The elegant aggressiveness of the Scorpion and its bold yet soft shapes come to life in the design of the Abarth 500e, also inspired by the appearance of the prickly animal to highlight its power, lightness and aerodynamic strength. Studying the design of the car, the car designers at the Style Centre led by Francois Leboine sought to weave the essence of the animal into the interior and exterior of the modern electrified Scorpion. The scorpion’s claw is what you notice first on the Abarth 500e, as it can be found on the front bumper and wheels. The former is 30 mm longer than normal, with an aerodynamic side wing offering strength and structure. The latter, in both the 17-inch and 18-inch diamond-cut versions, reinforce the circularity of the element and improve the car’s appearance in side view.
The scorpion’s paws are echoed in the design of the aerodynamic dam, which is not only functional (it allows air to pass through), but also has a unique appearance. Aerodynamics is enhanced by the front flap connected to the side skirt, a performance-enhancing aerodynamic feature. Inspired by the scorpion’s protective shell design, it helps cover the wheels from the front and increases aerodynamic performance. To express sportiness and improve aerodynamic penetration, the designers rethought the front of the car by making it lower and longer. One cannot help but immediately recognise the fluid and pure forms of the animal, which simultaneously exude authority, charm and quality.
Its extreme lightness also derives from the elimination of the upper ‘eyebrow’ of the DRLs on the bonnet, a decision taken by the designers to create a more sporty and decisive light expression, leading to a further weight reduction. In addition, at the front, the strengthened presence of the bold red line known as the ‘Omega Sign’, highlights from above the placement of the new Abarth lettering, which has the smaller historic logo placed higher up on the edge of the bonnet. At the rear, the triangular shape of the scorpion finds space in the new interpretation of the aerodynamic extractor, which has been enhanced by the white colour of the insert, creating an original connection with the vertical fins.
Changing its mission, it was necessary to redesign the Scorpion logo to communicate a transformation: from what Abarth has always represented to its new all-electric nature. So, it is not ‘just a signature’, but represents the union of performance and innovation, fun and sustainability. On the outside, the Abarth badge dominates the bonnet, like a nostalgic throwback to the brand’s history. The bold and energetic acid green colour is associated with speed and performance, while the more sophisticated poison blue creates a sense of elegance and modernity. On the outside, both let the owner’s personality explode, making heads turn as the car passes by. Inside, power and quality come together through the choice of dark, warm colours, which also add an elegant, futuristic touch.
