Volkswagen has struck a vibrant chord with the return of a cult classic—this time in fully electric form. The all-new ID.3 GTX Fire & Ice special model doesn’t just pay homage to the iconic 1990 Golf 2 Fire & Ice; it resurrects the pop-culture magic that defined an era. And thanks to a chart-ready collaboration with Grammy-winning DJ and producer Purple Disco Machine and Scissor Sisters frontman Jake Shears, the accompanying track has already surpassed one million streams within days of release.
From Ski Film to Cult Classic
The story begins in the mid-1980s, when Willy Bogner’s high-octane ski film Fire and Ice set screens alight with breathtaking stunts and cinematic flair. Its influence spilled into the automotive world in 1990 with the Golf 2 Fire & Ice, a limited-edition model distinguished by its deep violet pearl-effect paintwork, bold styling, and up to 160 hp of hot-hatch performance. More than a car, it became a statement of freedom and youthful rebellion—qualities that still resonate decades later.
A Modern Beat for a New Generation
Volkswagen’s new ID.3 GTX Fire & Ice revives this legacy with a 21st-century twist: a powerful all-electric drivetrain wrapped in an exclusive design created in partnership with Munich’s luxury sportswear brand BOGNER FIRE+ICE. Only 1,990 units will be produced—an homage to the year the Golf Fire & Ice made its debut.
To capture the spirit of its forebear, Volkswagen turned to Purple Disco Machine—Dresden’s own Tino Piontek, a lifelong VW enthusiast known for his retro-inspired, disco-infused sound. His reimagining of the film’s theme song, Fire + Ice, is a glittering homage that updates Harold Faltermeyer’s original production with irresistible modern energy. Jake Shears lends his unmistakable falsetto to the track, his exuberant vocals embodying the euphoria and liberation that made the original an anthem of its time.
Stunts, Style and Electric Thrills
The music video is as bold as the soundtrack. It pairs the legendary Golf 2 Fire & Ice with its all-electric successor, the ID.3 GTX Fire & Ice, in a visual spectacle that bridges past and present. Classic stunts from Bogner’s film are reimagined against breathtaking landscapes, creating a seamless dialogue between the analogue thrills of the 1990s and the clean, instantaneous power of Volkswagen’s electric future.
A Cultural Crossroads
“Volkswagen has always been an integral part of mainstream culture – and it is precisely this lifestyle that we want to bring back into the spotlight,” says Christine Wolburg, the brand’s Chief Brand Officer. “With the new all-electric ID.3 GTX Fire & Ice and the collaboration with BOGNER FIRE+ICE and Purple Disco Machine, we are bringing together the topics of cars, fashion and music in a unique way. In this way, we are not only creating an emotionally charged product, but also giving the entire brand a new appeal.”
Her words underline the strategy: this is more than a limited-edition car launch. It is a cultural statement—where automotive innovation, fashion-forward design, and music intersect to shape tomorrow’s pop culture.
Electric Legacy, Timeless Cool
With the ID.3 GTX Fire & Ice, Volkswagen proves that nostalgia and innovation can dance together on the same floor. The car’s striking design, dynamic all-electric performance, and its association with a pulsating new club hit ensure that the Fire & Ice legend continues to burn brightly—igniting the imagination of a new generation while honouring the spirit of one that came before.
