The fully electric Fiat 500 has been around since 2020, but we have yet to see the Abarth-badged variant. This is going to change soon with the zero-emission hot hatch inching closer to its debut as proven by a set of spy shots.
The prototype is covered in a thick layer of camouflage, but we can clearly see some styling changes compared to the stock Fiat 500. The front bumper is deeper and while it retains the honeycomb lower intake, the side inlets are different, giving it an “angrier” look. We also expect extended side sills, larger-diameter alloy wheels, a sportier rear bumper with a diffuser, and an even larger rear spoiler.
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A leaked photo of an uncamouflaged prototype was recently published on various Abarth forums, looking pretty similar to our spy shots. As revealed by it, the 500 emblem on the grille will be replaced by Abarth lettering, the Scorpion badge will find its place on the bonnet, and the new front bumper will gain faux intakes and an aluminum-style splitter. Finally, a lime green exterior shade made its appearance as part of the Abarth-specific color palette.
While there is no information about the mechanical side of the new Abarth yet, it is expected to come fitted with a more powerful electric motor alongside a revised chassis featuring stiffer suspension and stronger brakes. Oliver François, Fiat and Abarth CEO, has hinted at performance upgrades by saying: “If you want to do a real Abarth, it’s not the same electric powertrain”. He also spoke about the sound of the electric hot hatch stating that “it is going to be very interesting”, and that there will be a choice “to be silent or not”.
This was the first time our spy photographers spotted a prototype of the new Abarth 500, which is going to replace the aging 595/695 range of ICE-powered models. Starting in 2024, Abarth is going to be an EV-only brand, with the new pocket rocket playing an important role in this change. We expect the electric Abarth to be unveiled in the next few months, with a market launch in 2023.
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