Ken Block’s Audi S1 Hoonitron Detailed Forward Of Electrikhana Debut

Ken Block’s subsequent Gymkhana – renamed Electrikhana for the electrical Audi S1 he’ll be piloting – debuts on October 25. A brand new video from the TheHoonigans YouTube channel exhibits us our first take a look at the occasion’s teaser, however it additionally offers a deep dive into the custom-built Audi race automotive.

The automotive, formally named the Audi S1 E-Tron Quattro Hoonitron, appears in contrast to every other Audi ever. It took the automaker 4 weeks to develop the design and 6 months to show it right into a actuality. For comparability, it took two years to design and construct the Hoonicorn Mustang.

The {custom} EV options 4 battery packs from an Audi Q7 and a dual-motor configuration – one motor for every axle, giving it all-wheel drive. Audi sourced the motors from Components E. Going from a automotive with an inner combustion engine to at least one with electrical motors was a shift for Block. The dearth of a gearbox and third pedal altered how he may management the automotive, typically counting on the clutch to modulate energy in ICE automobiles. That’s not doable within the electrical Audi, however the automotive’s accessible on the spot torque introduced new prospects we’ll see subsequent week, and laid the seeds for future concepts. 

Particular powertrain particulars stay a thriller, together with the automotive’s official output figures. Nonetheless, we all know that the Hoonitron chewed by means of greater than 100 tires throughout filming, greater than double the standard quantity.

Inside, Block sits far again within the cabin along with his ft elevated – just like a Components 1 race automotive driver . It was one of many weirdest seating positions Block had ever skilled. The automotive options two cooling techniques. One is used for regular operation, whereas the opposite assists throughout charging, which was a priority for filming. The crew didn’t need to waste treasured hours ready for the automotive to recharge.

Audi designed the S1 E-Tron Quattro Hoonitron from the bottom up, drawing its design inspiration from the enduring Sport Quattro S1 Pikes Peak racer. We’ll see it in motion quickly sufficient when Block’s Electrikhana video drops subsequent Tuesday. Make sure you tune in to see all of the motion.