In the echelons of automotive design and performance, Audi’s RS e-tron GT Ice Race Edition emerges as a symphony of speed and style, a limited-edition marvel that encapsulates the essence of high-performance motoring. This exclusive four-door coupe, inspired by the adrenaline-pumping GP Ice Race in Austria’s picturesque Zell am See, is a testament to Audi Sport’s 40 years of innovation. With only 99 units available worldwide and a mere four tailored for the UK market, this masterpiece is priced at a commanding £150,630 OTR.
The RS e-tron GT Ice Race Edition is more than a car; it’s a statement piece that combines the thrill of motorsports with the elegance of modern design. Andrew Doyle, director of Audi UK, eloquently captures its allure: “This edition is not just a car, but an embodiment of extraordinary power, performance, and dynamics that do justice to the RS badge, wrapped in a cloak of exclusivity that is truly unparalleled.”
The car’s livery is a visual poetry, conceived by Audi Design in collaboration with the Audi exclusive personalisation programme. The base is a Florett Silver metallic finish complemented by a black CFRP roof. The striking foil wrap, with its silver and white accents, invokes the crystalline beauty of snow and ice, while violet details mirror the vibrant hues of wintersports eyewear. The foil’s targeted transparencies create a three-dimensional effect against the silver backdrop, and the white renditions of Audi’s four rings at the front and rear add a touch of elegance. The 21-inch black alloy wheels, set against dark privacy glass, offer a striking contrast to the cool tones.
The interior continues this exquisite colour scheme with an Audi exclusive leather package. Silver and Black Fine Nappa leather adorned with violet contrast stitching extends from the seats to the centre console, instrument panel, door rails, and armrests. RS floormats with violet stitching and Audi exclusive insignias in the Dinamica microfibre door trim inserts elevate the cabin’s ambience.
Personalisation extends to the digital realm in the RS e-tron GT Ice Race Edition. The MMI screen boasts a bespoke background image, displaying each car’s unique serial number – a modern twist on traditional physical badges. The ambient lighting, when set to a mountain motif, casts a purple glow, adding to the car’s enchanting interior atmosphere.
The limited UK owners of this edition will enjoy an array of features reflecting the model’s exclusivity. These include Front Sport Seats Pro with ventilation and massage functions, advanced Bang and Olufsen 3D audio, a head-up display, and comprehensive driver assistance packages. The standard features are equally impressive, from Matrix LED headlights with Audi laser light, ceramic brakes, adaptive air suspension, to all-wheel-steering and e-quattro all-wheel-drive. These technologies ensure a driving experience that is as rewarding as it is confidence-inspiring.
In terms of performance, the RS e-tron GT Ice Race Edition is a powerhouse. In boost mode, accessed via launch control, peak power temporarily increases from 598PS to 646PS, reducing the 0-62mph sprint time from 3.6 to 3.3 seconds. The top speed is electronically restricted to 155mph, ensuring a blend of exhilaration and safety.
For daily driving, owners can expect a range of up to 295 miles on a full charge. The car’s peak charging capacity of 270 kW allows for an 80 percent battery recharge in about 23 minutes at a fast charger, with the ability to gain up to 62 miles of range in just over five minutes.
The inspiration for this exclusive edition, the GP Ice Race, has a rich history dating back to 1952. Revived in 2019, this event melds the thrill of motorsport with the charm of the Austrian Alps, providing a fitting backdrop for the RS e-tron GT Ice Race Edition’s genesis.
Christopher Kroener, Audi Design’s colour and trim designer, said: “We aimed to capture the spirit of the GP Ice Race, translating the icy shimmer and dynamic feel of the event into the design of this exclusive edition.”
As a product of the Audi exclusive team, part of the Audi Sport division (formerly quattro GmbH), the RS e-tron GT Ice Race Edition joins a legacy of bespoke creations and special editions that have defined Audi’s approach to luxury and performance.
The Audi RS e-tron GT Ice Race Edition is not just a car; it’s a piece of automotive artistry, a unique blend of performance, luxury, and exclusivity. It’s a vehicle that promises to turn heads and ignite passions, a fitting homage to Audi Sport’s four decades of pioneering spirit and innovation in the world of high-performance motoring.
