Abarth Ponders Return to Petrol Power with Hot Hatch
Automotive enthusiasts are buzzing as Abarth considers a return to petrol engines, potentially reviving the brand's legacy in hot hatches. Gaetano Thorel, head of Abarth Europe, shared this exciting news with Autocar, hinting at a future model based on the new Fiat 500 Hybrid.The decision comes after Abarth discontinued its petrol-powered 595 and 695 models in August 2024. Since then, sales have taken a hit, dropping to just 273 cars sold in the UK this year compared to 954 last year. The brand's loyal customer base is eager for more options that cater to their passion for customization.Customer feedback has played a crucial role in Abarth’s reconsideration of its strategy. Enthusiasts love modifying their vehicles, but electric cars limit this creativity. Thorel acknowledged the frustrati...