Electric Abarths Are Struggling So Much That Stellantis May Reintroduce Gas Models | Carscoops

      Slumping sales and customer dissatisfaction prompt the Scorpion brand to reconsider its electric strategy

      14 hours ago

      by Chris Chilton

      Abarth may return to petrol-powered hot hatches after its shift to an electric-only lineup.

      Fans are unhappy with EVs because they can no longer modify or tune them.

      Executives confirm they are “attempting” to develop a new combustion-powered Abarth.

      Abarth might be gearing up to bring back the roar of gasoline engines. After completely switching to electric vehicles in Europe with the 500e and 600e models, the Scorpion brand is now contemplating a comeback of classic combustion hot hatches.

      Why the change? Customers are not sold on electric motors, regardless of their speed.

      The Case for Combustion

      Gaetano Thorel, Abarth's European chief, informed Autocar that customers prefer internal combustion engines, not just for performance but also because modifying EVs is almost impossible. Owners cannot change, tweak, chip, tune, or add custom parts under the hood, which for dedicated Abarth fans, diminishes the excitement.

      Related: Maserati Influence Surfaces in an Unexpected Abarth Model

      Sales figures illustrate this dissatisfaction. Abarth has sold only 273 cars in the UK this year, down from 954 during the same period last year, and a significant decline from the 5,631 sold in 2018, according to SMMT data.

      What’s the Plan?

      The Scorpion brand is feeling the pressure, and is looking into the feasibility of introducing a new petrol-powered Abarth based on the Fiat 500 Hybrid.

      You may remember that the electric 500e was originally designed for a combustion engine after Fiat discontinued the previous ICE 500, but the EV ultimately did not perform well in sales. Do you see a trend here?

      In theory, this platform could handle more power. However, in reality, challenges arise quickly. The 500 Hybrid’s 1.0-litre naturally aspirated three-cylinder engine offers a modest 64 hp (65 PS) and takes 16.2 seconds to reach 62 mph – 17.3 seconds for the Cabrio version.

      Thorel acknowledges that the engine lacks the character necessary for Abarth, delivering torque low in the rev range instead of encouraging high-rev excitement.

      Platform Challenges

      The bigger issue? The platform was not designed for traditional engines. The 500e uses a small electric motor, creating minimal space for something more powerful, and even less for cooling. Fitting a larger combustion engine without causing electrical issues presents significant challenges.

      Review: The Abarth 500e Is An Electric Hot Hatch That’s High on Fun, But Even Higher on Price

      Additionally, there’s the financial aspect. The prospect of developing a custom petrol Abarth for a niche market would likely cause Stellantis accountants considerable concern. However, despite these difficulties, Thorel has stated that the brand is “trying.”

      If Abarth revives petrol engines for Europe (they are still offered in Latin America in the Abarth Pulse), it would not only transform the 500. It could pave the way for a combustion 600 Abarth or even future models featuring genuine engine sounds instead of artificial noises.

      Source: Autocar