- Block's car gets a purpose-built engine capable of 850 hp but restricted to 650 hp.
- Ford says the Gymkhana Three Fiesta sprints from zero to 60 mph in 2 seconds.
- The biggest development challenge was creating a car equally adept at tarmac and gravel racing.
SAN FRANCISCO — The location and stunts of Ken Block's Gymkhana Three video, slated for release this summer, are still top secret. But Ford on Wednesday released images of the over-the-top Gymkhana Three 2011 Ford Fiesta that Block will drive in the video.
The custom car gets a "drip pattern" livery that Ford notes is "larger and more pronounced than [Block's] rally car's design."
The 2,425-pound Gymkhana Three Fiesta gets a purpose-built Olsbergs engine "capable of up to 850 brake horsepower, but restricted to 650 hp in order to give Block the torque band he needs to control the car," the automaker noted. The engine is linked to an Olsbergs MSE Maktrak magnesium six-speed paddle-shift sequential transmission. Ford said the car sprints from zero to 60 mph in 2 seconds.
The car's body is altered with a new front bumper design inspired by road-racing cars and includes a carbon splitter to improve aerodynamics.
"Aside from gobs of usable power, the real trick in setting up the Gymkhana Ford Fiesta was building a car for tarmac that handles as if it's on gravel," Block said in a statement. "While most tarmac racecars are designed to grip, we need a car that will still react quickly, but handle loose, while still providing complete control. This is a very delicate balance."
Ford notes that Olsbergs MSE is the same group that runs Block's Rally America program and that won gold at the X Games 15 Rally Competition in a Fiesta last August. Previous Block gymkhana cars included a specially prepared Subaru WRX STI.
Ford says that Block's Fiesta videos on YouTube generated more than 1 million views in the first month alone.
Speaking of Ken Block gymkhana videos on YouTube:
Inside Line says: Call it the ultimate fantasy Ford Fiesta, courtesy of Ken Block and pals. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent
Add A Comment »
Eddie1971 says:
04:15 AM, 04/22/2010
This car has absolutely nothing, even remotely close to the fiesta you can get. At least the STI comes with AWD, and an engine with power. It seems like WRC rallying is getting like NASCAR....pretty soon they will be tube chassis and fiberglass bodies that have no connection to the car you buy at the dealership.
icecubefosho says:
03:25 PM, 04/21/2010
The old rally races where there weren't all AWD cars chock full of safety features to prevent your death were far more entertaining. Ken Block's Monster endorsement sickens me as well.