EVs Hit the Ice
The FAT International Ice Race in Zell am See is no ordinary event. It’s where car lovers, thrill-seekers, and style icons gather to watch machines perform in freezing extremes. This year, Polestar 5 took center stage—and didn’t disappoint.
Not Just Fast—Cool
Two Polestar 5 prototypes glided across the frozen runway, marking their first public outing on a track. Set against a backdrop of classic combustion vehicles, the 650 kW all-electric grand tourer made a powerful impression. One prototype featured a bold Gran Turismo livery in black and yellow, a nod to Polestar’s collaboration with the iconic racing game.
Design and Performance Aligned
The presence of Gran Turismo’s creator, Kazunori Yamauchi, added extra weight to the moment. As a guest of Polestar, he observed the car up close and joined a lap of the icy circuit with Swedish racing driver Ted Björk. Yamauchi, known for his sharp eye for detail, described the car’s behavior on ice as stable, smooth, and precise—praising its ability to respond exactly as the driver intends.
A Glimpse Into the EV Future
As someone deeply embedded in car culture, Yamauchi sees EVs not just as a technological shift, but as a cultural one. He believes electric vehicles bring something new to driving—something combustion simply can’t replicate.
“There are forms of driving pleasure and an overall smoothness that can only be achieved with EVs,” said Kazunori Yamauchi, Gran Turismo series producer.
That sentiment echoed across the weekend, as the Polestar 5 carved graceful arcs through snow and ice. It wasn’t just about performance—it was about proving that the EV era isn’t coming. It’s already here.
Design-Led, Inside and Out
Polestar’s appearance at the FAT Ice Race wasn’t just about showing speed—it was about making a visual impact. The bold Gran Turismo-inspired livery, with its black and yellow contrast, stood out sharply against the white ice and classic motorsport liveries. It reflected Polestar’s commitment to clean, forward-thinking design. In a setting filled with heritage and nostalgia, the Polestar 5 introduced a new aesthetic language—minimalist, modern, and unmistakably electric. It didn’t follow the rules. It rewrote them.
