Autoblog

LA 2009: Ford shows off some Fiesta possibilities

Frank Filipponio — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, LA Auto Show, Budget, Hatchback, Ford

2011 Ford Fiesta by Ford Custom Accessories - Click above for high-res image gallery

While introducing the folks at the LA Auto Show to the American-market 2011 Ford Fiesta, Ford decided to go a step further. They didn't just show the production sedan and hatchback, they also showed off the possibilities the platform presents as well. They had four customized Fiestas on display, done up by companies like H&R, 3dCarbon, FSWerks, and Steeda, as well as Ford's in-house Racing and Custom Accessories team. And just for good measure, they also brought along that wicked Kenny Brack X-Games Rally Fiesta as well.

There's a full press release after the jump, but here is a brief summary of the four featured vehicles:

Black Fiesta:

This car was put together by Ford Racing and Steeda Autosports. It features Steeda's cold air intake, a Borla/Ford Racing Performance cat-back exhaust system, Steeda/Ford Racing suspension upgrades, Ford Racing multi-spoke Euro wheels and Brembo anchors.

Blue Fiesta:

The blue car was built by H&R Special Springs. Naturally, it received some suspension tuning with an H&R Street Performance monotube coil-over kit and a set of spiffy 18-inch OZ SuperTurismo GT wheels. It's also the beneficiary of some Euro reverse-engineering via "Sticky Jewell custom graphics, custom Euro hood vents, stealthy blacked-out headlamps and a Ford Custom Accessories upper rear hatch spoiler."

White Fiesta:

The white Fiesta (above) features Ford Custom Accessories, so it ought to be the easiest model the Average Joe to copy. Nearly every styling element can be purchased from the Ford Custom Accessories, Ford Licensed Accessories or Ford Racing Performance Parts catalogs. And get used to those graphics, because Ford has taken this opportunity to add a whole new line of them for the Fiesta. You can see the whole collection at fordfiestagraphics.com.

Red Fiesta:

Last, but certainly not least, is the red Fiesta by 3dCarbon and FSWerks. It's the only one of the four that has some serious rejiggering underhood. It features an FSWerks Stage 2 intercooled turbo kit and 2.25-inch exhaust system. It also sports a 3dCarbon body kit with an "aggressive front air dam, aerodynamic side skirts and rear lower accent trim."

We'd probably mix and match among these mods, perhaps the H&R suspension, the Brembos from the Steeda car, the OZ wheels and that FSWerks turbo setup. Or maybe we'd just take Brack's car. Check out the gallery by clicking below and more details in the press release after the jump.

Gallery: LA 2009: 2011 Ford Fiesta Customs

Photos copyright (C)2009 Frank Filipponio/Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: Ford]

Continue reading LA 2009: Ford shows off some Fiesta possibilities

LA 2009: Ford shows off some Fiesta possibilities originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Hot For Words investigates Ken Block's Gymkhana

Jonny Lieberman — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 20:01:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Etc.

Hot For Words host Marina - Click above to watch the video

Can you believe it's been one solid year since we first saw Ken Block's eye-popping, mind-numbing, death-defying Gymkhana video? How time flies when you're hooning it at 11/10s.To celebrate this monumental moment in the history of car-related YouTubeage, DC Shoes (Mr. Block's extreme sports clothing company) has gone ahead and put together an "investigation" into the whole Gymkhana phenomenon. And if you can get past (or get into, take your pick) Marina's highly modified assets, the video's loaded with some good stuff.

For instance, Block never intended to start a cult of Gymkhana. He'd built up a 530 hp Subaru WRX to compete in a Gymkhana event that was canceled leaving Ken with a car but no race. And get this -- over 24,000,000 people have watched the original Gymkhana video -- that's more folks than have watch all of Harmony Korine's last three movies, times two! And if you don't like this video, hop on over to 0-60mag.com, where they've not only got the Hot For Words clip, but a full seven pages of Ken Block/Gymkhana related footage. One hoon to rule them all indeed. Full video, after the jump.

[Source: 0-60mag.com]

Continue reading VIDEO: Hot For Words investigates Ken Block's Gymkhana

VIDEO: Hot For Words investigates Ken Block's Gymkhana originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Nov 2009 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Travis Pastrana does tricks on DC Shoe Bike

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 12:59:00 EST

Filed under: Videos, Motorcycle

Travis Pastrana's DC Shoe Bike - Click above to watch the video after the break

When we first stumbled upon this video from the fertile minds at DC Shoes - think Travis Pastrana and Ken Block - we asked ourselves the only logical question we could muster: What the heck is a Shoe Bike? Turns out that it's exactly what you'd expect - that is, if you'd ever expect such a thing to exist at all, but we digress. Travis Pastrana's Shoe Bike is a motocross machine that's had its wheels replaced with rolling hoops made from DC Shoes.

As you might expect, Pastrana has some crazy things in mind for the Shoe Bike... not the least of which are plenty of insane jumps many riders would never attempt even with standard rolling stock, sustained wheelies and burnouts. Right, with shoes instead of tires. Backflips? Sure, why not. This is Travis Pastrana after all. See for yourself in the video pasted after the break.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Travis Pastrana does tricks on DC Shoe Bike

VIDEO: Travis Pastrana does tricks on DC Shoe Bike originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Ken Block's Subaru-based TRAX STI is an alpine badass

Jonny Lieberman — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 20:59:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Videos, Hatchback, Subaru, Specialty

Ken Block's Subaru WRX STI-based snow tank - Click above watch the video

Yes, that's probably the first ever Subaru tank. We can't say for certain, but I think in this case we can go ahead and assume. Driven by none other then Ken "Gymkhana" Block. Why does it exist? To be the "ultimate backcountry shred car," of course. We think what that actually means is that you'll be able to not only access rather remote sections of your favorite mountain in the TRAX STI, but get there quickly and confidently, while performing any matter of black diamond stunts along the way.

Being skiers and not snowboarders (ahem), the part that really interests up is what lies beneath. And we're happy to say in the case of the TRAX STI, quite a lot. The snow beast begins life as just another Ken Block-prepped open class WRX STI rally car. It's then sent to Vermont SportsCar where the power is upped to 400 hp, EXE-TC Group N dampers are fitted to all four corners and (obviously, duh) the wheels are ripped off and replaced with cat tracks. There's also a four person sleigh (not shown in the video) that can haul four boarders plus their gear up a mountain. Says Block:

It combines a two of my favorite things in life: driving a rally car in the snow and snowboarding in the powder in the backcountry. It's incredibly fun having the ability to push the high-power Subaru on the slopes and to backcountry spots that normal cars could never go!

We're just hoping that at some point old Kenny boy will give us a slushy hot lap or two. And be sure to check out 0-60's interview with Ken where the famed rally driver delves into more of his snow mania. Full press release explaining the madness behind the TRAX STI after the jump.

Gallery: Ken Block Subaru TRAX STI

Continue reading VIDEO: Ken Block's Subaru-based TRAX STI is an alpine badass

VIDEO: Ken Block's Subaru-based TRAX STI is an alpine badass originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 20:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Ken Block's Subaru Concord Pond Run footage is a forest feast

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 10:40:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Videos, Subaru

Ken Block and Alex Gelsomino during the New England Forest Rally -- Click above to watch video

What you need to know: New England Forest Rally, Ken Block and co-driver Alex Gelsomino, Special Stage 5 -- Concord Pond Run, breaking their own stage record they set last year. What you need to ask: what happens when Block meets Loeb next year?

Everything else worth considering is in the video in glorious high-definition. Follow the jump to check it out. Thanks for the tip, Nate!

[Source: Subaru]

Continue reading VIDEO: Ken Block's Subaru Concord Pond Run footage is a forest feast

VIDEO: Ken Block's Subaru Concord Pond Run footage is a forest feast originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Oct 2009 10:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Ken Block heading to WRC with new Monster Ford team

Noah Joseph — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 14:20:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Ford

One of the most significant deals in rally history. That's how news of Ken Block's imminent move to the World Rally Championship is being touted in the motorsport press. And we couldn't agree more.

Now don't get us wrong. We enjoy watching Block's famous antics behind the wheel of his purpose-built Gymkhana Subaru Impreza as much as the next guy. Probably more. But we can't help but feel that the superstar's otherworldly car control skills couldn't be put to better use than pure showboating. And this deal could give him exactly that opportunity, graduating from the relatively low-visibility Rally America series to the top-tier WRC.

Since Subaru, for whom Block competes in the USA, pulled out of the WRC, Ken's been hunting for another ride in the premier series, and reports now indicate that he - along with former Subaru driver Chris Atkinson - will be driving the 2009-spec Ford Focus WRC for the new Monster Energy Drink World Rally Team (which could, incidentally, go some way towards explaining what the two rally stars were doing behind the wheel of that old Ford Escort). Once the details are hammered out, both Block and Atkinson are expected to start next season in select rounds of the championship before challenging the full calendar the year after, presumably behind the wheel of the new rally-spec Fiesta.

[Source: Autosport]

REPORT: Ken Block heading to WRC with new Monster Ford team originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Oct 2009 14:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Ken Block takes unsuspecting DiRT 2 players out on hot laps

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 20:00:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Videos, Toys/Games, UK

Ken Block at the UK Dirt2 launch -- Click above to watch the video

DiRT 2 had a coming out party in the UK and not only did Ken Block join the festivities, he decided to surprise some big-talking gamers with a couple of hot laps. If we could take anything from the demonstration, it's that Ken Block looks to be just as badass when driving on the other side of the car. Oh, and there's also the comedy - check out the guy who screams in silence and the other one who looks like he's practicing lamaze breathing. Follow the jump to see the vid.

[Source: DiRT 2]

Continue reading VIDEO: Ken Block takes unsuspecting DiRT 2 players out on hot laps

VIDEO: Ken Block takes unsuspecting DiRT 2 players out on hot laps originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Sep 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Ken Block, Chris Atkinson test out their rear-drive chops in a 1978 Ford Escort Mk2 rally car

Chris Shunk — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 12:30:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Videos, Ford

Click above to watch the video after the jump

There are a lot of great racing choices out there for motorsports fans, but few offer up the excitement and showmanship of rally driving. Not many drivers seem to be having as much fun as Ken Block, as his YouTube videos and uncanny drifting prowess have fast become must see TV. For his latest video goodness, Block showed off his rallying chops at Team O'Neal's Rally School in New Hampshire along with fellow rally pro Chris Atkinson. To make the video interesting, the rally vets didn't hit the dirt in a state-of-the-art AWD Subaru. Instead, Block and Atkinson tried their luck in a vintage rear-drive 1978 Euro Ford Escort. Block actually owns the 31 year old vehicle and will be racing it in select events.

The super 'Scort may look like a Daytona USA stock car, but it has plenty of modern hardware beneath its boxy exterior. Power comes courtesy of a sweet sounding 2.4-liter, four-cylinder Millington engine that kicks out a respectable 280 horsepower paired with a WRC-style six-speed sequential gearbox.

Hit the jump to view Block and Atkinson having an absolute blast in a hopped-up Escort. We never thought we'd want a 1978 Escort, but Block's unlikely baby is as sweet as they come.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Ken Block, Chris Atkinson test out their rear-drive chops in a 1978 Ford Escort Mk2 rally car

VIDEO: Ken Block, Chris Atkinson test out their rear-drive chops in a 1978 Ford Escort Mk2 rally car originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Sep 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Gymkhana 2.1 - Electric Boogaloo: Block vs. Dyrdek

Chris Paukert — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 20:00:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Performance, Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Hatchback, Subaru, Humor, Specialty

Gymkhana 2.1 - Block vs. Dyrdek - Click above to watch the video after the jump

Driftmeister Extraordinaire Ken Block is at it again, only this time, with a bit more of a sense of humor on display. The tire-immolating Subaru WRX STI rally driver has teamed up with pro skateboarder Rob Dyrdek for a "Me and My Shadow" video extravaganza dubbed Gymkhana 2.1.

While we have to admit that the finished product isn't filled with as many jaw-slackeningly awesome moments as the pair of videos that proceeded it, it's an amusing coquet while we wait for Gymkhana 3.0, a film that will presumably involve a borrowed space shuttle, a runway full of banana peels, and at least one octogenarian goat herder. The 3:49 production is worth watching just for Dyrdek's custom "Mini Me" go-kart, which we want parked in our lawnmower shed yesterday. Enjoy watching the video after the jump, and be sure to check out the slightly less-than high-res images in the gallery below. Hat tips to Adam and Christian!

Gallery: Gymkhana 2.1 - Block vs. Dyrdek

[Source: DC Shoes]

Continue reading VIDEO: Gymkhana 2.1 - Electric Boogaloo: Block vs. Dyrdek

VIDEO: Gymkhana 2.1 - Electric Boogaloo: Block vs. Dyrdek originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Sep 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Little kid parks car like a budding Ken Block

Jonny Lieberman — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 10:20:00 EST

Filed under: Videos, Toys/Games

Click above to watch video after the jump

At this point in the calender cycle, we're probably all familiar with Ken Block's Gymkhana videos (if you're not, don't feel left out - watch here). Naturally, as acts of controlled hoonage grow in popularity, younger and younger kids are going to become fans. And like monkeys, kids see, kids do. Obviously, without the aid of a thoroughly sorted open class rally car with 6-inch diameter piping creating more torque than a windmill, little kids aren't going to be able to do smokey 720-degree burnouts. However, the real issue here is car control - you either have it or you don't. And we think you will all agree that the young man in this video has it in spades. Watch it after the jump.

[Source: Url-y]

Continue reading VIDEO: Little kid parks car like a budding Ken Block

VIDEO: Little kid parks car like a budding Ken Block originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Aug 2009 10:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Ken Block and Travis Pastrana's Stupid Human Tricks Roadshow heads to Bonneville

Chris Shunk — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 13:01:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Videos, Subaru

Click above to watch the video after the jump

We've seen Ken Block and his gang of misfits perform plenty of crazy cool stunts in their Crawford-built 2009 Subaru WRX STI. Block's stupefyingly accurate power slides never seem to get old, no matter how many times we see his 566 horsepower (at the wheels!) STI come within millimeters of disaster. It is cool, however, to see Block and his friends add a little something extra this time around.

After the jump is video of Block and Travis Pastrana (on a motorcycle) having a good old time setting some land speed records at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah. The STI is still present and accounted for in all its adhesion-defying glory, but the speed records are being sought on some garbage cans, a big wheel, and "a $3 Wal-Mart plastic sled." Looks safe to us.

For some reason, some members of Block's team decided it would be a good idea to try to jump on the hood of the STI while it was doing donuts on the salt flats, and one of them ended up getting side-swiped and bounced off Block's rear wheel like a rag doll. That's gotta hurt. Hit the jump for 2:38 of (salt) rock-solid entertainment, but if you're a member of the Save The Salt coalition, be forewarned, there's some gratuitous car-on-salt violence. Hat tip to Bart K.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Ken Block and Travis Pastrana's Stupid Human Tricks Roadshow heads to Bonneville

VIDEO: Ken Block and Travis Pastrana's Stupid Human Tricks Roadshow heads to Bonneville originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 Aug 2009 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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X Games 15: Ford Fiesta, Kenny Brack get the gold

Jonny Lieberman — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 22:45:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Performance, Hatchback, Ford, Subaru

X Games 15 Crowns New Rally King - Click above for high-res image gallery

We're not going to say we told you so - because we didn't - but we are going to go ahead and say we're totally not shocked that former Indy 500 champ Kenny Brack just won some X Games gold. After all, we're still a touch weak in the knees from our little ride along with him and his ~~atomic weasel~~ Ford Fiesta rally car last Thursday. First thing's first: what a coup for Ford. Beating Subaru at X Games is like beating Muhammad Ali in the 1960s. It just doesn't happen very often. Turns out that the big jump that had everyone at Ford a little more worried than they were publicly letting on just wasn't an issue. The hopped up Fiestas did great. In fact all three Ford drivers (Brack, Foust and Deegan) made it to the semifinals, along with Subaru's Travis Pastrana.

What a great intro to the sport of rallying for Kenny Brack. It looked as if Foust was going to beat Brack heads up, but then Tanner spun out and Brack was pitted against Pastrana and his Subaru in the final. Pastrana is ahead after one lap and everyone had pretty much concluded that he was about to win his umpteenth X Game event. But at the start of the second lap, Pastrana goes wide, spins, hits the back left side of his car against a barrier and can't continue. Ten years after winning the the Indy 500, Kenny Brack wins X Games Rally gold. Good job, Kenny.

Follow the jump to watch video of the finals contest at this year's 2009 X Games.

Gallery: X Games 15 Crowns New Rally King

[Source: ESPN]

Continue reading X Games 15: Ford Fiesta, Kenny Brack get the gold

X Games 15: Ford Fiesta, Kenny Brack get the gold originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 02 Aug 2009 22:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2009 X Games Rally Car ride along

Jonny Lieberman — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Performance, Hatchback, Ford, Subaru

2009 X Games Rally Car ride along - Click above for high-res image gallery

If you've never been given a "hot lap" by a professional driver, let me try and convey what the experience is like. You're usually dehydrated and have been standing on a heat-soaked paddock for far too long. There's a track rat (or two) whose job it is to get a helmet and HANS device fastened on you and their default thinking is that you've never even seen a track before, much less driven on one. You're wearing your street clothes, and items like your wallet and cell phone make it even harder for them to get you shoehorned and belted into the seat. The passenger seats are typically much narrower than the driver's seat and you're typically much fatter than the driver. It can be pretty embarrassing. Once you're secured, the driver sticks his hand out, you shake it and then you're off.

Follow the jump to find out what happens next.

Gallery: 2009 X Games Rally Car ride along

Continue reading 2009 X Games Rally Car ride along

2009 X Games Rally Car ride along originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 31 Jul 2009 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Ken Block Gymkhana spoof is criminally awesome

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Videos, Subaru, Humor

Click the image above to view the video after the jump

Ken Block's two Gymkhana practice videos have set the bar for four-wheeled video entertainment, but the crew from IMV is here to prove that you don't need a Crawford-tuned Subaru WRX STI, a stratospheric budget and an abandoned airport to serve up the thrills.

With a beaten base Impreza, a few sets of tires and enough fireworks to send Patton cowering under a desk, the creators of Scumballers and Team Torque have created ten full minutes of epic hoontastic footage, although it looks like much of the vehicular tomfoolery takes place on open public roads, something we don't exactly approve of or recommend. In either case, make the jump to check it out. Hat tip to Evotec.

[Source: IMV via Streetfire]

Continue reading VIDEO: Ken Block Gymkhana spoof is criminally awesome

VIDEO: Ken Block Gymkhana spoof is criminally awesome originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Jul 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Ken Block works it out on Top Gear with Captain Slow in tow

Chris Paukert — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 19:27:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Performance, Videos, Hatchback, Subaru

Click above to watch video after the jump

If there had been awards handed out to the preeminent forces in online automotive video over the past few years, surely Top Gear and rallyist Ken Block would have been shortlisted for the honor. Naturally, you'd expect that pairing the two Internet institutions would result in an amazing bit of film... and you'd be entirely correct.

What follows in the video posted after the jump is 6 minutes and 45 seconds of gobsmacking automotive artistry and top-flight production, with Block's 380-horsepower Subaru WRX STI drilling in and around an airport in California with a bug-eyed James May cinched into the passenger seat. Did we mention the appearance of Ricky Carmichael, perhaps the winningest motocross racer of all time? Click through the jump to witness the gorgeously controlled display of mechanical mayhem. Hat tip to absolutely everybody!

[Source: Top Gear via YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Ken Block works it out on Top Gear with Captain Slow in tow

VIDEO: Ken Block works it out on Top Gear with Captain Slow in tow originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Jul 2009 19:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ken Block + Top Gear + Empty Airport = Good Television

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 13:33:00 EST

Filed under: Videos, Celebrities

Ken Block's Gymkhana Two Practice - Click above for a high-res gallery

Season 13 of Top Gear is right around the bend, and in addition to an epic competition involving a steam engine, a head-to-head-to-head-to-head drag race with airport vehicles and tests of the Mercedes SL Black, Audi R8 V10, Focus RS, Megane R26.R, BMW Z4 and a face-off between the Jaguar XFR and BMW M5, James May apparently made the trek across the pond to sample Ken Block's Subaru-sliding skills. The combination of Block's driving, an empty runway and Top Gear's often imitated but never duplicated cinematic abilities should make for some stellar TV when the show airs this Sunday. If you've got access to the Beeb, set your DVRs to record or wait for the torrents to hit later that night. In the meantime, we've posted Block's Gymkhama 2 video after the break to whet your appetite.

Gallery: Ken Block's Gymkhana Two Project Preview

[Source: Top Gear]

Continue reading Ken Block + Top Gear + Empty Airport = Good Television

Ken Block + Top Gear + Empty Airport = Good Television originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Jun 2009 13:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Ken Block's Gymkhana Two, more sideways thrills, sillier stunts

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 14:33:00 EST

Filed under: Videos, Subaru

Click above to view Ken Block's Gymkhana Two video after the jump

When it comes to driving deity Ken Block, words fail. So we'll keep this brief. Make the jump for the full video of Gymkhana Two, the sequel to Block's highly successful Gymkhana Practice flick from last year. We don't want to spoil the surprises, but the new car control epic is rife with original stunts, mythical feats and more sideways, tire-smoking action than ever before. We've also posted two more videos after the break, including footage from the premiere party we attended last week and a short audio clip that puts you next to Block as he does a few donuts in his Crawford-prepped STI around the sound man. It's stellar stuff and it's all available below the fold.

Gallery: Ken Block's Gymkhana Two Project Preview

Continue reading VIDEO: Ken Block's Gymkhana Two, more sideways thrills, sillier stunts

VIDEO: Ken Block's Gymkhana Two, more sideways thrills, sillier stunts originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Jun 2009 14:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Preview: Ken Block set to release Gymkhana Two video on June 1

Drew Phillips — Wed, 27 May 2009 12:58:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Subaru, Lifestyle

Ken Block's new Subaru WRX STI - Click above for a high-res image gallery

Ken Block, co-founder of DC Shoes and extreme sports junkie, has only been driving rally cars for a few short years, but is already one of the most recognizable and successful drivers in the Rally America series. He was named rookie of the year in 2005, and won five rallies in the 2008 season. Much of Block's fame, however is due to what he's done with his Subaru rally car off the course, including jumping it 171 feet for Discovery Channel's Stunt Junkies and launching it off a snow-covered mountain for the cover of Snowboarder magazine. Most recently, Block became a YouTube sensation with the Gymkhana Practice video with millions witnessing his impressive car control on the El Toro airfield.

The first Gymkhana (pronounced jim-kah-nuh) video was such a success that Block decided to do a sequel in a new location and with an all-new car. The video will officially launch on DC Shoes' web site on June 1, but we were lucky enough to get a sneak preview yesterday at an exclusive press event at the Port of Los Angeles where Gymkhana Two was filmed. Block was on hand to give out rides in the his WRX STI custom built by Crawford Performance just for the video, and needless to say, there was plenty of tire smoke and passengers grinning from ear to ear. While you'll have to wait just a few more days for the video, we took a slew of photos at the preview for your viewing enjoyment and we've posted a video after the break detailing the build of Block's new STI.

Gallery: Ken Block's Gymkhana Two Project Preview

Continue reading Preview: Ken Block set to release Gymkhana Two video on June 1

Preview: Ken Block set to release Gymkhana Two video on June 1 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 May 2009 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: DC Shoes teases Ken Block's new gymkhana Subaru WRX STI

Noah Joseph — Thu, 14 May 2009 12:29:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Videos, Subaru

Ken Block's new Gymkhana STI - Click above to jump to the teaser video

Autocross enthusiasts claim their form of motorsport is the most challenging in all of auto-dom. But chasing pylons around a parking lot is nothing compared to Gymkhana. Sometimes referred to as the "car rodeo", Gymkhana is practiced (in the same way that a marshall art is "practiced") in Japan, the UK, South Africa and right here in the good ol' U.S. of A. The idea is essentially the same as autocross, but with some drifting, turn-on-a-dime pivots and J-turns thrown in for good measure. It's what Subaru Rally Team USA driver and DC Shoes co-founder Ken Block, the new name behind the Dirt video game franchise, uses to keep sharp in between rally stages.

The car Block currently uses is a fire-breathing monster. Starting life as a previous-generation Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Block's Gymkhana car was originally prepared for the 2005 Gumball 3000 with 426 horsepower and adjustable suspension, then retuned for One Lap of America 2006 before being thoroughly revamped, complete with 529 hp Crawford rally engine, for rodeo duty in 2007. But for this year's circuit, Ken's got his crew working on an all-new beast. We'll have to wait until June 1 for all the details, but to keep out appetites whet, DC has released a teaser video, which we've posted for you after the jump. Thanks to Khanh for the tip!

Continue reading VIDEO: DC Shoes teases Ken Block's new gymkhana Subaru WRX STI

VIDEO: DC Shoes teases Ken Block's new gymkhana Subaru WRX STI originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 May 2009 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Sebastien Loeb does the Gymkhana dance

Jonathon Ramsey — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 09:01:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Videos, Citroën

Follow the jump to watch Sebastien Loeb demonstrate his talents

Sebastien Loeb went to Argentina and did some dancing that wasn't the tango. The WRC champion performed a demonstration with his Citroen rally car that was reminiscent of gymkhana. Although it's a little repetitive and nowhere near as mind-blowing as this other guy's gymkhana session, it is clear that Seb knows his way around the barriers and over the jumps. Follow the jump to check out the vid.

[Source: 0-60 magazine]

Continue reading VIDEO: Sebastien Loeb does the Gymkhana dance

VIDEO: Sebastien Loeb does the Gymkhana dance originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 25 Apr 2009 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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