New Abarth 600e revealed with hypnotic paint and venomous sting

Abarth’s all-new, all-electric 600e hot crossover just debuted in full Scorpionissima Launch Edition spec. Here’s everything we know so far about the brand’s most powerful car to date.

If any marque can pull off an EV with serious fun factor, it’s the unorthodox and slightly zany team over at Abarth. Moreover, according to the Turin-based tuner, the hot new 600e is far more than a one trick pony.  

As the brand’s second crack at a hopped-up electric hatch, following the 500e with “addictive” response (as reviewed by Jonny Smith), the model is based on Fiat’s practical 5-door electric SUV. To create a machine with ‘an essence of evil’, Abarth has taken much of the standard 600’s internals (and bodwork) and replaced them with racier alternatives.

Underneath, that means the Scorpion SUV now has a far more venomous sting in its tail. What was once a dowdy family bus, now boasts the brand’s most powerful drivetrain ever: a 236-bhp electric motor.  

While there’s no word just yet on the sort of acceleration you can expect from such a potent setup, the promotional image suggests the hot 600 should be a riot to (safely) fling into corners.

Adding credence to this theory, is a standard mechanical limited slip differential. This feeds gobs of electric torque to the wheels at the most opportune moment, to maximise grip and adjustability. And, once the power has got that far, specialised Hankook tyres — designed with expertise gained from its record-breaking Formula E racing — ensure that firepower is converted into momentum.  

Outside, there’s plenty to let others know your 600 is packing an extra punch. If you enjoyed our recent list of the  most ridiculous colour names for cars, Abarth has coined a cracker for its latest model: Hypnotic Purple. This new shade is said to ‘highlight its aggressiveness’ which, when teamed with the massive 20-inch wheels and various aero additions, lives up to Abarth’s billing.  

From release dates to pricing, there’s plenty still to find out about Abarth’s latest creation. Not to mention, the all-important question: will it make the same funny synthesized sounds as its 500e sibling? We’ll keep you posted, of course, but what are your first thoughts on the spicy 600?

Hero image credit: Stellantis