The RS e-tron GT Ice Race edition has been created to celebrate Audi Sport’s 40th anniversary and is a road-going version of a one-off model revealed in May and inspired by the world-famous GP Ice Race in Zell am See, Austria.
Even more exclusive than that high-end motorsport event, only 99 examples of the RS e-tron GT Ice Race edition will be built, with just four right-hand-drive versions being made available to UK buyers. Despite the £150,630 price tag, don’t expect them to hang around for long.
The Ice Race edition stands out thanks to a unique finish featuring a black carbon fibre roof and Florett Silver metallic bodywork wrapped in a semi-transparent foil. The foil features silver and white highlights which are supposed to create a 3D effect and reflect the snow crystals and ice lakes of the Austrian Alps. If that wasn’t enough, there are also vivid purple highlights that apparently mimic the high-end eyewear favoured by winter sport enthusiasts.
Inside, the Ice Race edition cars the Nappa leather has been extended to cover the seats, centre console and door armrests, and features a diamond silver and black design with violet contrast stitching. Unique RS floor mats with silver piping and violet stitching are joined by an exclusive insignia set into the door trim inserts. Even the infotainment system has been updated for the exclusive model, with each car’s production number displayed on the screen and a bespoke colour scheme for the screen and ambient lighting.
As you would expect, the specification level is through the roof, with heated and ventilated massage seats, a Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system, a head-up display, Matrix LED lights, and the City Assist, Tour and Parking Assistance packs included, plus a remote parking system.
Beneath the fancy skin, the Ice Race edition uses the same all-wheel-drive powertrain as the regular RS e-tron GT. In normal modes that delivers 590bhp and 612lb ft of torque, with a 0-62mph time of just 3.6 seconds. A boost mode unlocks another 47bhp and cuts the acceleration time to 3.3 seconds. Ceramic brakes and adaptive air suspension help keep things under control, aided by all-wheel-steering.