Autoblog

Think Rally and Rallycross are similar? Ken Block's car begs to differ

Jeffrey N. Ross — Sat, 06 Oct 2012 16:01:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Videos, Hatchback, Ford, Racing

If you've ever wondered about the "hybrid" in Ken Block's Ford Fiesta H.F.H.V. (Hybrid Function Hoon Vehicle), then this video is definitely worth watching. After winning the Olympus Rally near Shelton, Washington, Block's Fiesta headed to Las Vegas for the fifth round of Global Rallycross (GRC). The same car is used in both racing series. As you'd imagine, racing on narrow dirt back roads Washington is very different than running on the mostly paved course at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

Aside from the chassis and most of the body components, the Ford Fiesta that raced on Sunday September 23 is almost completely different from the car that practiced on Thursday September 26. The entire powertrain gets swapped in favor of a setup making over 600 horsepower, and the front-mounted radiator is moved aft for the GRC event. To ensure proper air flow to it, different side vents and a vented liftgate are installed. The GRC car also gets bigger brakes and the proper wheel/tire combo. After three days of disassembly and reassembly, this Fiesta is ready for Rallycross.

Sure, it'd probably be easier to just have a second, dedicated GRC car, but where's the fun in that? Scroll down to watch the video of what it takes to transform Block's Fiesta from a gravel-spewing Rally America car to a ramp-jumping Global Rallycross car.

Continue reading Think Rally and Rallycross are similar? Ken Block's car begs to differ

Think Rally and Rallycross are similar? Ken Block's car begs to differ originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 06 Oct 2012 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Ken Block revisits Twin Peaks to test his Fiesta on gravel

Noah Joseph — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 19:58:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Videos, Ford, Celebrities

You know you want another one of Ken Block's trademark hoonage videos, don't you? Of course you do. And so we're glad to oblige. But, Ken Block being Ken Block, "just another" video wouldn't do. No, he and his crew at the Monster World Rally Team have to make each episode count. And that requires a certain measure of creativity.

For this latest three-minute clip, Block and company headed to the Dirtfish Rally School in Snoqualmie Falls, Washington. That may not mean anything to you now, but do you remember Twin Peaks? Dirtfish is based in the very same location where the popular early-90s TV show was shot. Block and his team headed there to test out the new Ford Fiesta HFHV on gravel for the first time, and were kind enough to bring along a video crew to, um... "document" the process. Follow the jump to go fire walking with Block and crew.

Continue reading Ken Block revisits Twin Peaks to test his Fiesta on gravel

Ken Block revisits Twin Peaks to test his Fiesta on gravel originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Jan 2012 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Gymkhana 4 production underway, arriving late summer

Jeff Glucker — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 17:30:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Hatchback, Ford

A new car, updated livery and a fresh set of tires can only mean one thing for Ken Block - a new Gymkhana video is in the works, and it's slated to take over YouTube sometime this summer. The new instrument of driving precision and rubber destruction is Block's Ford Fiesta Hybrid Function Hoon Vehicle.

Gymkhana Four will no doubt be another internet sensation, one that will add to the constantly growing mass of people who've viewed the previous three videos. To date, Gymkhana installments one through three have been watched over 110 million times, with Gymkhana Three making its way on to YouTube's list of Top 10 Videos of 2010.

Whether you think it's merely a marketing stunt, a display of skill behind the wheel or something in between, there's little doubt that you're going to watch it. We'll do the same, and you'll be sure to find it here on Autoblog when Ken Block and DC Shoes release the finished version. For now, you can get a taste of what's to come by checking out the image gallery above.

Continue reading Gymkhana 4 production underway, arriving late summer

Gymkhana 4 production underway, arriving late summer originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 Jul 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Ken Block unveils new multi-hoonable Ford Fiesta HFHV

Noah Joseph — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 13:01:00 EST

Filed under: Videos, Hatchback, Ford, Specialty, Off-Road, Racing

Being Ken Block has got to be a lot of fun, but like any other life, it has its share of problems. In Ken's case, he's actively involved in a number of rally disciplines, each of which has its own parameters and requires its own type of car. Solution: the Ford Fiesta HFHV.

The initials stand for Hybrid Function Hoon Vehicle, but don't let that first H fool you: there's nothing Prius about this car. It's the new beast which Ford and Block have developed for adaptable use in each of three types of rally competition: stage rallies, rallycross and Gymkhana.

The car is based on Block's Ford Fiesta RS WRC, albeit with a 2.0-liter turbo four capable of producing as much as 600 horsepower and 665 pound-feet of torque, depending on configuration. And configurability is what this car's all about. By swapping the wheels and tires and adjusting everything from the suspension to the engine mapping, the HFHV can be quickly set up for any of these three functions. Believe it or not, Block's Monster crew says it can even be street-legal, depending on the setup.

Bottom line: expect to see this car wherever you see Block pop up, whether it's on a rally stage, a closed parking lot or a film set - starting with the X Games this weekend in Los Angeles. Follow the jump to watch the video footage and read the full press release.

Continue reading Ken Block unveils new multi-hoonable Ford Fiesta HFHV

Ken Block unveils new multi-hoonable Ford Fiesta HFHV originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 25 Jul 2011 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments