2020 began with a series of tragic events. Kobe Bryant died in a helicopter crash and the Covid-19 pandemic decimated the world. Three years later, things are not as dramatic. However, every single year sees its fair share of unfortunate events resulting in death.
On January 2nd, 2023, legendary rally car driver and hardcore gearhead, Ken Block, tragically passed away following a snowmobile accident in Utah. Block’s Gymkhana series would make him a media sensation despite his limited success in WRC. There were several times Ken Block defied the laws of physics.
Block didn’t just leave behind a wife and three daughters; he also left behind an impressive collection of modern and classic cars that’ll probably never again be driven the way he used to drive them.
10 1974 Ford Bronco
There is nothing as captivating as classic off-road vehicles. These vehicles, which were often overlooked a decade ago are now worth a lot more. These classic trucks have been transformed by demented piston heads into 600-hp machines. The first-generation Bronco has all the necessary prerequisites to become a sick restomod beast.
The reasons why prices for vintage Ford Broncos have skyrocketed are numerous. The original Bronco is one the most famous off-road vehicles of the 1960s. Block’s modified ’74 Bronco is equipped with a 5.0L Coyote v8. It is the same unit as the Mustang GT. Any musclehead will know this. Block’s Bronco packs a powerful punch at 435 horsepower and 400 lb.ft of torque. Power is sent to the wheels thanks to a six-speed automatic 6R80 transmission.
9 1977 Ford F-150
America is home to some of the sickest modded pickup trucks. The Toyota Tacoma’s 900-hp V8 Toyota Tacoma is a great example of how no one else does it better. Block loves anything with four wheels and a powerful motor, so Ford worked with him to create the ultimate track-ready super truck.
The Hoonitruck can take on any terrain. Its looks match its performance like an exact replica. Under the hood is the EcoBoost V6, one of Ford’s most hated engines. Ford Performance and Block proved that the EcoBoost V6 is a highly modular powerplant. The Hoonitruck is equipped with a twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6 engine tuned by Roush and Ford Performance. With a power output of 914 hp and 702 lb-ft of torque, it is fair to say the Hoonitruck is the meanest performance truck ever made.
8 1984 Audi Sport Quattro
The ’80s saw the apparitions of some of the nicest German cars. BMW’s M3 changed the game. Mercedes-Benz also released the iconic Hammer. Audi did not fall behind. Wanting to dominate the Group B of WRC, the German carmaker would go on to release the emblematic Sport Quattro.
Being an avid fan of anything rally, Block logically had a thing for Audi’s Sport Quattro. The replica of the legendary rally beast was built by LCE Performance. The engine, a turbocharged 2.5L inline five engine that produces 736 horsepower, is found under the hood. Block’s Sport Quattro replica is the ultimate Euro restomod.
7 1986 Ford RS200
It is fair to say that Block is a huge fan of anything rally. Block was a frequent traveler and competed all over the world. It is not surprising that he has a passion for cars not available in the United States. Block was a true gearhead and bought a rare 1986 Ford RS200.
Ken Block claimed that his 1986 Ford RS200 was his dream car. The RS200, a British-designed rally car, was originally manufactured for homologation. It is designed to compete in Group B. Block couldn’t keep his car stock as usual. Block’s modified turbocharged 2.1L four cylinder unit produces a staggering 700hp. Pure insanity.
6 1991 Ford Escort Cosworth
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The Ford Escort was never anything remarkable in America. The Escort was a pathetically underpowered product that was sold in North America. The Ford Escort was a legend back on the continent. Perceived by racing fans as a street-legal race car, the Escort is a respected car among amateur and professional race car drivers.
Block’s second Ford Escort Cosworth is a rally-ready car. The Ford Performance and Hoonigan Racing developed the Cosworth V2 with the same Ford YB motor as the regular Escort Cosworth. Block modified his Escort to produce 371 horsepower. This is the first time Block did not extract as much power as possible from one of his cars as the YB engine can easily be pushed to 500 hp.
5 2014 Ford F-150 Raptor
Super trucks are not new. In the 1960s, the first supertruck was introduced. The first car company to combine power and off-road capability would not appear until the 2010s. Ford’s first F-150 SVT Raptor was released in 2010. The Raptor would rapidly generate a strong fan base.
The Ford F-150 SVT Raptor is undeniably one of the most influential trucks of the last 15 years. Block partnered with Ford Performance to create a wild Raptor on snow tracks after the success of the F-150 SVT Raptor. Built in collaboration with SVC Offroad, the Raptortrax comes with the Whipple supercharged 6.2L V8 that pumps out north of 650 hp.
4 2016 Ford Mustang Mach-E
The Mustang is one of Ford’s oldest nameplates. The Mustang is a popular domestic model, but it has also been a huge success internationally. The adored pony car proved that it still has much to offer. Ford did name the ad campaign for the latest Dark Horse A Wake-Up Call. The Mustang nameplate was tarnished by the Mach-E. While it is true that the Mach-E was an atrocity, Ken Block found ways to make it an enjoyable vehicle.
There are several reasons why electric car fans would buy a Ford Mustang Mach-E over a Tesla Model Y. The Mustang Mach-E is a Ford car, but it won’t fall apart like the Tesla Model Y. While still working with Ford Performance, Block had the chance to take part in a drifting session with a Mach-E modified to produce a staggering 1,400 hp.
3 2021 Subaru Impreza WRX STi
When the Impreza first appeared in the early ’90s, it was hard to foresee the fact that it would become an icon. Colin McRae, a Scottish WRC pilot, would win many rallies with Subaru. Block returned to rallying with Subaru in 2021. Block went for a 2021 Impreza WRX STI. A 34 mm restrictor allowed the turbocharged 2.0L boxer unit to produce 330 horsepower. Though far less powerful than the Impreza featured in the Gymkhana Practice video, the rally version is still an outstanding track-ready Impreza.
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2021 Skoda Fabia R5+ Via skoda-storyboard.com
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2022 Audi S1
Via audi-mediacenter.com Carmakers all over the world started emphasizing electric vehicles. To some car aficionados, electric cars are laughable. Although the driving experience is different, electric cars are showing the world how things are slowly but surely changing. Audi is well aware of this and made it clear with the e-tron Series.
Auto - Show Biz clinic originally published at Auto - Show Biz clinic
