In conjunction with Audi, world famous precision driver, Ken Block, aims to build on his 10-billion views across ten previous Gymkhana videos, in an all-new electrifying performance in a prototype named the ‘Audi S1 Hoonitron’.
As the 11th instalment of this global phenomenon, ‘ELECTRIKHANA’ see’s Block and his partners push the boundaries of engineering, cinematography and the laws of physics.
The car itself developed and assembled at Audi Sport in Neckarsulm, with a reported build estimate at over $12,000,000 the all-electric prototype that was styled by Audi Design takes cues from an Audi icon from the glory days of rallying.
There is absolutely no questioning what Audi have achieved with this vehicle, the entry speeds that it carries are nothing short of terrifying, with acceleration on power with a fighter jet.
The way in which Ken Block wrestles for control is nothing short of commendable, too. However, I can’t help but feel that the stunts performed are all a little too conservative, compared to what we have seen in the past.
Akin to watching a computer game, it’s rather dull!
With no funky fuel that ignites from every orifice of the exhaust and turbo system, and with no nitrous oxide system that increases the power beyond comprehension, it is nothing short of fascinating as to how the same choreographed formula can change in an instant, when the sight and sound of these things, as well as the likes of an anti-lag system, are completely removed.
I have absolutely no doubt that the youth of today will be drooling all over this electrifying YouTube video. They will never know the smell of Castrol R, nor will they ever experience the scream of a BDA engine in the woods, but what they might become are Audi EV customers for life.
The Audi S1 Hoonitron has two electric motors, all-wheel drive, power galore, a carbon fibre chassis, and fully complies with the safety standards of the FIA, motorsport’s governing body. Audi Sport developed it as a one-of-a-kind car exclusively for Ken Block.
Its body shell, for which Audi Design led by Marc Lichte is responsible, immediately evokes memories of the legendary Audi Sport quattro S1 with which the four rings charged to the top in the famous Pikes Peak hill-climb race. Ken Block and his team engaged in close exchange with the Audi departments during the development of the vehicle.
Alongside the S1 Hoonitron, the Electrikhana film features brief guest appearances by other models from Audi Tradition, such as the Audi 90 IMSA GTO (1989), the Audi 200 Trans Am (1988), the Audi Sport quattro S1 Pikes Peak (1987), the Audi quattro Gruppe B A2 (1984) as well as the Audi R8 LMP and Audi R18 e-tron quattro from Le Mans. Apropos Le Mans: Tom Kristensen, the record winner of the iconic endurance race with nine triumphs under his belt, makes a brief guest appearance at a red traffic light as well.
WATCH THE VIDEO HERE – https://youtu.be/SO2Li9BMQp8
