The next edition of Ken Block’s Gymkhana film series, ‘Electrikhana,’ will sound and feel a lot different than previous iterations. It will feature the factory-built concept gymkhana car the Audi S1 e-Tron Quattro Hoonitron.
When Block mashes the throttle on the new Hoonitron it shouldn’t blow out the eardrums of anyone standing within earshot. But that’s not to say the car doesn’t promise the beastly performance the Hoonigan lineage demands — nor that Block isn’t childishly excited to get in the driver’s seat. There will no doubt be a lot of spinning tire sound and smoke!
“Audi’s efforts in the WRC, specifically with their Group B cars, along with their wins at Pikes Peak in the 1980s, is what led me down the path to become a rally driver,” said Block. “The all-electric Hoonitron is essentially a fully modernized version of one [those] legendary cars, so I’m extremely excited for this.”
S1 Hoonitron
In renderings, it looks (characteristically) straight out of a Hot Wheels box. Aggressive scoops, graphite black and rally red livery, and a wraparound wing give the electric car spaceship appeal.
The car takes after the Group B Audi Sport Quattro S1 E2, a muscly hatchback in its own right. White mags and an upright A-pillar drive home bossy ’80s flair. Gaping rear intakes make the fenders meet the spoiler on a continuous surface.
Currently, a 3D model of the adapted Hoonitron sits alongside the Sport Quattro S1 E2 in the Audi design shop. Clearly, it carries a modernized strain of the old car’s design DNA—opposing angles on the front and rear wings, inset doors, and a comparatively short wheelbase.
That’s where the Hoonitron starts to diverge — the car is a bit longer and wider to accommodate a battery pack. The front fender floats over the hood to boost aerodynamics, channeling air over the lower-profile roof.
The inset laser lights built into the front of the car not only provide some rally car vibes but should also make the car pop when filming Electrikhana.
When Does the Rubber Hit the Road?
For now, we’ll have to wait to watch the Hoonitron go. Audi remains outwardly mum on performance specs. If the Hoonigan team knows the details, they’re hiding them somewhere beyond the mortal realm.
However, Ken Block himself is in the same boat in some ways. Looking but not touching (and/or stunt driving) seems to make him antsy.
“The next step for me,” he says, then lowers his voice to a whisper, “is actually getting to drive this thing. Yes — that’s happening soon.”
We hope so. Keep track on Block’s YouTube channel.
