Stellantis is working on an Abarth version of the Fiat Topolino electric quadricycle, aiming to capture a younger demographic in Europe.
The sporty edition will likely emphasize visual upgrades and acoustic enhancements rather than performance, due to regulatory constraints on the tiny vehicle's power output.
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Targeting Teens with Style and Sound
Fiat and Abarth CEO Olivier Francois told Autocar that developing an Abarth Topolino is a "dream" and predicted it would be a "total hit."
Gaetano Thorel, head of Fiat and Abarth in Europe, explained the reasoning: "We want to make an Abarth feeling for the Topolino, because we are still trying to boost selling it to young people."
Thorel noted that while the Topolino is Italy's best-selling quadricycle, it hasn't captured the hearts of 16- and 17-year-olds.
"I want to gain their hearts, which is why we now have Topolino Sport. An Abarth Topolino could be another solution," he said.
The Fiat Topolino, along with its siblings Citroen Ami and Opel Rocks Electric, is classified as an L6 quadricycle, allowing 14-year-olds to legally drive it in countries like Italy and France.
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However, Thorel admitted that parents often prefer rivals like Ligier, which feel sportier due to the sound of their 50cc engines compared with the "more gentle" Topolino EV.
Styling Over Speed
To win over younger buyers, Fiat plans to add fake engine noises borrowed from the fully electric Abarth 500, along with a more aggressive bodykit and interior touches.
But don't expect the pint-sized EV to become a pocket rocket. Regulations prevent the Topolino from carrying anything stronger than its current 8 hp (6 kW) electric motor.
Abarth engineers may make minor suspension tweaks and fit different wheels and tires, but the special edition will be more of a lifestyle product than a genuine performance machine.
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The Fiat Topolino recently launched in America at $13,995, making it the cheapest EV in the country, though it's not classified as a car and requires an optional Low Speed Vehicle conversion kit for roads posted at 35 mph or less.
