Abarth in 2026: one certainty and many questions

Abarth enters 2026 with one certainty and several unanswered questions. The certainty lies in the figures: sales fell sharply in 2025, dropping by around 74% (data to November) compared with the same period in 2024.

The questions now concern the route ahead, after the decision to offer an all-electric line-up fell well short of the scorpion brand’s commercial expectations.

Abarth’s all-electric strategy under pressure

Having permanently closed the internal-combustion chapter in 2024, Abarth placed its entire bet on the electric 500e and 600e as the foundations of a new identity. On paper, the strategy appeared consistent with Stellantis’s messaging and the European regulatory timetable. In reality, the figures have revealed a far more fragile situation, putting possibilities back on the table that seemed to have been ruled out until recently.

The prospect of Abarth returning to combustion or hybrid power has already been publicly acknowledged by Gaetano Thorel, FIAT and Abarth’s European director. He made the comments on the sidelines of the presentation of the FIAT 500 Hybrid - which we have already driven - last November, marking the return of combustion power to the city car.

Even so, these comments amount to no more than intentions and have not, for now, been translated into a defined product plan for the coming years.

From a technical perspective, a return to combustion power is not impossible. The Abarth 600e’s platform supports multiple energy sources, while FIAT adapted the 500 platform, originally designed solely for electric power, to accommodate internal-combustion engines. In the Abarth 500e’s case, however, it could prove economically unviable. There are constraints: a larger, more powerful engine requires additional cooling, potentially demanding a deeper and substantially more expensive conversion.

Abarth 600e Competizione has arrived

For the time being, the brand’s programme remains unchanged and is focused entirely on managing its current electric range. In that context, the only confirmed Abarth arrival scheduled for 2026 - hopefully not the only one - is the Abarth 600e Competizione, which is already available to order in Portugal from 45,700 euros.

It replaces the limited-run Scorpionissima special edition, becoming the range-topper and the most powerful production Abarth ever. It delivers the same 207 kW (281 hp) as the Scorpionissima - the entry point is the 600e Turismo, with 175 kW (238 hp) - reaches 100 km/h from rest in 5.85 seconds, and uses a Torsen mechanical limited-slip differential to keep “everything under control”. Also noteworthy are the high-performance brakes with Alcon monobloc callipers and dedicated Michelin tyres.

Inside, there are Sabelt seats, Alcantara trim and an atmosphere that strongly conveys sportiness. On the outside, the 600e Competizione can be identified by its optional two-tone paintwork and exclusive graphics.

A potentially decisive year for the brand’s future

As a result, 2026 is expected to be a quiet year for Abarth in terms of new products, but one that could prove decisive strategically. Antonio Filosa, Stellantis’s chief executive, will unveil a new strategic plan for the group during the first half of the year, when we will also learn more about the future of the brand founded by Carlo Abarth.