In January 2021, Ken Block and Ford
dissolved their longstanding relationship. There isn't an official answer explaining why they broke up, but after an 11-year run and tremendous success, it's likely the partnership ran its course. While the parting was amicable according to both parties, assets must be divided including the most notable creation of the Block/Ford collaboration, the 1965 Mustang
Hoonicorn. What is a Hoonicorn?
The Hoonicorn is a custom-built drift car loosely based on the 1965 Ford Mustang platform. But similarities in body style are the only thing the Hoonicorn shares with the classic muscle car, according to HotCars
. Carbon fiber body panels, billet control arms, tubular chassis, and all-wheel drive combine to make the Hoonicorn a one-of-a-kind fire-breathing beast.
The first Hoonicorn, V1, debuted in 2013, featuring a Roush-Yates tuned 5.8-liter naturally aspirated Ford V8 generating 845 hp. The Hoonicorn was an instant hit in Ken Block's Gymkhana 7 video with its tire-smoking introduction.
In 2016, the Hoonicorn was reborn as V2 in preparation for Climbkhana, featuring Ken Block's assault on Pikes Peak in Colorado. Fearing the effects of the high altitude's thin air and lower oxygen levels, the Hoonigan team determined the need for more horsepower.
This time, the Roush-Yates team began with a 6.7-liter V8 and added two turbochargers pushing 21 pounds of boost. As if that was not sufficient, they also added methanol to the mix to produce an astounding 1,400 hp and 1,250 lb-ft of torque. That's enough power to propel the lightweight Hoonicorn from 0-60 mph in 1.8 seconds.
Who got custody of the Hoonicorn?
The short answer is that Ford retains ownership of the Hoonicorn. It is likely that we haven't seen the last of the fire-breathing beast, but unless something changes, it won't be Ken Block behind the wheel. According to FordMuscle
, Sébastien Loeb joined the Ford World Rally Team for 2022. It will be interesting to see if Ford puts him in the Hoonicorn for special promotions. What's next for Ken Block?
Recent reports from Car and Driver
link Ken Block to Audi
, where he will "focus on electric mobility." While that job description sounds far from what you'd expect, the reality of Block's new job may be closer to our expectations. In true Ken Block Hoonigan fashion, the new partnership has already announced the Audi S1 e-tron Quattro Hoonitron inspired by the Pikes Peak winning Quattro S1 from 40 years ago. The Hoonitron is not your dad's Quattro S1, however.
The Hoonitron is already scheduled to appear in Block's next video, Elektrikhana, to be released in early 2022. Specifics on the Hoonitron's powertrain are hush-hush, but Audi promises "power galore" and plenty of tire smoke. The car is designed around a carbon fiber chassis and features two electric motors and all-wheel drive.
Protection for your Hoonimobile
Watching any Gymkhana video is enough to make your heart race and your palms sweat. It seems disaster is waiting around every twist and turn, and if it weren't for the controlled environment and superb driving skills, Block's cars would suffer severe damage.
Unfortunately, in the real world, the driving environment is far from our control, and it seems more drivers are watching YouTube videos instead of paying attention to their driving. For peace of mind in these conditions, you need a friend like Jerry
. Jerry is a super app designed to compare car insurance quotes from the best insurance companies available. With Jerry's help, people save an average of $887 per year on car insurance, and you could save every time you renew too.
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