a limited version: Abarth 695 Club Italia.
Abarth 695 Club Italia, 1.4L 180 hp, Record Monza exhaust system
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The return of the Abarth with a combustion engine and unmistakable sound would be great. But please not with the PureTech 1.2, that would be worse than anything.
Unfortunately for the 600, it will get the 1.2 rally version and in my opinion the 500 will get the 1.0 Firefly turbo boosted to 150 HP, we can hope Tavares is no longer here.
You might as well leave nothing out. Clearly.
I owned the first Abarths with a 180 HP kit that was too much of a pain in the ass. Just fine to drive around town or in the countryside like a madman the sounds thanks to the Monza warm-up but the power rating remains absent a Smart brabus does the same thing without the exhaust noise. And without the optional physiotherapist.
Yes except that your Smart sardine box is cramped and doesn't hold up, compare a Smart to a 500 abarth, you need to stop smoking comrade! 😂😂😂
Ich freue mich soooo ich fahre seit Jahren fiat 500 dolcevita früher Benzina jetzt hybrid ich werde nie E- Auto kaufen!!bin sooo happy das sie nicht ganz verschwunden!!!! DAS ist ein kult auto!!!! Bitte die karosserie sollte das Modell sooo lassen nicht zu viel moder wie in einem Film mit außerirdischen 👽 dann verliert diese kühles Image ...es sollte ein kult Auto bleiben....Dankeschön 🚗
The 500 Abarth with the 1.0 Turbo 12-valve engine boosted to 150 HP should do the trick.
The 600 Abarth with the 1.2 of the rally version pushed to 200 HP and why not the Ypsilon hf and the Junior too.
that's the case: Ypsilon is the first city car to have 280 hp electrics, and at the 24 Hours of Le Mans the 208 should be announced.
This very smooth character of the electric versions is only valid for Stellantis and VAG; other manufacturers often take advantage of it to deliver stunning accelerations.
Abarth PureToc 🤦🏼♂️🤦🏼♂️🤦🏼♂️
As I told my mechanic, the new Abarth 500 with the 1.3 Firefly 180hp and I'm ordering it right away.
Great, but especially not with the WORST TECH. it would be sure to drive customers away.
Complete nonsense - whoever came up with this rumour has no idea about the racing version. Yes, it's a great rally engine, but consumes 13L of petrol / 100 km. That's around 300 g CO2/km - whereas the current EU target is 95 g CO2/km. A road legal Abarth with such an engine would have to cost around 50.000 € - just to make up for the fines for being above the CO2 quota.
There is no room for the Abarth brand on the new car market anymore - nobody is buying small sporty cars. ATime to close the business along with Maserati.
Absolute nonsense!
I know a lot of women Who wants to buy such à little, sportive and powerful car !!!
Bisogna osare.... anche andando in controtendenza..... 1400 4 cilindri di vecchio stampo(fire), rivedendo l'elettronica. La mia ha superato quota 200.000 km e funziona benissimo!
An Abarth with a purtoc!!! 😂😂😂
Fiat 500 for Ever
Ein Abarth ohne Verbrenner ist kein Abarth! Besser noch dazu einer mit 250PS!
Gosto das pessoas que são sempre do contra 🤭🤭 mesmo que o contra seja a favor. 🫢🫢 por cá chamam lhe " trombeiros " 😬😬 eles " andem aí " cada vez mais. 🤣😂
Einfach nur schade was da bei den Autobauer abgeht. Jeder Hersteller hat mittlerweilen Motoren von anderen Herstellern drin. Zum Glück hab ich noch 2 Abarths mit Verbrennener aus eigenem Haus