Ken Block’s cooperation with Audi went beyond car modification to build the one-of-a-kind S1 E-Tron Quattro Hoonitron for Block’s upcoming “Elektrikhana” video. Block recently showcased this unique work in an in-depth video.
Announced in December 2021, Hoonitron S1 is a tribute to the Audi Sport Quattro S1 E2 Pikes Peak, the car that dominated the legendary hill climb and was one of Block’s first automotive inspirations. It’s also the most expensive car ever built for one of Block’s videos. Block estimates around $12 million, but Audi doesn’t really say how much it will cost.
Working with an automaker has its advantages, not only in the amount of money that can be thrown on a project, but also in how quickly a car can be produced. Hoonitron took about six months to complete, compared to about two years for Block .’s Ford Mustang “Hoonicorn”. And Hoonicorn is based on an existing car.
Ken Block .’s Audi S1 E-Tron Quattro Hoonitron
The bespoke chassis and electric powertrain result in a vehicle that is slightly longer and wider than the original S1 Pikes Peak, while maintaining that vehicle’s proportions. The four battery packs of the Q7 plug-in hybrid (model not sold in the US) are located in the center of the chassis. They offer enough range for all-day video recording, with a recharging break during lunch.
The position of the packages optimizes weight distribution and lowers the center of gravity. It also means that the Block sits on top of the battery, in a reclining position, with raised legs, more like a Formula 1 car than a race car.
An electric motor is located on each axle for all-wheel drive (one motor can also be removed to drive the rear wheels). They power the wheels via a conventional differential, which is still necessary despite the engine’s instantaneous torque as they provide better control for starting and maintaining. drift. These engines are the same as those used in Formula E racing, especially from Audi’s Season 5 race car. Audi drops Formula E after Part 7 to focus on Dakar Rally and Sports car LMDh programs.
The electric powertrain requires some tweaking for the Block’s driving style. Without the usual clutch or handbrake, he had to rely more on throttle adjustment to get the optimal amount of rpm for wheel and donut skidding. The electric motor’s instantaneous torque, on the other hand, provides faster acceleration, and the Hoonitron can even be reverse-driven at full speed (i.e. when the software limiter is removed) .
Regular blocking kills about 40 tires when doing Gymkhana videos. Hoonitron requested more than 100 tires.
The Hoonitron also features a custom Rotiform wheel inspired by the original Quattro S1 wheel. They match the S1-inspired bodywork, which includes a NACA duct that draws cooling air into a series of rear-mounted radiators. However, the suspension has been updated to a modern track-style setup, with asymmetrical components that can be swapped to other corners of the car, reducing the amount of spare parts that need to be carried around. .
For more information on Hoonitron’s design and engineering, click on the video above.
It won’t be long before we see the Hoonitron in action. “Electrikhana” premieres on YouTube on October 25. Stay tuned.
