BET ON BLOCK

Viva la Hoonitron. ( Video below )

The crew over at Tire Slayer Studios know how to keep things electrifying (get used to these electric puns). They hit us with the tried-and-true, one-two-punch formula: Ken Block and cars. This thing has all the speed and performance of past gymkhana vehicles with a totally unique persona. And that’s a GOOD thing. Angst and aggression give way to a futuristic sense of sophistication, and fossil fuel-guzzling pushrod thump goes the way of its prehistoric fueling sources. But here is the thing: regardless of where you sit on the EV political spectrum, it’s here, and it’s only going to become more encompassing. KB and the Hoonigans are embracing this reality. They’re doing what they do best and making sure the future of performance is still loud, fast, and fun.

So, about the car. The Audi S1 is a one-off prototype built specifically for the Head-Hoonigan-In-Charge, Ken Block. Unless you’ve been living under a rock, KB loves his Audis. Inspired by the legendary Audi Sport Quattro S1 Pikes Peak car, the Hoonitron is a re-imagined and electrified take on the motorsport classic. Fully electric and AWD, the Hoonitron is powered by two Formula E motors capable of spinning upwards of 28,000rpm. We could write a book on the S1 chassis construction. In short, the exterior panels are constructed of carbon and Kevlar carbon with a tube chassis lurking beneath. Built to FIA spec, the S1 is ready to party. Pair the power, demonic whine, and iconic Audi motorsport livery, and you’ve got an EV contender ready to take on the future of motorsports (err… mischief) with a habitual need to get sideways.

“Over the past decade, we have continually pushed to do something new and different with my Gymkhana series,” says Ken Block. “When Audi approached us with the idea of doing a film in a special electric vehicle, that they would construct solely for the film, we jumped at the challenge. While I may love the sound of a turbo engine, or the grunt of a V8, we have done that all before. The instant torque and shiftless nature of an electric motor allowed for us to push certain tricks to a whole new realm. From extremely exaggerated backward entries or flawless high-speed 360s and four-wheel smoking launches, this Hoonitron is an all-new experience in our Gymkhana world. The final, tire-killing, center axis donuts reached wheel speed of over 140kph, and created G forces I have never experienced before in any racecar.”

As if you need any more convincing that the one-of-one Audi S1 Hoonitron is genuinely one of the most intriguing vehicles built in recent history, we sweetened the pot. Power is useless without the style and performance of a well-crafted, methodically developed wheel. That’s why KB and the Hoonigans came to us to build one of the most capable wheels for the Audi platform. The Hoonitron struts its stuff on a custom set of 18×8 ET+23 Rotiform ROC-H forged monoblock wheels. In a way, it was written in the stars. The classic style undertones of the S1 and the iconic five-spoke motorsport demeanor of the ROC-H are an undeniable match.

So, before you get all disgruntled and start beating your chest about how the lizard people in the government are destroying internal combustion engines and racing culture, just take a few moments and peep the new Electrikhana video. If you’re like us, it’ll give you hope, entertainment, and a sense of anticipation for the future of this culture that we love so much