Abarth is considering a comeback with combustion engines, but the current Fiat 500’s design poses major obstacles. Olivier François, Fiat’s CEO, confirmed the brand’s interest in petrol powertrains but suggested a different Fiat model might be a better base for such a car.
Why the Fiat 500 Is Difficult to Convert
Since 2023, Abarth’s lineup has been fully electric, with the 153-hp 500e and 276-hp 600e replacing older turbocharged versions like the 595 and 695. These electric Abarths offer quick acceleration but miss the lighter weight and sharp handling that petrol models used to deliver.
The current 500 was designed mainly as an electric vehicle, making it harder to add a powerful combustion engine. Even the hybrid version with a 64-hp 1.0-liter three-cylinder engine needed extensive changes.
To fit a high-performance 177-hp turbo engine like the one in the previous 695, Fiat would have to upgrade cooling, transmission, suspension, and brakes. The car would also require full regulatory approval again, resulting in high costs that may not be justifiable for a small performance niche.
Potential Alternatives and Future Plans
François acknowledged the difficulty of converting the current 500 and suggested that a successor model around 2030 might be more flexible, supporting both electric and combustion powertrains from the start.
The Fiat 600 is mentioned as a promising alternative. Its platform already supports electric, hybrid, and petrol engines, making it technically simpler to adapt. The 600’s bigger size and practical cargo space might suit a sporty Abarth with combustion power better than the smaller 500.
No official confirmation exists yet for a gas-powered Abarth 600, nor any specifics on engines or launch dates. Still, the 600 looks like a more realistic choice for Abarth’s return to petrol performance cars than retrofitting the current electric 500.
Electric and Combustion Powertrains Could Coexist
Abarth’s renewed interest in combustion engines doesn’t mean it will abandon electric models. The brand could potentially offer both, appealing to traditional enthusiasts while continuing its electric lineup development.
Source: clubalfa.it