Piercing alpine cold, fresh powder snow and perfectly prepared ice set the stage in Zell am See as the FAT Ice Race returned in peak winter form for 2026. Against a backdrop of snow-covered mountains and frozen surfaces, motorsport tradition once again met modern performance, reaffirming the event’s position as one of the most culturally relevant automotive gatherings in Europe.
The FAT Ice Race has never been about nostalgia alone. Historic racing cars, rally machines, contemporary high-performance vehicles and classic Porsche 356 icons shared the ice, not as static exhibits but as active participants. The contrast between eras, technologies and philosophies remains central to the event’s appeal, creating a moving dialogue between past and present that few motorsport formats manage to achieve.
That dialogue reached a new milestone this year with the Ice Race debut of the Cayenne Electric. Porsche’s all-electric SUV took to the frozen track for demonstration laps and passenger rides, delivering a clear statement on how electrification is shaping the brand’s future. With a new drive system producing up to 850 kW (1,156 PS) and 1,500 Nm of torque, the Cayenne Electric demonstrated immediate responsiveness and remarkably precise power delivery. Combined with its off-road driving mode and finely calibrated accelerator pedal, the vehicle showed exceptional composure and control on ice.
“The Cayenne Electric delivers performance in a completely new dimension,” said Michael Schätzle, Vice President Product Line Cayenne, reflecting on the on-track experience. Following the taxi rides, he noted the car’s balance and presence, describing how it sits confidently on its rear axle while maintaining an unmistakable sense of sportiness.
Adding to the visual and technical contrast, former Porsche factory drivers Timo Bernhard and Jörg Bergmeister took to the ice in a revived 964 buggy, a former demonstration vehicle from the Porsche Sport Driving School. The pairing of the electric Cayenne with the combustion-powered 964 created one of the weekend’s most striking moments, highlighting two generations of Porsche engineering sharing the same frozen stage. For spectators, it was a rare and compelling expression of continuity rather than competition between old and new.
Beyond the driving action, the FAT Ice Race continues to function as a hub for modern car culture. Rare vehicles, design installations, music and curated culinary experiences shaped an atmosphere that extends far beyond traditional motorsport. Social media communities, collectors and long-time enthusiasts mingled freely, reinforcing the event’s role as a meeting point for intergenerational exchange.
This spirit was further reflected in the debut of Porsche Youngsters, a new global community initiative aimed at opening pathways into the Porsche Club world for younger enthusiasts. Through workshops and shared experiences, the programme offered a glimpse into how future Porsche communities may evolve, with the FAT Ice Race serving as a natural and fitting entry point.
At its core, the FAT Ice Race celebrates the automobile not through lap times or competition alone, but through storytelling and shared passion. “Our motto is: fun over speed,” explained organiser Ferdi Porsche. With around 8,500 visitors on site, the focus remains on cultural momentum rather than outright performance. The goal is not to be the fastest, but to keep historic motorsport relevant by placing it within a contemporary cultural context.
FAT Ice Race 2026 once again demonstrated that motorsport is an expression of culture, community and emotion as much as it is about performance. In Zell am See, Porsche showcased not just vehicles, but a philosophy where heritage and innovation are allowed to coexist, drift side by side, and move forward together on ice.
