Daily Drive: Abarth’s spicy 600e, Durango Hellcat opens the taps, Polestar’s bold gambit, a “supercar” Corvette, and Tander hangs up the helmet

Some mornings it’s all torque curves and spreadsheet wars; today feels more like a cappuccino and a chat with the garage door open. We’ve got an electric Abarth that wants to nip at your ankles, a three-row Dodge with more blower whine than a Cars & Coffee at dawn, Polestar trying a new play to rally the faithful, a Corvette wearing someone else’s face, and an Aussie legend stepping off the Supercars stage. Let’s get into it.

Abarth 600e: The scorpion sharpens its sting

Autocar went scorpion hunting in the Abarth 600e, the pumped-up take on Fiat’s electric crossover. If you’ve driven any recent Abarth—as I have with the 595 and 695—you know the drill: stiffer springs, quicker steering, seats that hug like a race harness, and a soundtrack that tries very hard to convince your ears you’re in something mischievous.

The 600e follows that playbook, only with electrons instead of octane. Expect:

• More aggressive suspension tuning than the standard 600e (think quicker turn-in, taut body control).
• A sportier calibration for the e-motor to punch harder off the line.
• Chunkier wheels/tires and stronger brakes for repeatable fun.
• Abarth-specific drive modes and a cheeky sound profile to add a bit of theatre.

I haven’t had a go in this one yet, but the regular 600e already feels tidy around town. If Abarth’s done its usual trick—tighten without torturing—it could be the little electric crossover you actually look forward to driving on a Sunday morning, not just through school drop-off.

Polestar’s Faraday-style move: rallying the faithful

Carscoops flags a new strategy from Polestar that borrows from Faraday Future’s playbook. The gist: engage superfans directly with premium, insider-style programs or perks that generate buzz—and yes, likely cash flow—between halo launches. It’s a sign of the times for EV startups working to keep the lights bright and the product pipeline humming.

As someone who’s spent time in the Polestar 2 (lovely steering, minimalist cabin, infotainment that works better than some legacy rivals), I get the appeal of maintaining a tight community. Just make sure the offerings feel like genuine value, not paywalled fandom. Owners I’ve spoken to want timely software updates, transparent timelines, and realistic delivery promises more than fancy lanyards.

Dodge Durango Hellcat: now legal mayhem in ten more states

If you’ve been yearning for a family bus with the aural subtlety of a thunderstorm, good news: Dodge’s supercharged V8 Durango is expanding into ten more states and, per the reporting, edging toward nationwide availability. Translation: more of America gets access to the 6.2-liter, supercharged shove and all-wheel-launch lunacy that makes the Durango SRT Hellcat such a wonderfully ridiculous thing.

From my time in Hellcat-powered machines, this is what you’re signing up for:

• Monstrous power and the kind of instant, everywhere torque that feels like a freight elevator.
• Surprisingly civil ride for the breed, though it’s still firm when you find a cratered back road.
• Real-world thirst. If you commute long distances, budget like you own a speedboat.
• A soundtrack that turns every errand into a minor event (the kids will ask you to “do the noise”).

Why it matters: as emissions rules tighten, big-blower V8s are not long for this world. The Durango Hellcat is one of the last chances to get three rows and a factory warranty with that kind of shove.

There’s a Corvette under that supercar costume

Carscoops also spotlighted a coachbuilt-style special that started life as a C6 Corvette and now asks nearly six figures. Underneath, it’s Corvette bones—front-mounted V8, transaxle, and the sort of parts availability that makes mechanics smile. On top, it’s all bespoke shapes and big-entrance energy.

Having driven plenty of C6s over the years, a few thoughts if you’re tempted:

• The good: stout drivetrain, abundant aftermarket support, and genuinely serious performance when set up right.
• The watch-outs: verify build quality, aero stability, and cooling. Bodywork is more than cosmetics at speed.
• Papers matter: title, VIN, and insurance can get tricky with heavy modifications—ask the hard questions.
• Interior reality check: a C6’s cabin ergonomics and materials will still feel, well, C6-ish unless thoroughly reworked.

In short: it’s theater you can actually service at a normal shop. Just make sure the production didn’t skimp on the structural stuff between the acts.

Garth Tander retires: a proper Supercars era closes

Autosport reports that Australian great Garth Tander is calling time on his Supercars career. That one hits. Tander is a five-time Bathurst 1000 winner and the 2007 series champion—a driver who could grind out results over a season and also rise to the chaos of the Mountain when it mattered most.

What I’ll remember: his steeliness in long stints and that uncanny sense of when to push and when to let the race come to him. He’s also been a thoughtful voice in the paddock, and I suspect the TV booth—and plenty of young drivers—will benefit from his next chapter.

Today’s headliners at a glance

Quick takes and buying notes

• Abarth 600e: If you daily in the city and Sunday-drive the hills, shortlist it—just check ride comfort on your worst roads.
• Durango Hellcat: If you tow on weekends and sprint on weekdays, it’s your unicorn. Test the third row with adults before you commit.
• Polestar: If you’re tempted by any new programs or memberships, read the fine print. Perks are great; product and updates are better.
• Coachbuilt Corvette: Get an independent inspection. Then another. A great one will sing; a middling one will rattle.

Conclusion

From a cheeky electric scorpion to a three-row sledgehammer and a Corvette in cosplay, today’s slate is delightfully all over the map—exactly why we love cars. And as one great racer steps away, we’re reminded the stories behind the machines matter as much as the machines themselves.

FAQ

• What is the Abarth 600e? It’s Abarth’s performance-focused version of Fiat’s electric 600 crossover, with sharper handling, sportier calibration, and Abarth-specific styling and sound.
• Is the Dodge Durango Hellcat available in my state? It’s expanding into ten more states with plans for nationwide availability. Check a local dealer for allocation and timing.
• What’s Polestar doing that’s “like Faraday Future”? Launching fan-forward initiatives and premium programs aimed at deepening engagement and bringing in revenue between major product moments.
• Should I buy a Corvette-based “supercar” build? Maybe—if the workmanship is excellent and the paperwork is airtight. Prioritize cooling, aero stability, and documentation.
• Who is Garth Tander? An Australian Supercars legend, 2007 series champion, and five-time Bathurst 1000 winner who has announced his retirement.