Abarth

Carlo Abarth opened his workshop in Turin on March 31, 1949, turning a small garage into a legend of European motorsport. His early creations focused on stripping weight and boosting power from Fiat chassis to dominate local circuits. The brand's identity became instantly recognizable through its scorpion logo set against red and yellow stripes, a visual shorthand for the aggressive tuning philosophy Carlo championed.

Fiat Group acquired the trademark rights in 2007, reviving the name as an official performance division rather than an independent manufacturer. Under Stellantis ownership, the company now modifies mass-market models like the Fiat 500 and the electric Abarth 600e with specialized exhaust systems and sportier suspensions. This modern approach aims to deliver the same adrenaline-fueled experience that defined the original racing cars while adapting to current regulatory environments.

Recent leadership changes reflect a strategic push to reconnect with younger buyers and clarify the brand's future direction. Arnaud Belloni took over as CEO in August 2026, succeeding Olivier François who moved to a Strategic Advisor role. The new leadership team is tasked with balancing the transition to electrification with enthusiast demands for customizable combustion engines. Reports from late 2025 suggest discussions are underway regarding a potential return to gasoline powertrains or a retro-styled Topolino variant to satisfy purists concerned about the loss of mechanical modifiability. [edit]