Fiat Grande Panda could soon give life to a sporty version signed by Abarth, a step that would mark not only the expansion of the Panda family but also a possible return of the brand to combustion engines. Abarth today has a rather small range in Europe, effectively the 500 and 600 in their respective high-performance versions, both 100% electric, which however have not achieved the hoped-for commercial success. In this context, the diversification of models derived from the Panda represents a concrete opportunity for Fiat and Abarth to find customers and a brand identity.
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Fiat Grande Panda, Abarth version under study?
The Grande Panda, which arrived last year on Stellantis’ Smart Car platform, is offered in gasoline, hybrid, and electric versions depending on the markets, and this very versatility has fueled the hypothesis of an Abarth variant. Sources reported by Autocar indicate that the Scorpion is already working on a sporty Panda project, not yet definitively approved for production, and that a design concept also exists. However, no details on the engine have been revealed: the Smart Car platform has not historically hosted sporty variants, but its proximity to the STLA Small architecture leaves open the possibility of mounting more powerful engines or particularly high-performance hybrid solutions.
Improved performance
The group’s top management does not hide the ongoing reflections: Fiat has already redesigned the platform of the new 500 to accommodate a hybrid architecture after the decline in demand for full electrics, while Abarth is evaluating a return to thermal engines to meet the needs of enthusiasts. Olivier François and Gaetano Thorel have both underlined how, while on the one hand electric Abarths can offer top-level performance, on the other hand the brand’s standard-bearers demand the “sound” and the possibility of intervening on the engine, elements of the tuning culture that have always distinguished Abarth.
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Tuning culture
One hypothesized technical solution seems to be an electrified rear axle alongside a front combustion engine. This would be a configuration that would allow both maintaining an enjoyable thermal heart and exploiting electrification for additional power and dynamic control. “Electric Abarths are super high-performing, but an Abarthista cannot touch them, cannot get their hands on them. So we are studying the possibility of producing a car equipped with a thermal engine again, but only if we are able to give it the right DNA. If it is technically possible and we are capable of it, we will do it”, Thorel explained.
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