Audi builds S1 e-tron Quattro Hooniron for Ken Block; Here is your first look

Audi Sport has developed an all-electric Audi S1 ​​e-tron Quattro Hoonitron for use in its upcoming Gymkhana video. Two electric motors, four-wheel drive, power galore, a carbon fiber chassis and the comprehensive safety standards prescribed by the governing body of motorsport, the FIA ​​- these are just the stats of the S1 Hoonitron. In November, the driver got to know the car for the first time. “Audi gave me the opportunity to test it for a few days in Germany,” explains Ken Block. “I know a wide variety of cars that use internal combustion engines and transmissions, but there was a lot of new things for me to learn here. Donut spinning at 150 km / h straight from the stop – just using my right foot – is a whole new experience for me. Our work was focused on getting the car and I got used to each other. My thanks go to the entire Audi Sport team for their exceptional teamwork.
The entire development, including the technology, of the S1 Hoonitron was carried out by Audi Sport at the Neckarsulm site – a perfect fit for the project, as this is also where the Audi RS e-tron GT1 is. produced. Audi Design in Ingolstadt was responsible for the styling, which was anything but ordinary work for Marc Lichte and his team. “When we first heard about this project, the whole team was immediately delighted: we had the opportunity to develop a car that combines an icon of our brand with the future,” said the designer. in chief of Audi. The challenges were huge: “It was about creating a modern, all-electric interpretation of the S1 Pikes Peak. The schedule was extremely tight: while our design process normally takes a year to a year and a half, we only had four weeks between the first drawing and the final design. We were in constant contact with Ken Block and his team and engaged in intensive discussions.

Fans will soon be able to see for themselves the success of the American star with the project: under the working title Elektrikhana, Ken Block and his team will produce the next video of his famous Gymkhana series with the S1 Hoonitron. “The collaboration with Audi is a very special partnership for me. The brand and its passion for motorsport motivated me to get into rallying, ”says Ken Block. “The fact that Audi has now developed this car for me and my team, and joined us in our next project, has made a dream come true for me. The Hoonitron writes the next chapter in our story and projects our Gymkhana story into the future.
A story of the future that everyone at Audi is looking forward to: “Knowing that we are developing a car for a video with Ken Block that millions of people around the world will watch has provided our team with added motivation. . »Says Marc Lichte. “These new inspirations are also extremely important for our daily work. The development of this car will encourage us to approach future projects with an even more open and progressive mindset.