Abarth reveals first images of 237bhp 600e Scorpionissima

Abarth has revealed the first images of its tuned take on the Fiat 600e as it undergoes final testing.

The performance wing of Fiat will launch the hotter 600e later this year as its most powerful and technologically advanced model yet.

Based on the regular 600e crossover, which competes with the Jeep Avenger, Hyundai Kona and Smart #1, the Abarth 600e gets a power hike from 152bhp to 237bhp. That should trim a couple of seconds from the Fiat’s nine-second 0-62mph time but there’s no official word on performance yet. Instead, Abarth simply claims that the 600e will be “fiercely competitive and powerful”.

Unusually for an EV, the 600e features a mechanical limited-slip differential to aid traction and driver engagement. It will also be fitted with bespoke tyres developed with Formula E supplier Hankook, which Abarth claims will provide “racing dynamics” in all conditions while still offering limited resistance to help efficiency.

There’s no word on energy consumption or range for the Abarth, but we’d expect it to use the same 51kWh battery as the regular car. In the Fiat that delivers a range of around 250 miles, so the Abarth’s range is likely to be closer to 200 miles.

The single new image shows the Abarth 600e in its Scorpionissima launch version, complete with Hypnotic Purple paintwork. Just 1,949 examples of the Scorpionissima will be sold.

Visually, Abarth has gone to town to give the car a more aggressive look. Its lower ride height is emphasised by massive front and rear air splitters and deep carbon-effect side skirts. A not-too-subtle rear wing tops off the look, while 20-inch two-tone alloys wear the specially developed tyres.

Abarth is still to give an official launch date but we would expect to hear more in the next few months. As for price, with the Fiat 600e starting at around £33,000 and the smaller Abarth 500e starting at £34,000, we’d expect the Abarth to be edging towards £40,000 when it goes on sale.