With the countdown to the upcoming FH5 Rally Adventure expansion in full swing, the Horizon Wilds Takeover series update features the dirtiest cars on the planet as well as Ken Block-themed challenges in honor of the late HHIC. The perfect time for a warm-up before the dirtiest rally gauntlet begins.
The Wet Season Playlist welcomes back two rally monsters that will come in handy when the Rally Adventure hits at the end of March. These are the Ford Focus RX from GYMKHANA 9 and the mythical #2 Audi Sport Quattro S1.
The 2016 Ford Focus RS RX #43 is specially modified for Ken Block's ninth Gymkhana outing; RAW INDUSTRIAL PLAYGROUND. With its turbocharged 2.0L 4-cylinder engine producing nearly twice the power as the normal 2.3L-powered road-going model, the 4WD rally monster is capable of burning all four wheels while unleashing hell in the industrial park. Apart from that, it features a Sadev 6-speed sequential gearbox, a special exterior design that complies with FIA World Rallycross regulations, Cosworth engine management and data logging, and Reiger suspension, among others.
As the improved version of the Audi Sport Quattro rally car, the S1 complies with Group B regulations, and with that, they've built 20 units for homologation purposes. Powering the Quattro S1 is a 2.1L inline-5 engine that produces 470hp of power, making it the most powerful rally car ever built, while mated to a then-experimental version of the dual-clutch gearbox, making it the forebearer of the double-clutch gearbox. Notable drivers include Hannu Mikkola, Walter Rohrl, Michele Mouton, Bobby Unser, and Stig Blomqvist, who won the 1984 WRC title. Apart from the WRC, the car saw success in the Pikes Peak Hill Climb from 1985, and 1987 to 1989.
Let's give these rally monsters a quick exercise before getting them ready for the upcoming Rally Adventure very soon. The ideal time to flex their muscles before getting ready for the most grueling rally gauntlets. Roll up the tape.
Although messy, they've flexed enough to take on the most grueling rally gauntlets coming very soon. Looks like these two are ready for the Rally Adventure.
Speedo boys worldwide were shocked in sadness over the recent passing of everybody's favorite Hoonigan hero, Ken Block. Block will be forever remembered for his tire-slaying adventures that set the internet on fire, literally.
Electrikhana
As a tribute to the legendary Head Hoonigan In Charge, here are some of my top five favorite Ken Block moments that burnt the internet like rubber.
5) Gymkhana Five - The summer of 2012 saw Ken Block in his specially-modified Ford Fiesta rally car tackling through the streets of San Francisco in his "ultimate urban playground." Packed with jumps, elevation changes, switchback streets, and numerous obstacles, Gymkhana Five is a real thriller only Ken Block can dominate, especially on the West Coast.
4) Gymkhana - The year 2008 is the year that started it all. Ken Block took the wheel of a specially-modified Subaru Impreza WRX STi GDB-F on a deserted airfield for an advertisement for DC Shoes. No CGIs, no sped-up footage. Just Ken Block doing Ken Block things. The original Gymkhana will be forever remembered as the video that transformed the world of motoring itself. It's the video that give birth to Hoonigan and spawned copycat stunt drivers recreating his antics.
3) Electrikhana - As the world braces toward the new normal, electrification is inevitable. For Ken Block and Audi, they've adapted to the new normal by creating a specially-made electric monster machine capable of slaying tires while running on electricity. The car? The Hoonigan Audi S1 Hoonitron. The venue? Las Vegas. Block puts his Hoonitron to incredible use in last year's Electrikhana video, which is sadly his last tire-slaying adventure before his recent death. It's sad that this is the last Hoonigan monster Block tamed before he died but he had a blast burning rubber in an electric monster machine.
2) Climbkhana - In Ken Block's Climbkhana video, we saw Ken Block taking on the legendary Pikes Peak Hillclimb in his specially-developed 1965 Ford Mustang Hoonicorn RTR V2, smoking his 1,400hp monster through 14,000ft of a monstrous mountain. Who says easier said than done? Block conquered the Peak like child's play.
1) Gymkhana Ten - Ken Block's final Gymkhana outing will be forever remembered as the biggest and the best sendoff for the HHIC before passing the baton to the newest Gymkhana hero, Travis Pastrana. It also signals the final Gymkhana adventure for the partnership between Ken Block and Ford as well. In his final Gymkhana outing, five specially-modified Ford vehicles from the Hoonicorn to the Hoonitruck took on a globe-trotting tire-slaying madness from Sweden to Texas that made this tenth Gymkhana video the peak.
Forza Horizon 4 made a milestone when it hit thirty series updates since its launch and the big 3-0 introduced us the new Horizon Super7 feature where users can create unique challenges and then upload it for the chance to get featured in the Super7 roster. Have you guys tried it out yet?
More importantly, Series 30 brought us four new prize cars to win by clearing specific Playlist challenges. I know, I'm a bit late but having won all of the four featured cars of Series 30, how's about the time to take a look at these machines that I've won throughout the Series Update?
First up is the cult classic midship Fiat sportscar, the X1/9. Styled by the famed Marcello Gandini of Bertone, the X1/9 is a lightweight Italian sportscar that is as close as you can get from the legendary Lancia Stratos, although it's still one of the most enjoyable cars to drive in ages.
Second is the Hoonigan Bronco. Based on a 1974 Ford Bronco, it was built for Ken Block's wife as a daily driver. It's got numerous off-road mods to this iconic Blue Oval offroader as well as loaded with the Mustang-derived Coyote 5.0L V8 engine at the front for some added muscle.
Third is one of our favorites; the Koenigsegg Jesko. Named after the founder Christian von Koenigsegg's father, the Jesko is the evolution of Koenigsegg's pursuit of speed that picks up where the now-legendary Agera left off. It's powered by a reworked V8 twin turbo engine that produces up to 1600hp of power and 1500Nm of torque while running on E85 fuel and it is mated by a bespoke 9-speed Light Speed Transmission, which delivers benefits of a double clutch gearbox without the weight penalty imposed. Apart from the power it delivers, the Jesko features the most advanced aerodynamics and track-focused dynamics that also works on the road.
Lastly, the Alfa Romeo 155. In its racing form, the 155 is one of the most successful touring cars in its history with the V6 TI raking up 38 race wins. In its normal form, it's a bit of a disappointment compared to its 75 predecessor because of its transition from the former's rear-wheel drive layout to front-wheel drive layout. The Q4, meanwhile, features a four-wheel drive layout similar to the legendary Lancia Delta Integrale.
Now that I got my fills on the Series 30 cars, let's give these cars a twirl and whirl, shall we?
Have you picked up Ken Block's Ford RS200 from a certain seasonal championship in Forza Horizon 4? If you did, congratulations. You just got one of Block's Blue Oval monsters that came from the Old Continent rather than stateside, which explains a lot because of the car's history.
The original RS200 was Ford's would-be entry to the Group B era of World Rally Championship and while it never saw the light of day following the end of Group B rally due to numerous fatalities, Ford managed to build 200 units under homologation purposes.
Block's RS200 uses an Evolution variant of the 4-cylinder turbo engine which produces over 700 horsepower on pump gas but when filled with racing fuel, it produces an additional hundred horsepower. Apart from the engine, Block's RS200 sets the others apart with its custom KW coilovers, custom sueded interior, custom gloss black paint with matte black vinyl wrap, 18-inch Fiftteen52 Forged 3pc Evo SC wheels, and Toyo Tires Proxes R888R.
Now that we got to know about Ken Block's Ford RS200, it's time for a double bill featuring this recent prize car. The first one is where this car takes on the Cotswolds while the second rips through the dirts of Fortune Island. Let's get them rolling.
Ken Block's Hoonicorn, which is a hyped-up 1965 Ford Mustang with a thousand horsepower and four-wheel drive, is the king of the Hoonigan machines ever since Gymkhana SEVEN and there's so much questions I want to talk about the ultimate tire-slaying machine that shredded the internet into pieces. But for now, let's slow things down to remember how cool the Hoonicorn is before settling the biggest street race across Horizon UK.
From Gymkhana SEVEN to Climbkhana: Pikes Peak, the Hoonicorn never fails to impress the netizens with its tire-slaying performance that keeps on evolving. In its V2 state, the 410 cubic inch Roush Yates V8 engine with custom twin turbo setup produces a monstrous 1,400hp of power which goes through the Sadev all wheel-drive system, meaning that all that power worth the overkill to blow away all four Toyo Tires Prxes R888R tyres made specifically for the Hoonicorn.
Very novel for me but despite its popularity on the internet, the Hoonicorn takes a lot of time to master its insane dynamics because for me, this car tends to understeer even if you're carefully navigate through the bends and when it oversteers, it's difficult to countersteer it as if the steering wheel's not working well when turning at the opposite direction to correct it. I know, I tried.
In other words, the Hoonicorn is deemed to be too tricky to tame even if the powertrain and the drivetrain layout is on Bugatti Veyron levels but the more I drive with the Hoonicorn, the more I'm starting to get used to its monstrous performance as monstrous as a can of Monster Energy drink. Speaking of which, I took some time off to experience The Marathon with the Hoonicorn.
Road courses has The Colossus, the dirt tracks had The Gauntlet, Cross Country has The Titan, Drag racing has the Juggernaut, and here in the Street Scene, they have the most difficult Street Scene race called The Marathon. Because of its draconian length compared to any Street Races I've been across, it's difficult for someone who relies on Upload Studio to capture a ten-minute footage of them taking on The Marathon, therefore relying on powerful high-class machines like the Hoonicorn I'm driving.
If you're planning to shoot some footage on ultra-long track like this, better pack an ultra fast car for the job. Your footages are only limited to ten minutes unless you are planning to make two parts or more and then conjoin it later at Upload Studio. Just don't make the edit a bit embarrassing or you'll get a thumbs down. Personal experience but anyway, let's get down with The Marathon and with all of the fast cars I've tried and failed, I believe this four-wheel drive Hoonicorn might be fit for the job, although I'm not sure if I can pull this off judging by its intimidating power too powerful to tame.
After doublethink, it's time to see how the Hoonicorn takes on The Marathon and see if I can get the whole footage shot. Ready?
The Marathon is one of the challenging venues not just to drive it but to record it. Still, I managed to finish it in less than eight minutes and I got time to do some movie magic and then upload it to the internet. Well done, Hoonicorn. Sir Ken Block will be proud of your efforts.
In terms of fame, the Hoonicorn was a record-breaker at the hands of the Hoonigans like Ken Block but in terms of technique, drivers need to be at the same level as Block's to master this four-wheeled Horseman of the Apocalypse or else they'll be reaching Death by Thousand Horses. Get it? But, still, whether if you're up to answer the call of the Hoonicorn or not, it's your call.
Gymkhana TEN has arrived and the last of the Gymkhana TEN car collection on Forza Horizon 4, the Hoonigan Gymkhana 10 Ford Focus RS RX, has arrived on the Forzathon shop for this week only so if you have the points for that car, now's the time to complete your Gymkhana TEN car collection and create your own Ultimate Tire-Slaying Tour across Britain.
So, the Ford Focus RS RX that Ken Block drove in the Gymkhana TEN video, what is it, then? Although this tire-slaying Focus dons its new wardrobe for the video, the mechanical specs remain the same as the last Focus RS RX Block drove in the previous installment. It's still the same Rallycross-spec Focus RS that made in partnership between Ford Performance, Hoonigan Racing Division, and M-Sport. It still has the same 600HP EcoBoost engine tuned for Rallycross duty, a 6-speed Sadev sequential gearbox, Reiger suspension, Brembo brakes, OZ rims, and FIA homologated tires.
In other words, there's nothing new about the Hoonigan-fied Focus RS even with the new outfit for the Gymkhana TEN video but even though the mechanical remains the same as the previous one, there are plenty of reasons to get hooked with this machine and because of its Hoonigan credentials, you can pull so much stunts on and off the road, something to rack up the influences. While not racing, this Hoonigan Focus is all about getting hooked to driving all-day, all night, but in the middle of a race, well, let me show you.
Because this is the car that completes the Gymkhana TEN car collection in FH4, the Hoonigan Gymkhana 10 Ford Focus RS RX deserves a big challenge and with that, it's time for Attack on...The Titan. The Titan, right? The biggest cross-country event in Horizon UK and you need a tough car to survive the perilous cross-country challenge. Although, the Hoonigan Gymkhana 10 Ford Focus RS RX is a rally monster, the odds of trampling The Titan are one to 100. Now that's perilous and with so much parts of the event that involves jumping, well, I can't say some embarrassing words in the middle of the race. Anyway, with heads up high, the Hoonigan Gymkhana 10 Ford Focus RS RX prepares for the attack on The Titan.
The Titan definitely is insane from start to finish and if you're not fast enough on and off the road, your opponent behind you will slip by unexpectedly. Still, this tire-slaying Focus braved through The Titan and won. Well done.
Now that you've completed the entire Gymkhana TEN car collection on Forza Horizon 4, which one of the Gymkhana TEN machines you like the best?
Watch the Gymkhana TEN video in the finale of The Gymkhana Files on Prime Video right now and experience the ultimate tire-slaying tour at the comfort of your home. Better max up the volume to hear all five Hoonigan machines, including the new Hoonitruck, roar through five different locations from Sweden, Detroit, Mexico, Texas, and Los Angeles! I guarantee it!
The Ford Fiesta ST rally car used by Ken Block for the upcoming GYMKHANA TEN is the fourth out of the five GYMKHANA TEN cars available on Forza Horizon 4 and now that I have it, it's time to see what's what with one of Ken Block's new toy based on today's Fiesta that is sadly not available in the USA.
When Ken Block announced that he's going back at the World Rally Championship after four years for a special one-off appearance during the Rally Catalunya event with this rally car based on today's Ford Fiesta not available for American roads. Upon testing, Block was heavily impressed with the M-Sport Ford Fiesta WRC he's driving for the special Catalunya appearance. In Gymkhana TEN, you will see Block driving this Fiesta on ice and that's something we should be expecting as the latest Gymkhana video draws near.
In the meantime, let's put the Gymkhana TEN Fiesta for a test-drive by taking on a cross country event somewhere in Whitewater Falls against a mongrel of rally monsters out from the stable and into the muddy puddles. Brace yourselves.
Now that is a Hoonigan-approved car and that last minute overtake was one epic moment indeed. Well done you not-American Fiesta rally car.
While there's still time left before Summer season ends in Forza Horizon 4 and if you have enough Forzathon points, better get Ken Block's Fiesta for GYMKHANA TEN now because once you drove it, you feel like you're ready for Hoonigan's latest masterpiece.
Gymkhana 10 will premiere on Prime Video on the 7th of December and then on the official Hoonigan YouTube channel on the 17th of December and be sure to watch The Gymkhana Files on Prime Video for some in-depth behind the scenes of some of the Gymkhana clips the Hoonigan boys made.
Ken Block's next masterpiece, Gymkhana 10, is coming fast and his latest installment marks the tenth anniversary of his Gymkhana videos that burned the internet like rubber. Hard to believe it's been ten years, huh? Anyway, with Gymkhana 10's going to be the most ambitious Gymkhana video in Hoonigan history, the folks from Forza Horizon 4 brought us the machines that Ken Block's going to be used in Gymkhana 10.
One of the star cars of Gymkhana 10 is this, a legendary Ford Escort Cosworth from the early 90's, sort of. Back in April, Ken Block announced his multi-series racing plan for 2018 as he competes in the new Americas Rally Cross Championship, World Rallycross, Gymkhana Grid, and a few events from the 2018 WRC. This Escort Cosworth's one of them and it's been tweaked to compete at such events. However, during last summer's New England Forest Rally, his Escort Cossie caught fire during Stage 4 of the rally. He and his co-driver Alex Gelsomino were third placers when the disaster occurred. His Cossie may be gone in cinders but like that General Leia from Star Wars films, it has a role in Gymkhana 10 and it's already gone gold so you can see this car in the clip this winter.
Next is the Hoonitruck. Based on the 1977 Ford F-150, this slammed pick-up in Gymkhana Ten has all of the familiar bits and bobs from his Hoonicorn but unlike the thousand-horse beast that you'll be seeing in the video as well, the Hoonitruck is powered by a customized Ford Performance V6 EcoBoost engine from the Ford GT Le Mans development program. It produces 914bhp of power and 702ft-lb of torque, mated to a 6-speed Sadev gearbox. It took them two years to make it.
And lastly for now, and basically a Forzathon Prize Car that I got recently, is the hero of the Gymkhana 10 video. The Hoonicorn. Although the Hoonicorn's got some new clothes for the show, the mechanical remains the same as the last time we saw it on Climbkhana. It's still the V2 Hoonicorn, so it still comes with a fully custom twin-turbo setup that blows 21lbs of boost to a 410cu methanol-powered engine, producing a monstrous 1,400 horsepower sending through all four wheels, enough to melt all of its tires completely.
Eager to see how the Gymkhana 10 stars reacts in Britain, I took a leisure drive round Holyrood, Edinburgh, to get to know these machines better by all means. All means, alright, because I'm going to see how much star power these Gymkhana 10 stars behave or my name ain't Kamote Rider...Decade. It's time to take you on the journey to the decade, sort of.
That was one heck of a crash course for me to get to know the stars of Gymkhana 10 and it's going to take hours to master these tire reapers but I had a lot of fun getting to know these machines. So, is this thorough enough for you...Kamote Rider Decade?
Ken Block says that he'll drive five cars in Gymkhana Ten but in-game, we have three as of now so when will the other two Gymkhana Ten stars arrive in the game? Good question, though, because the remaining two might be popping up in the coming weeks so watch for it but in the meantime, feel free to enjoy the new Hoonicorn, the Hoonitruck, and the Escort Cossie that Ken Block drove and then burned anytime you want.
Gymkhana 10 will premiere on Prime Video on the 7th of December and then on the official Hoonigan YouTube channel on the 17th of December and be sure to watch The Gymkhana Files on Prime Video for some in-depth behind the scenes of some of the Gymkhana clips the Hoonigan boys made.
Remember the Top Gear episode where Ken Block and his Hoonicorn are taking a field trip round London courtesy of presenter Matt LeBlanc? That pretty much sick by such standards and I was wondering if I can do the same to Ken Block's Hoonicorn Mustang only this time, I'm taking a tour round Britain's tracks in Forza Motorsport 7?
Thanks to the Hoonicorn Pack I obtained since launch day, I finally got to show the Hoonicorn what is like to be in one of the most exciting places in England except without all the monuments and landmarks to savor at and instead, the tracks offered. But before that, let's hit a refresh button for a while.
Ken Block's 1965 Ford Mustang Hoonicorn RTR had the whole world shaken, rattled, and rolled when he smoked this monster machine in Gymkhana SEVEN and if that wasn't enough, he made it even badder with two turbos and methanol to the mix.
The V2 Hoonicorn features a fully custom twin-turbo setup that blows 21lbs of boost to a 410cu methanol-powered engine, producing a monstrous 1,400 horsepower sending through all four wheels, enough to melt all of its tires completely. Apart from the engine setup, the livery's updated with a "star and stripes" theme first appeared at his Mk.II Ford Escort.
The bigger, badder, and better Hoonicorn made its appearance at Climbkhana where Block roared his way to the top of Pikes Peak.
Anyway, with that settled, time to take the Hoonicorn for a field trip round Britain's tracks. It will be like the good old South Park joke; Russell Crowe fightin' round the world!
First stop, Brands Hatch. Once a rally track in the mid-1920's, it was one of the few circuits in the UK to stage Grand Prix, IndyCar, and NASCAR races. It's been now used for the likes of touring car races and other rookie race tourneys like the Renault Clio Cup. Although the layout is pretty much simple, the elevation and the corners can be somewhat unnerving for drivers taking on Brands Hatch and from where I'm sitting, driving the Hoonicorn round the track made me nervous even though its 4WD layout is prone to understeering while slowing down. Still, that makes it a fun introduction to the wonders of this track.
We survived but the Hoonicorn thinks it needed some more action so I'm bringing it to Silverstone, which matters I hope.
Once used as an RAF airfield in the Second World War, Silverstone has became the future home of British motor racing and their first Grand Prix event was held in 1950. Apart from being used for the British GP leg of Formula 1, it became also a venue for touring car races, even endurance ones. As I recalled, the old Top Gear trio once race a diesel-powered BMW saloon on an endurance race at this venue and survived their way at the end of the race. Such bravery but this is no time for nostalgia as I'm taking the Hoonicorn for a spin round Silverstone and see if this car's very happy at this place. By the look of its smokes, I can tell that it's starting to smile on me.
After a lap round the Silverstone track, the Hoonicorn's starting to smile on me but it left me cold. Is there's something missing with the picture? Wait, I think I know what's missing!
Of course! The famous Top Gear Test Track! Once as an airfield used in the Second World War, this Dunsfold-based airfield is now home to the world-renowned Top Gear Test Track. With Lotus masterminded the track, it was known for testing sports cars to the limit courtesy of The Stig as well as pitting celebrities to see who's got the fastest time. The Hoonicorn's starting to feel at home round the Top Gear Track and by such feels, time to give it a blast this beast truly wants! Here we go!
After a hot lap round the Top Gear Track, Ken Block's Hoonicorn finally smiled at me, knowing that this is going to be its sandbox to toy around all day as long as The Stig's not around. How's that, Your Grace? Ticked you off? Anyway, I finally gave the Hoonicorn one heck of a field trip round Britain's tracks in Forza Motorsport 7. I may not be as cool as Block himself but I did it in his honor as well as the Hoonicorn itself. This has got to be one of the best afternoons ever.
Wait, does the Hoonicorn want world domination? See if we care. When that time comes, it will be the Hoonicorn fightin' round the world!
The recently-launched Forza Horizon 3 HOONIGAN Car Pack marks the start of a collaboration between the Forza franchise and Ken Block's motorsport lifestyle brand, HOONIGAN, famous for their "KILL ALL TIRES" mantra.
The cars showcased in the HOONIGAN Car Pack are famed for their tire-shredding action and if you want to live the dream of being one of the best of the HOONIGAN stars, you got to be ready because the way these cars behave is so out of control like a box of Airheads Extremes and it takes some expert-level skills to master these bewitchingly customized cars made for the blokes who love to kill all tires.
Of course, with so many HOONIGAN cars to choose from on this pack, let's try and pick the cars from this pack that tickles my fancy.
Hert's Twerkstallion is one of the HOONIGAN cars that tickles my fancy. While this RX-7 looks like a boss car from the Kaido Battle games, the Twerkstallion is all about letting all its horses run wild whilst covering itself in a cloud of tire smoke. When Hert drove this car for last year's drifting competition, he got a Corvette engine jammed in the front of his horse but for this year, he's reverting back to the good old rotary engine. The one we had in this pack is last year's Twerkstallion with a V8 engine in question but feel free to change whatever engine you may like to cater to this horse's desire when it comes to killing its tires.
Another one of the top picks of the HOONIGAN Car Pack is the Tri 5 By Fire Gasser. It's actually a Chevy Bel Air and it's been hunked up by a man name Jon Chase and it happens to be one of the fastest accelerating rear-wheel drive cars in the game and the only car that was designed to be able to drag its bumper while doing a wheelie. Pretty cool, huh? But don't be fooled though because even though it's fast on the straights, it's a lot tougher to handle than lifting a washing machine in a very tight house you lived in and that sounds like a challenge.
Another one of the Donut Garage's greatest hits is Brian Scotto's Napalm Nova. It's a 1972 Chevrolet Nova customized for one major purpose; to kill all tires courtesy of its AME GT Sport sub-frame that makes this Nova fun to drive through the twitchy bends while retaining its drag racing capability, making it a well-balanced muscle for the intermediates.
And one of my favorites in this car pack needs no explanation because this is Ken Block's Hoonicorn. You know? The one you saw in one episode in Top Gear when Matt LeBlanc takes Block on a field trip around London while this Hoonigan drifts this specially-prepped Mustang on the British capital.
There are many Hoonigan cars to try out on this pack and each has its own party piece to lash out with the guests if you can pull them out from their bags if you fully know each of the Hoonigan cars, there's one combo made specifically for these cars; the almost impossible Fruit Salad combo. No joke. It says so in the achievements so if you got what it takes to pull off the extremely difficult Fruit Salad combo, then you need to be creative because, between you and me, I don't know how to pull this off so you have to improvise something for the time being.
In the meantime, feel free to enjoy the best of the best from HOONIGAN's Donut Garage. Oh, and here's one for you; if you pre-ordered Forza Motorsport 7, not only you'll get the Hoonigan Car Pack on FH3 for free but you can also have that car pack in FM7 on launch day. That's buying once, hoon twice! Talk about great value, eh?
HOONIGAN! Sorry, it's starting to sound like Hogan's Heroes out there, only covered in smoke-filled burnt rubber this time because feel free to enjoy Hoonigan's Heroes, wherever you'll take it on.
