What may be one of the most unique competition cars ever built, was revealed this past weekend at the Gymkhana World Tour in Los Angeles, CA. World class rally driver, Ken Block, showed a new, Ford Fiesta that is optimized to run in three different series.
Based on M-Sport’s current 2011 Ford Fiesta RS WRC car, the race car now sports the 600 hp/665 ft-lb 2.0-liter engine, as used in the previous Ford Focus RS WRC car. Dubbed the Hybrid, or Hybrid Function Hoon Vehicle (H.F.H.V.), the vehicle is ineligible for WRC competition, but will become Block’s car for stage rallies, ghymkana and rallycross racing.
“The H.F.H.V. is the best of all worlds for me,” said Block. “The current WRC Fiesta is the greatest handling car I have driven, but it lacks the sheer grunt that the 2.0L engine in the WRC Focus created. The H.F.H.V. brings those two things together, and the result is a manic beast that is just too much fun to drive.”
Using an adjustable coilover suspension, the car’s handling characteristics and ride height can be adjusted to suit the event at hand. As well, engine mapping is updated for competitions that require restrictor plates, while replaceable body parts and other components may be switched in and out of duty as needed.
“Many people may not realize this, but despite the fundamental similarities between stage rally, rallycross and gymkhana, in order to be the best at each, you must have specific built vehicles,” explained Block. “My WRC Fiesta just can’t do what my Gymkhana Fiesta can, and vice versa. But having to campaign three separate cars is a nightmare, so we built one car that can be transformed to suit each form of racing I do on the highest level.”
migrating the car from one configuration to another depends on the requirements, but can take from a half day to a full week. Other changes may involve gear ratios, cooling system relocation, brake system replacement and installation of a passenger seat.
While the conversion process itself may seem complicated, the logistics requirements are significantly reduced, as is the need for different spare parts.
Ken Block’s Hybrid competition car will see its first use next weekend at the Summer X Games 17 in Los Angeles.