Famous Swedish racing driver Mattias Ekström has managed to scale the sheer mountain face at the Streif Ski Resort in Kitzbühel, Austria, piloting the Audi e-tron.
The company had to make several major modifications to the all-electric SUV in order for it to be able to climb snowy slopes sometimes as steep as 40.3°. This necessitated improving the powertrain, adding sport seats and a roll cage, and swapping the stock wheels for a 19-inch set of rims clad in hardcore spiked tires specifically designed for the maximum possible grip on snowy and icy surfaces.
While the regular Audi e-tron comes powered with two electric motors, Mattias’ ride had three. Their summary output exceeded 500 hp (373 kW), while the maximum torque possible via reduction gear amounted to a stellar 8,920 Newton-meters (6,580 pound-feet).
This isn’t the first time the German carmaker braves the heights, though. In 1986, an Audi 100 CS Quattro managed to ascend a 77-degree steep ski jump in Finland.
Photo: Audi