Abarth 500e: the scorpion with more spark

Replace the classic combustion engine with an electric one of 154 hp and it will be available at the dealer in mid-2023 for a price starting at 43,000 euros

Abarth’s DNA has been linked to sportiness since its creation in 1949. Throughout history, his models have conquered the public for their dynamism, responsiveness and maneuverability. But if anything has always characterized scorpion cars, it’s the sound of the engine
roar that makes it recognizable while driving.

Now is the time to change the engine to adapt to the new electric times that set the standard for the automotive industry in the European context and launched the Abarth 500e. A model that gains dynamism at the expense of its legendary natural roar, which is replaced by a canned sound that it produces while driving.

The previous Abarth 500 offered an output of up to 180 hp in the
new electric version remains at 154 hp. However, this difference in horsepower is perfectly compensated by the instantaneous responsiveness of electricity, allowing the new model to go from 0 to 100 km/h in just 7 seconds. This makes the new 500e the most sparkling scorpion of the brand.

The opening of orders for the limited version Scorpionissimo, with only 1,949 units, has already opened and the first deliveries will take place at the end of spring 2023. the 43,000 euros.

The electric architecture offers better performance than petrol thanks to efficient weight distribution, better engine torque and a longer wheelbase. The electric technology guarantees more acceleration, better balance, more stability and more grip on the road.

: 113kW/154 hp electric : 3.63 / 1.62 / 1.48 : 185 liters : 250 km, not approved : 155 km/h (limited) : 7 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h : From 43,000 euros

During the international presentation of the new model on the legendary circuit on the roof of the old Fiat factory in Lingotto, Olivier Francois, CEO of FIAT and global head of marketing for Stellantis, answered the question why What electric?: “Well, actually , because the benefit forced us; in fact, every change made to the Abarth is aimed at improving driving performance. That’s exactly what our founder, Carlo Abarth, always did. So from that point of view, let’s just say nothing has changed: better acceleration, better handling, more fun.”

For Francois, the new Abarth 500e is more Abarth than ever, as it combines performance, electric power and style. Being electric means better weight distribution, greater engine torque and a longer wheelbase, meaning the 500e is quicker and more determined in city and suburban driving, thanks to its instantaneous response to the touch of the throttle. , explained the CEO of Fiat during the presentation.

The difference in responsiveness in favor of the Abarth 500e is evidenced by the fact that it is one second faster when starting off in the city, meaning it accelerates from 20 to 40 km/h faster than its petrol equivalent by 50%. It is also faster outside the city, for example in tight corners, where it can reach the target speed from 40 to 60 km/h in just 1.5 seconds, much faster than its combustion engine version, which is 15 seconds behind. 60 km/h one second later.

Finally, the new Abarth 500e behaves faster on public roads than the petrol version, reaching a speed of 100 km/h (was 60 km/h), while the petrol equivalent continues to travel at 91 km/h, with a difference of about one second. In short, on the ‘Misto Alfa’ circuit in Balocco, the new Abarth 500e outperforms the most powerful combustion model by more than a second, according to the engineers of the Italian brand.

In addition, the better response of the electric motor, the longer wheelbase, the improved support from the widened track and the better balance between the axles provide excellent agility and driving dynamics, making the new Abarth 500e more responsive, with better corner entry and higher cornering and exit speeds.

This is all achieved in large part because at the heart of the 500e a 42kWh battery powers the motor to deliver 113kW/154PS.

The new Abarth offers three driving modes: Turismo, Scorpion Street and Scorpion Track. In Touring mode, acceleration is smoother and less power is needed (maximum power 100 kW instead of 113 kW, torque 220 Nm instead of 235 Nm). Scorpion Street mode provides maximum performance and increases regenerative braking. And finally, the Scorpion Track mode is designed for those who want maximum performance.

reload speed

To reduce charging time, the new Abarth 500e is equipped with the 85 kW fast charging system. Less than 5 minutes is enough to build up enough power reserve for daily kilometers (about 50 km). Fast charging reaches 80% autonomy in just 35 minutes.

For Abarth, the sound of the engine has always been a hallmark. It is known that electric motors are quiet, to close this gap the Abarth 500e offers the possibility to optionally emit a recorded sound reminiscent of the roar of the internal combustion engine, the Sound Generator. The system accompanies engine performance and reproduces the sound of a petrol Abarth. The driver can optionally activate or deactivate the sound generator when the car is stationary.

Aesthetically, the new Abarth 500e is faithful to the combustion model, but offers some minor tweaks that differentiate it as an electric one. The Scorpion’s new signature logo has been updated. The new front bumper also stands out, as well as the volatile and sporty lines of the side sill, the rear diffuser applications, the specific alloy wheels and the new titanium gray mirror caps. The sporty personality is enhanced by the Full LED front lighting, the front and rear disc brakes, the new dark titanium gray front and rear lettering, the new electrified Scorpion side logo and the black hood with integrated sports spoiler on the version. The hatchback version is also equipped with tinted rear windows.

The exclusive launch edition of the new Abarth 500e Scorpionissima is equipped with six airbags and a significant number of driver and safety assistance systems such as traffic sign information, autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist recognition, intelligent speed assistant, lane keeping assistant, driver drowsiness detection, fatigue detector, cruise control, blind spot detection and emergency calls.

Source: La Verdad

Ida

I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.