In the middle of a long series of models with identical technical characteristics, the future Abarth 600e stands out by adopting a new 240 hp engine. Is this enough for a sports range?
As is often the case with Italian brands in recent times, leaks have pushed the brand to make an official communication this February 8 on the future Abarth 600e. It is too early to have all the technical data for this new electric model, but this press release from the brand already confirms some rumors about the engine integrated into this more muscular version of the Fiat 600e.
While the Stellantis electric motors max out at 156 hp (115 kW) on this group platform, Abarth confirms a power of 240 hp. It will be the first, but not the last model on a renowned Perfo-eCMP platform.
A new lease of life for several upcoming electric models
Stellantis has pushed the principle of sharing its first platform (e-CMP) a little further, capable of accommodating electric motors. It is a veritable army of clones that the group offers for sale, with the same battery and the same engine for all (or almost). Since the launch of the first generation of the Peugeot e-208 with its 136 hp (100 kW) engine, there has since been an evolution in the range by integrating from 2023 the new “M3” engine of 156 hp (115 kW). It is associated with a battery offering up to 54 kWh (except on the most compact models).
The same base with the same engine, but “interchangeable” bodies, such is the Tavares method for optimizing Stellantis’ profitability. There are therefore rarely any surprises, even though the new Lancia Ypsilon will not be made official until February 14, we know that it will offer 156 hp (115 kW), 51 kWh battery and a range of around 400 km. This model will be part of the fifteen clones:
- Peugeot e-208, e-308, e-2008, e-rifter and normally soon e-408
- Citroën ë-C4, ë-C4X, e-berlingo
- Opel corsa-e, mokka-e, astra electric
- DS3
- Jeep Avenger
- Fiat 600e
While waiting for a little more variety, with low-cost models (Citroën ë-C3 type) and models on the group’s future SLTA electric platforms (like on the Peugeot e-3008), the new engine of the Abarth 600e appears so like a small internal revolution.
The Abarth’s 240 hp engine would be identical to that supplied on the new STLA Medium platform and therefore on the e-3008. The use of the conditional remains mandatory for the moment. Where the principle of pooling taken to the extreme in the group becomes interesting is that it is obvious that this solution will be available in other models of the group. This should be the case in the first electric Alfa Romeo, the Milano, as well as in a sports version planned for the Lancia Ypsilon HF. Rumors also report this engine in the future e-408, which could be useful to give a little interest to this model.
A choice that is ultimately quite sensible
Faced with an excess of power on a number of electric models, the Stellantis group presents a more measured version of electric sportiness. The 240 hp (176 kW) promised by the Abarth appears quite weak compared to other electric cars on the market. It must be said that 150 kW or 204 hp have become a sort of psychological threshold adopted by many manufacturers, including for models which would not need such power.
A 240 hp engine is still much more powerful than the 156 hp of the Fiat 600e (base). This seems sufficient on paper to transfigure the sensations behind the wheel of the model, especially since the Abarth touch will also bring a mechanical limited slip differential, an apparently lowered position, better tires and certainly a little more adapted braking.
If hunting for excess pounds is a good way to reduce consumption, offering moderate power is just as good. This is how Stellantis can boast of offering good autonomy, despite batteries of relatively small capacity compared to competitors.
In the competition of who offers the greatest power, the Abarth 600e will not win, but that does not mean that the model could not surprise in many other aspects.
To follow trends in the electric car market, Numerama has created a newsletter dedicated to this theme. These subjects are treated bluntly, subscribe to find out.
If you liked this article, you will like the following: don’t miss them by subscribing to Numerama on Google News.