Electric Abarth 500e Gets an Engine Roar, Sort of

Abarth has given the Abarth 500e a Sound Generator , unique in the electric Hot Hatch segment. The electric addition to the Abarth range uses the Sound System developed to emit racing melodies developed at Stellantis’ Italian NVH (Noise Vibration and Harshness) Department. This is the same place that validated the sound of the historic Abarth exhaust system, the Record Monza.

The 2-year project was 6 months of continuous work. More than 6,000 hours taken to sample the engine noise at all stages of driving, whether on road or track. The Abarth petrol engine was recorded during acceleration, deceleration, braking, fast cornering and much more. Moreover, specific sound calibrations were carried out. The sound was then considered, manipulated and tuned to give that distinctive Abarth note that drivers love so much.

The resulting matrix of sound was then tested in the studio and on the static car. The developers say the sound is set to achieve the best immersive result for the driver. Additional sounds were layered into the mix.

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ABOVE: 2023 Abarth 500e

Any hot hatch driver knows that drone can be annoying at some speeds or on long trips, so can be turned off when the car is stopped. It is said that the generator gives the most pleasant driving experience even at high speeds, respecting the homologation constraints for noise pollution and ensuring a realistic sound. In fact, the intensity of the Sound Generator System is directly proportional to the speed at which the car is driven, and the sound is to all intents and purposes processed differently through the exterior rear speaker. It ranges from IDLE, where the engine at its lowest power and the sound generator replicates the sound of the Record Monza exhaust at idling speed, to SIGNATURE, which alters based on one’s speed, maintaining the timbre typical of the Abarth with the internal combustion engine. In short, SIGNATURE contains all the information we give to the amplifier – from idle to progressive speed, ignition, and shutdown.

The new Abarth 500e is is said to have all of the luxury features in a car 3.6 meters long, without giving up all that makes Abarth distinctive. Thanks to the Sound Generator, it is the only Hot Hatch capable of evoking the sound of the historic ICE and providing the acoustic power of a sporty ICE engine which reaches the limits allowed by homologation regulations.

We like the Abarth, and our tests were fun and frivolous. It doesn’t take itself too seriously. We’ve tested many electric cars and without exception, we’ve turned the simulated noise off. At least for me, the joy of driving an electric car fast, is the sensation that comes from feeling directly connected to the wheels. It remains to be seen whether this features is worth 6,000 hours, or is one that will just be turned off, and left off.

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