The scorpion brand is going through a delicate moment after having bet almost entirely on electric mobility. With the disappearance of its last gasoline models and a catalog dominated by battery-powered vehicles, the registrations of Abarth In Europe they have suffered a sharp declineThis is especially evident in markets where the brand has always been associated with the throaty sound and direct feel of its small sports cars.
In this context, from the management itself Abarth y Fiat It is acknowledged that the current strategy needs adjustments.Recent statements from its top executives in Europe point to a possible shift: the return of internal combustion engine versions, taking advantage of the arrival of the new Fiat Grande Panda, a model that could become the basis for the next, more passionate Abarth.
From the electric shift to the commercial slowdown…
In recent times, Abarth has taken important steps towards electrification with the launch of its second 100% electric model, the abarth 600e, and the definitive withdrawal of Abarth 595, which was his last combustion-engine sports carOn paper, the transition fit with Stellantis' roadmap and with the increasingly stringent emissions regulations in Europe.
However, the result in the European market has not been as expected. Limiting the range to electric cars has led to a significant drop in salesThis is partly because many fans of the brand identify Abarth with turbocharged engines, loud exhausts, and the ability to customize and modify the car to their liking, something much more complicated in a modern electric vehicle.
A possible Abarth Grande Panda is on the table…
Given this situation, rumors have begun to circulate strongly about an Abarth variant of the Fiat Grande Panda, a new model that could serve to reopen the door to internal combustion engines or, at least, to a new interpretation of the Italian firm's small sports car concept.
Various reports indicate that the brand is already working internally on a high-performance version of Grande Panda to expand its portfolio. However, the project has not yet received final approval to move to the production phase, so development is in a preliminary stage with no specific date on the calendar.
Design and focus: from practical utility vehicle to scorpion hot hatch…
Beyond the mechanics, an Abarth version of the Grande Panda would imply a noticeable aesthetic and dynamic transformation compared to the standard model. Following the brand's classic recipe, one would expect a lowered suspension, larger diameter wheels, and lower profile tires to improve grip and reduce body roll in corners.
Visually, the renders that have circulated in international media, such as those published by CoachThey point to specific bumpers, more pronounced wheel arches and aerodynamic details to give the car a more muscular presence. Also included would be striking colors, striped decorations, and the familiar scorpion logo—features that have defined the personality of the small Abarths for years.
Do not forget that Part of the appeal of these models lies in their ability to be instantly recognizable. as something different from the basic utility vehicle. The eventual Abarth Grande Panda should play precisely with that contrast: a practical and compact car, but with a clearly sporty focus and an aesthetic that sets it apart from the conventional Fiat version.
The importance of Abarth DNA and the "possibility of tinkering"
Thorel has insisted on the idea that An Abarth is not just a fast car, but also a vehicle that invites personalization.In their own words, the current electric Abarths deliver on the performance front, but the owner can't "get their hands dirty" with the car as easily as with a traditional combustion engine model, a feature that enthusiasts greatly appreciate.
In this regard, the executive admits that The return to an Abarth with a combustion engine is being actively studied.However, he emphasizes that the step will only be taken if the final product respects the brand's DNA, both in terms of driving sensations and the scope for modifications and preparations that have so marked the history of the scorpion since its origins.
The technical basis: STLA Small platform and room for evolution…
The starting point for this hypothetical Abarth Grande Panda would be the STLA Small platform, on which the Big Panda itself is builtThis is a versatile architecture from the Stellantis group that supports different types of propulsion, both combustion and electrified, and will be used in other models of the conglomerate.
This platform will also be used for future sporty compact cars from other brands in the group, such as the announced The Peugeot e-208 GTi, which has come out on top with around 280 hp and 345 Nm of torque in its electric versionGiven that precedent, it wouldn't be surprising if Abarth explored similar power configurations, whether with a combustion engine, a mild hybrid variant, or even a high-performance electric approach, always maintaining its specific touch in tuning and sound.
What engine could a modern Abarth Panda have?
Although the brand hasn't confirmed the mechanics, some classic options are practically ruled out. Among enthusiasts, it would be logical to think of... the well-known 1.4 turbo engine that powered several generations of the Abarth 500as well as models like the Abarth Grande Punto or the 124 Spider, but everything points to this engine not returning under the hood of the company's future sporty compacts.
Instead, they are considering more modern and efficient alternatives, adapted to current regulationsOne of the most talked-about candidates is the 1,2-liter Stellantis engine, which is already being used in other models of the group, such as the Peugeot 208, and which could receive a specific Abarth tuning to offer a more aggressive character and performance in line with the sporty image of the brand.
Another possibility would be to resort to mild hybrid versions of this 1.2which in its highest-performance configuration can reach around 145 hp. This solution would allow the use of an existing mechanical design, reducing costs and engineering time, and focusing efforts primarily on the chassis, brakes, and suspension tuning. The downside is that, if this mild hybrid system is chosen, it is most likely that exclusively a six-speed automatic gearbox is usedThis is because this transmission is an integral part of the hybrid system and complicates the arrival of a manual alternative.
Beyond the Panda: options in the A segment…
Although the focus of the rumors is on the Great Panda, It is possible that other small models in the Fiat range could benefit of this possible return to combustion. The brand's recent move in launching a mild hybrid variant of the new Fiat 500 for sale It indicates that in the A segment there is also room for more classic mechanical combinations.
This strategy opens the door to a future Abarth derived from the 500 or other compact city cars It recaptures part of the essence of the brand's old sports cars, while adapting to current environmental demands through hybrid or more efficient mechanical solutions, but without completely abandoning the characteristic feel and sound.
What the heads of Abarth and Fiat in Europe are saying…
The clearest clue has come from a question posed by the specialized publication Coach about the possibility of See a Big Panda with a petrol engine, signed by AbarthGaetano Thorel, head of Abarth and also of Fiat in Europe, made a brief but significant statement about the brand's plans.
When asked about that possible sporting variant, Thorel responded: "We will definitely build on Abarth's legacy to do something more. That's all we can say for now."Behind this short answer lies an obvious reality: within the company they are aware that continuing to bet absolutely everything on electric cars could dilute the essence of Abarth and, in the long run, jeopardize the viability of the brand.
For his part, Olivier François, global CEO of Abarth and Fiat, has indicated that, In terms of pure performance, electric vehicles can offer very competitive figures.But he also acknowledges that the typical Abarth customer is not just looking for power, but also sound, mechanical character and a more visceral driving experience, elements that are not as easily replicated in a battery-powered model today.
Timelines and potential expectations in the European market…
Regarding the timeline, there is no official schedule on the table at the moment. The brand is remaining cautious and It has not been specified when an Abarth Grande Panda or a new combustion engine model might arrive.However, hints from its leaders suggest that, if they receive approval, they shouldn't delay too long in taking advantage of the new Big Panda's popularity and the fans' interest.
Industry sources point out that Important news could emerge before the end of the yearespecially regarding the project's definition and the final decision on the type of engine. In any case, the move is seen as key to regaining market share in European markets where electrification is advancing, but a large part of the enthusiast public still demands combustion engine options with character.
With all these elements on the table, the potential Abarth Grande Panda is emerging as a key player in the brand's strategy to reconnect with its followers in Europe: a sporty utility vehicle built on a modern platform, with mechanical options that balance regulations and driving feel, and a specific design that recaptures some of the charm of the old Abarths without sacrificing current technology, something that could set the course for the scorpion brand in the coming years.
