2025 marks a monumental occasion for Audi as the brand celebrates 45 years of its revolutionary quattro technology. Born from rally racing in the 1980s, quattro was a groundbreaking innovation that introduced the world to the first all-wheel-drive system – a technology that not only redefined motorsport but became a cornerstone of Audi’s identity. Over the years, it has evolved into a symbol of progress and performance, with eight out of ten Audi vehicles sold in New Zealand today incorporating the technology, including the fully electric e-tron range.
To commemorate this milestone, Audi New Zealand is pulling out all the stops with its signature event, the Audi ice experience, taking place August 10-17, 2025, at the Southern Hemisphere Proving Grounds (SHPG) in Queenstown. Known for its chilly conditions and spectacular alpine views, SHPG offers an ideal setting for Audi enthusiasts to push the limits of quattro performance across a variety of programs, including the groundbreaking Night Drive experience – a New Zealand first.
Night Drive: Ice, Darkness, & Adrenaline Collide
Innovation is at the heart of the Night Drive program, delivering a unique after-dark adventure. Participants will experience the thrill of navigating icy surfaces under the night sky, making the most of the crisp, sub-zero temperatures that push quattro technology to its peak. “The Night Drive is an exciting initiative,” enthused Richard Moore, General Manager of Downforce Auto Events & Training. The two-day experience will include golden-hour drives at sunrise and sunset, capturing the essence of Nordic ice-driving traditions.
To elevate the luxury factor, customers will arrive by helicopter and even stay overnight at the proving grounds—an exclusive privilege typically reserved for commercial testing entities. For those attending the General and Pro experiences, there’s still plenty to savor, including a competitive time trial with a coveted prize: an all-inclusive trip to the Audi ice experience in Finland in 2026.
More Than Driving: Capsule Collections & Cutting-Edge Vehicles
The celebration doesn’t stop at the tracks. Audi has teamed up with iconic brand Huffer to create a limited-edition capsule collection, including a beanie and track puffer jacket inspired by quattro’s 45-year legacy. Participants also have the opportunity to experience Audi’s latest fleet, including the all-new S5 Avant, Q6 e-tron, facelift S3 Sportback, RS 3 Sportback, and even the high-performance RS 6 on the Pro and Night Drive programs .
Tickets for the event range from $4,650 for single drivers in the General program to $11,000 for those taking part in the exclusive Night Drive. Couples and spectators are also welcomed, albeit with limited availability as some dates have already sold out. Full details and ticket reservations are available on the official Audi New Zealand website.
A Legacy Driven by Progress
Quattro has always exemplified Audi’s mantra, Vorsprung durch Technik (Progress through Technology). Greg Leet, General Manager of Audi New Zealand, emphasizes, “It is more than a brand claim. It is how Audi quattro came to be and what guides the brand today.” With 45 years in the rearview mirror and a tireless pursuit of innovation on the horizon, Audi’s quattro technology continues to inspire and define the spirit of progress .
Whether you’re zipping across icy flats under a star-studded sky or donning a stylish Huffer puffer jacket, the Audi ice experience guarantees an unforgettable celebration of quattro’s enduring legacy.
