FAT Ice Race 2026: Where Porsche's Past and Electric Future Collide on Ice

Zell am See transformed into a winter wonderland for the 2026 FAT Ice Race, a spectacular fusion of motorsport heritage and cutting-edge automotive technology. Against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains, the event celebrated car culture, community, and the enduring passion for automobiles, showcasing everything from classic Porsches to the groundbreaking electric era.

Key Takeaways

• The FAT Ice Race 2026 blended historic racing cars, rally machines, and modern performance vehicles with a focus on community and lifestyle.

• Porsche's new all-electric Cayenne Electric made its Ice Race debut, impressing with demonstration laps and passenger rides.

• The event highlighted Porsche's commitment to fostering young enthusiasts through initiatives like the new "Porsche Youngsters" program.

• Organizers emphasized "fun over speed," aiming to keep historic motorsport relevant for younger generations by focusing on storytelling and cultural momentum.

The Electric Debut of the Cayenne Electric

The pristine ice track of Zell am See served as the stage for the highly anticipated debut of the new Cayenne Electric. This all-electric SUV captivated attendees with thrilling demonstration laps and passenger rides, showcasing its advanced capabilities. Michael Schätzle, Vice President Product Line Cayenne, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "The Cayenne Electric delivers performance in a completely new dimension." He highlighted its new drive system, capable of delivering up to 850 kW (1,156 PS) and 1,500 Nm of torque, emphasizing the immediate responsiveness and precise control offered by its electric motors, especially when combined with the off-road driving mode and finely tuned accelerator pedal.

Schätzle further commented on the overwhelmingly positive feedback received during the taxi rides, noting the car's excellent balance, attractive proportions, and sporty demeanor. "And it drives fantastically," he added. The Cayenne Electric's drift laps were complemented by the presence of former factory drivers Timo Bernhard and Jörg Bergmeister, who piloted a revived 964 buggy, a vehicle previously used for the Porsche Sport Driving School. This pairing of generations of Porsche technology, from the classic buggy to the electric SUV, provided a compelling contrast for spectators.

A Hub for Car Culture and Community

The FAT Ice Race transcended its identity as a mere motorsport event, evolving into a vibrant nexus for contemporary car culture, social media communities, and intergenerational dialogue. The event's unique atmosphere was curated through a blend of rare automobiles, innovative design installations, live music, and culinary delights, seamlessly merging lifestyle elements with the core DNA of motorsport. In line with this spirit, Porsche's global community management launched "Porsche Youngsters." This new initiative, developed over an experiential week of workshops and community activities, aims to create new avenues for young enthusiasts to engage with the Porsche Club world. The FAT Ice Race served as an exciting highlight for these participants, offering a glimpse into the future of club communities.

Celebrating the Automobile's Enduring Appeal

The FAT Ice Race 2026 underscored the multifaceted nature of motorsport, proving it is about more than just lap times and split seconds. It is a profound expression of culture, community, and an unwavering passion for the automobile – values that have consistently defined Porsche. Organizer Ferdi Porsche encapsulated the event's essence with the motto: "fun over speed." He noted the presence of approximately 8,500 visitors, describing them as "cool people with a positive attitude, who simply want to enjoy themselves and experience a great party, while at the same time taking an interest in motorsport history." The Ice Race prioritizes cultural momentum, focusing on compelling narratives rather than outright speed, thereby ensuring the relevance of historic motorsport for younger generations.