The Italian sports brand Abarth is considering the possibility of returning a model with an internal combustion engine. The reason for this is the weak sales of electric vehicles of the brand in the European market.
Currently, the Abarth lineup consists of only two electric vehicles — Abarth 500e and Abarth 600e. However, demand for these models turned out to be lower than the expectations of the Stellantis concern, despite the overall growth in sales of electric vehicles in Europe.
One of the possible options for a new model could be a sports version of the Fiat Grande Panda crossover. The basic version of the car is already offered with gasoline, mild hybrid and fully electric power plants on the Stellantis Smart Car platform.
According to Autocar, the project is in the early stages of development, although a final decision on launching production has not yet been made. The head of the Fiat and Abarth brands in Europe, Gaetano Torello, noted that the company intends to use the Abarth heritage in new projects.
Experts believe that the sports version of the Grande Panda may receive a more powerful engine, a modified suspension and a reinforced braking system. In addition, the car may have a more aggressive body design and a sporty interior.
It is expected that the possible novelty will cost less than the current Abarth electric vehicles and will become the new entry-level model of the brand.
