Ken Block’s Audi S1 Hoonitron

Ken Block’s partnership with Audi has gone past modifying vehicles to constructing the one-off S1 E-Tron Quattro Hoonitron for Block’s upcoming “Elektrikhana” video. Block not too long ago confirmed off this distinctive construct in a deep-dive video.

Unveiled in December 2021, the Hoonitron S1 is a tribute to the Audi Sport Quattro S1 E2 Pikes Peak, which dominated the legendary hill climb and was considered one of Block’s earliest automotive inspirations. It is also the most costly automotive ever constructed for considered one of Block’s movies. Block estimates about $12 million, however Audi will not truly say how a lot it prices.

Working with an automaker has its benefits, not simply in how a lot cash will be thrown at a mission, however in how rapidly a automotive can get constructed. The Hoonitron took about six months to finish, in comparison with about two years for Block’s “Hoonicorn” Ford Mustang. And the Hoonicorn was primarily based on an current automotive.

The bespoke chassis and electrical powertrain yielded a automotive that is a bit longer and wider than the unique S1 Pikes Peak, whereas sustaining that automotive’s proportions. 4 battery packs from a Q7 plug-in hybrid (a mannequin not offered within the U.S.) sit low in the midst of the chassis. They supply sufficient vary for a full day’s video filming, with a charging break throughout lunch.

The packs’ place optimize weight distribution and decrease the middle of gravity. That additionally means Block sits on high of the batteries, in a reclined, elevated-leg place that is extra Method 1 automotive than rally automotive.

An electrical motor is positioned at every axle for all-wheel drive (one motor can be disengaged for rear-wheel drive). They energy the wheels by way of standard differentials, that are nonetheless obligatory regardless of the motors’ instantaneous torque as a result of they provide larger management for initiating and sustaining drifts. The motors are the identical ones utilized in Method E racing, particularly from Audi’s Season 5 race automotive. Audi stop Method E after Season 7 to concentrate on its Dakar Rally and LMDh sports activities automotive applications. 

The electrical powertrain required some changes for Block’s driving model. With no clutch or standard handbrake, he has to rely extra on throttle modulation to get the optimum quantity of wheelspin for drifting and donuts. However, electrical motors’ instantaneous torque gives faster acceleration, and the Hoonitron may even be pushed in reverse at full pace (when a software program limiter is disengaged, that’s).

Block regular kills about 40 tires when making a Gymkhana video. The Hoonitron claimed greater than 100 tires.

The Hoonitron additionally options customized Rotiform wheels impressed by the the unique Quattro S1 wheels. They match the S1-inspired bodywork, which features a NACA duct that pulls cooling air right into a collection of rear-mounted radiators. Nonetheless, the suspension has been up to date to a contemporary rally-style setup, with uneven parts that may be swapped to different corners of the automotive, decreasing the quantity of spares that have to be dropped at a shoot.

For way more on the design and engineering of the Hoonitron, click on on the video above.

It will not be lengthy earlier than we get to see the Hoonitron in motion. “Electrikhana” premieres on YouTube Oct. 25. Keep tuned.