Abarth May Return to Internal Combustion Engines
The Abarth brand, which was one of the first within Stellantis to switch exclusively to electric models in Europe, may be changing course. The current local model lineup is limited to the electric 500e and 600e, and demand for electric vehicles has turned out to be lower than expected. This is forcing the “Scorpion” to consider the possibility of creating a new model with an internal combustion engine under the hood.
The main candidate for this role is considered to be a hot version of the Fiat Grande Panda. This budget crossover is currently offered with gasoline, mild-hybrid, and fully electric powertrains on the Smart Car architecture. Naturally, the Abarth badge would bring more power, sharper chassis tuning, and a more aggressive look.
“We will certainly use the Abarth heritage on something else. That’s all we can say for now,” said Gaetano Thorel, head of Abarth and Fiat in Europe.
A few months ago, Thorel acknowledged that Abarth fans miss the ability to “tune” a car and the sonic character of internal combustion engines, as fully electric sports models have limited potential for modifications.
What a Sports Version Could Look Like
Speculative renderings show an Abarth Grande Panda with sportier air intakes in the bumpers, a different grille, additional LEDs, and a splitter. Larger alloy wheels, “Scorpion” badges, and body-colored plastic wheel arch cladding are also anticipated, and the roof rails might be removed for a more streamlined look.
The sharper exterior would be accompanied by a bespoke interior, where Fiat’s light plastic and bamboo inserts would be replaced with dark Alcantara and carbon fiber details. The model could also get a pair of carbon fiber seats, a flat-bottom sports steering wheel, aluminum pedals, and new graphics for the digital instrument cluster.
Such a model would certainly require more powerful brakes and unique suspension settings, moving away from the comfort-oriented configuration of the Fiat Grande Panda and its twin, the Citroen C3. This would be the first experience for the budget Smart Car architecture, which no Stellantis brand has yet made sportier.
The Powertrain Question and Positioning
The Fiat Grande Panda’s turbocharged 1.2-liter three-cylinder gasoline engine is not powerful enough for a hot version, but the situation could change thanks to electrification. A hybrid setup with two electric motors would be a suitable option for the future Fiat Grande Panda 4×4, simultaneously providing the necessary power boost for an Abarth version through appropriate software and hardware modifications.
A hybrid solution would likely be less powerful than the 278 hp offered by a single electric motor in various Stellantis sports EVs, such as the Abarth 600e, Alfa Romeo Junior Veloce, Peugeot 208 GTI, Opel Mokka/Corsa GSE, and Lancia Ypsilon HF. However, it would be more appealing to purists and offer the necessary diversity in the Abarth lineup.
Another important aspect of a potential Abarth Grande Panda is affordability. The budget nature of the platform would likely place it below the Abarth 500e and 600e, making it the new entry point in the model range.
Development of the model is reportedly already underway, but a decision on series production has not yet been made. A return to hybrid technology could be a strategic move for the brand, allowing it to combine the emotion of an internal combustion engine with the benefits of electrification, while simultaneously reaching a wider audience thanks to a potentially lower price. It could also strengthen Abarth’s image as a brand that responds to the demands of true car enthusiasts.