Fast but Fat, the Abarth 600e Scorpionissima Sees Power Wasted by Weight

Abarth unveils its most powerful model to date in the shape of the battery-electric Abarth 600e Scorpionissima.

This limited production model boasts a maximum power output equivalent to 280 hp and 254 lb.-ft. (344 Nm) of torque equating to a 0-to-62 mph (100 km/h) sprint time of 5.85 seconds.

However, for some, that performance comes as a bit of a disappointment compared to its internal-combustion-engine stablemate the Abarth 695 Biposto.

This model uses a diminutive 1.4L turbocharged four-valve gasoline 4-cyl. producing 190 hp at 5,750 rpm and 184 ft.-lb. (250 Nm) of torque from 2,500 rpm to claim the 0-to-62 mph sprint in 5.9 seconds on the way to a top speed of 143 mph (230 km/h).

So, what’s going wrong for the much more powerful 600e Scorpionissima? In a nutshell, it is weight: The BEV is thought to tip the scales with a curb weight of about 3,530 lbs. (1,600 kg) while the ICE 695 Biposto is a featherlight 2,193 lbs. (997 kg)

The difference is like cramming seven extra passengers into the BEV model and expecting it still to be rapid round a racetrack.

Nonetheless, Abarth says its engineers have done everything they can to help the chubby new model cope with that outright power. It claims they have developed a state-of-the-art sporty BEV platform: the Perfo eCMP.

It also features the JTEKT’s Torsen mechanical limited-slip differential, offering better trajectory, handling, traction in turns and safety in slippery conditions.

The model, to be limited to just 1,949 units, launches alongside a detuned 600e Turismo model whose 240-hp power pack achieves the 0-to-62 mph sprint in 6.24 seconds and shares the battery-saving electronically limited top speed of 111 mph (179 km/h).

European order books are open and, although official market prices have not yet been published, the Abarth 600e Scorpionissima is expected to retail for $52,955 (€48,950). That compares to just $42,734 (€39,542) for the Abarth 695 Biposto.