Audi's Frozen Masterpiece: Crafting the RS E-Tron GT Ice Race Edition With Audi Exclusive

This special edition draws its inspiration from the icy terrains of the GP Ice Race in Austria, and represents a harmonious blend of cutting-edge technology and breathtaking design. With its Florett Silver Metallic exterior, accented by a unique foil wrap, this car is a visual spectacle that captures the essence of winter's beauty.

But don't be fooled by its icy demeanor; beneath the beautiful bodywork lies a powerhouse—a 590 hp (440 kW) dual-electric motor setup transplanted from the 'regular' RS e-tron GT.

Executive electric mobility

Launched in late 2020, this battery electric executive car has been turning heads and setting new standards in the automotive industry. Manufactured in Audi's home country, Germany, at the Heilbronn plant, the e-tron GT is part of Audi's broader e-tron sub-brand, which has been pioneering the company's electric mobility efforts.

Built on the J1 platform, which it shares with the Porsche Taycan, the e-tron GT is a four-door sedan that defies the traditional sedan silhouette with its sporty coupe-style design. It's powered by two AC synchronous electric motors, one on each axle, providing all-wheel drive.

The RS version of the e-tron GT boasts a maximum power output of 475 kW (646 PS; 637 hp) and a 93.4 kWh liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery, which enables the car to accelerate from 0–62 mph (0–100 km/h) in just 3.3 seconds and reach a top speed of 155 mph (250 km/h). The vehicle boasts an electric range of approximately 264 miles (425 km) while supporting 270 kW (800 volts)fast charging, also making it a practical choice for long journeys.

The e-tron GT has received accolades for its design, winning the 2021 Goldenes Lenkrad (Golden Steering Wheel) awards for the Most Beautiful Car of the Year. It even made a cinematic appearance in the 2019 superhero film "Avengers: Endgame," driven by Tony Stark, played by Robert Downey Jr., further adding to its pop culture credentials.

While the standard RS e-tron GT is a modern engineering and design sensation, Audi has taken it a step further with the RS e-tron GT Ice Race Edition, which adds an extra layer of exclusivity and aesthetic appeal to the already impressive e-tron GT, promising to be a true collector's item in the near future.

Racing in the snow

As Audi marks the 40th anniversary of Audi Sport GmbH, it does so with a flourish, unveiling a vehicle that encapsulates four decades of engineering prowess and design innovation. The Audi RS e-tron GT Ice Race Edition comes on the market as a limited model, with only 99 units being planned for the European market only.

This unique addition to the e-tron GT family also celebrates another milestone in Audi's journey, notably its Audi exclusive customization program. For nearly 30 years, Audi exclusive has been catering to the brand's discerning clientele, offering a range of customization options that elevate the driving experience.

The Ice Race Edition is the latest feather in Audi exclusive's cap, enriching its emotional portfolio and setting new standards in the automotive luxury realm. The Ice Race Edition draws its inspiration from the GP Ice Race in Austria, a memorable event that has captivated motorsport enthusiasts since its inception in 1952.

Revived in 2019, this event has transformed into a spectacle featuring drifting race cars from various eras, pulling skiers through the snowy terrains of Zell am See, all set against a dream-like snowy backdrop of the stunning alpine pastures of the Grossglockner High Alpine Road. Audi has translated this distinctive concept into automotive art, crafting a vehicle that embodies the spirit and excitement of the GP Ice Race through its remarkable appearance.

A canvas of winter

When it comes to the exterior, the Ice Race Edition is a visual symphony inspired by the colors of winter. The base color is Florett silver metallic, a shade that captures the essence of a winter morning, which is beautifully contrasted by a black carbon roof and a black set of 21-inch rims. But the real showstopper is the unique foil wrap, a design element that adds multiple layers of complexity to the vehicle's appearance.

The foil wrap incorporates 'targeted transparencies,' creating a three-dimensional effect that adds depth to the monochrome silver background and recreates the particular shine of snow crystals and iced lakes. This is complemented by contrasting violet elements, which serve as striking accents, evoking the colors of ski goggles and the winter sky.

Step inside the Ice Race Edition, and you're immediately enveloped in a world of luxury. The interior is a masterclass in design, featuring seat center panels, shoulder arches, and side bolsters crafted in diamond silver leather. This choice of material and color creates a harmonious flow with the exterior, offering a seamless transition from the outside world to the interior sanctuary.

The interior also features black leather sections and contrasting purple stitching, adding further layers of richness and complexity to the cabin layout. The new steering wheel, finished in a leather-Alcantara combination, features a color mark in diamond silver at the twelve o'clock position, reminiscent of racing cars. The floor mats come with modified RS logos, and Audi exclusive badges round off the interior, making it a sanctuary of personalized luxury.

Audi has always been at the forefront of digital innovation, and the Ice Race Edition is no exception. The MMI display features a bespoke background image for this implementation, along with the unique serial number of each unit.

Moreover, the ambient lighting switches to purple when the mountain motif is selected, adding another layer of individuality to the car. Audi is very proud that this type of customization, which has always been identifiable by badges in the analog world, has now arrived in the digital form for the first time.

At its core, the Ice Race Edition is a powerhouse, retaining the performance capabilities of the standard RS e-tron GT. It is powered by a 590 hp (440 kW) dual electric motor setup, which can temporarily produce up to 475 kW (637 hp) when the boost function is enabled, driven by a 93.4 kWh battery pack with state-of-the-art charging capabilities. With fast DC charging at a maximum of 270 kW, a mere five minutes of charging time can provide about 100 kilometers of driving under ideal conditions.

The convenience aspect is further enhanced by the availability of more than 500,000 public charging points across Europe, which are accessible with a single card using the Audi charging service, making the Ice Race Edition not just a performance machine but also a practical choice for those who seek the thrill of speed without compromising on everyday amenities.

An Audi with a special personality

As we take an in-depth look at the Audi RS e-tron GT Ice Race Edition, it's essential to recognize the broader context in which this remarkable vehicle exists. Audi has long been a pioneer in offering personalized luxury through its Audi exclusive customization services. For nearly three decades, Audi exclusive has been the go-to option for discerning Audi clientele who desire more than just a high-performance vehicle, aiming for a personalized masterpiece that reflects their unique tastes and lifestyle.

Audi exclusive offers an extensive range of customization options, from unique paint finishes to bespoke interior designs. The program has evolved significantly since its inception in 1995, setting trends and pushing boundaries in automotive luxury.

Whether it's the pioneering spirit of offering black-painted Audi rings or the introduction of highly customizable Audi exclusive studios at Audi Forum Neckarsulm and Audi Forum Ingolstadt, Audi has consistently been at the forefront of individualized luxury. These services have now become an integral part of sought-after styling packages, demonstrating Audi's commitment to offering a unique driving experience.

The RS e-tron GT Ice Race Edition is the epitome of this commitment to personalized luxury. It's a statement, a vision, that sets new standards in electric mobility. Every aspect of the Ice Race Edition calls for individuality, from its unique foil wrap exterior to its luxurious diamond silver leather interior.

In the words of Bernhard Neufeld, Head of Audi exclusive, the Ice Race Edition represents the "emotional pinnacle of electric mobility at Audi,[...]. Our customization gives this electric Gran Turismo a very special personality."

With its unique design elements, uncompromising performance, and digital innovations, the Ice Race Edition is a testament to Audi's vision for the future, where the line between classic equipment features and virtual immersion is blurred, promising even more intense and personalized driving experiences.