Volkswagen has unveiled a one-off ID.3 GTX (a hatch positioned beneath the ID.4 in other markets) at the annual ID. Meeting, a celebration of electric VWs, in Locarno, Switzerland. Known as the Fire+Ice, the electric hot hatch was developed in partnership with German fashion brand Bögner. It takes inspiration from the original Golf Fire and Ice, which was offered in the early ’90s.
While it’s based on the ID.3 GTX – the recent recipient of a facelift – the Fire+Ice takes things to the next level with a high-end three-layer paint finish. Coated in Electric Violet Pearl, the striking hue was developed specifically for the Fire+Ice and is said to be a modern interpretation of the Golf Mk2 Fire and Ice’s paintwork.
Gorgeous Paint Color Takes Inspiration From A Past Model
The luster has been achieved by incorporating special glass beads that add a rich depth and sheen. Depending on the light and angle, the color changes from violet to dark blue, and even black. Down the sides of the vehicle is a unique geometric pattern, which adds to the ID.3 GTX’s sporty and modern aesthetic. Oddly, Volkswagen has elected to paint the roof frame strip Flaming Red.
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The 21-inch wheels receive an unusual (but attractive) blue finish, while the original Fire+Ice logo can be found on the roof spoiler and B-pillars. Inside, the theme of duality continues, with the cabin divided between two color schemes. The driver’s seat – and the seat directly behind it – receive Flaming Red accents to represent ‘Fire.’ The passenger seat sports cool Ice Blue accents to represent ‘Ice.’ Instead of the familiar Play/Pause motifs on the pedals, the one-off features laser-engraved Fire+Ice patterns.
“With the ID.3 GTX Fire+Ice, we are emphasizing how highly emotional our sporty top model is. Our design team had incredible fun reinterpreting the iconic ’90s design and thus developing it further.”
– Andreas Mindt, Volkswagen Head of Design
Interior Is A Blend Of Touches From The Past And Present
The influence of Bögner’s Fire+Ice collection can be seen inside with the colors, fabrics, and other elements that were selected. The seats are quilted and receive unusual zipped centers that “reflect the design of the current Fire+Ice down jackets.” If you zip the seats down, you’ll find the fabric used on the original limited edition Golf – a subtle nod to the original. The original Fire and Ice special edition was released in 1990 for the Mk2 Golf. Like the new model, it was a collaboration between Volkswagen and Bögner. Manufacturers teaming up with fashion brands is nothing new; Fiat recently revealed a special edition 500e designed in collaboration with Giorgio Armani.
The ID.3 GTX Fire+Ice sees no output upgrades. Based on the Performance trim, it delivers 322 horsepower and 402 lb-ft of torque, allowing the GTX to shoot to 62 mph in 5.7 seconds. The top speed is limited to just 124 mph, but the WLTP-estimated range of 373 miles is impressive. While Volkswagen hasn’t confirmed production of a new Fire+Ice special edition, this one-off hints at further special models down the line (perhaps based on the ID. Buzz and the delayed ID.7 sedan). CarBuzz has contacted Volkswagen to learn more and will update the article once we receive a reply. With unique styling and a dark violet pearl finish, the Golf Fire and Ice has become highly sought after, especially in GTI guise. VW planned to make just 10,000 units but ended up selling 16,700 units, but would a modern one be as popular as an EV? Perhaps not, but that’s part of why this one-off exists – to find out what works in attracting more buyers to silent motoring.
News Summary:
- Retro-Flavored ID.3 GTX Previews Future Volkswagen Special Editions
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