New Abarth 500 electric hot hatch leaked

A photo of the next chapter for Fiat's Abarth performance brand – and its first electric car – has leaked from the factory floor, ahead of the new car's official launch due next year.

Shown in an image shared widely on social media, the new Abarth electric car – based on the latest Fiat 500e – will differentiate itself with a more aggressive look and sportier driving experience.

Styling changes visible from the front include a new front bumper with a body-coloured, honeycomb-patterned lower air intake, 'ABARTH' lettering in place of the 500 badge, a subtle Abarth logo on the bonnet, and a new green paint colour.

Black mirror caps can also be seen, along with single-piece front sports seats inside the car, which look similar to those in today's petrol-powered Abarth 595 and 695.

There are no photos of the electric Abarth's rear, however spy photos in Europe have hinted at a new rear bumper, and revisions to the tailgate.

It is also unclear for now how potent the next Abarth hot hatch – which is yet to be given its public model name – will be, however European media have speculated on a 0-100km/h time below seven seconds, and a top speed beyond 160km/h.

Today's 132kW/250Nm 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol Abarth 595 Competizione (above) can cover 0-100km/h in 6.7 seconds (claimed), while the standard electric Fiat 500 can do it in nine seconds (from 87kW/220Nm).

Abarth is set to go electric by 2024 – so a launch next year or in 2024 is expected for the new hot hatch, with its petrol-powered predecessor now having less than two years to live.