Audi S1 Hoonitron & Ken Bock Will Tackle Pikes Peak
Audi S1 Hoonitron gets a dual electric motor powertrain. The EV flaunts design cues that draw inspiration from the original Quattro S1 Pikes Peak racer.
Audi built a very special car for Ken Block’s upcoming Pikes Peak run. The automaker recently revealed the S1 Hoonitron. The electric rally car is a battery-only reinterpretation of the iconic Quattro S1. A lot is going on with this retro-futuristic racer. Audi’s S1 Hoonitron will use two electric motors, which will sit on each axle and power all four wheels.
The German automaker created this rally car within a month for Block to pilot during next year’s Pikes Peak Hill climb event. If you want to check out the action, then catch the Elektrikhana video, which will be released in the coming months. Hoonitron was designed by Audi Design in Ingolstadt under the leadership of Marc Licht, who shared his thoughts on the EV.
“Knowing that we’re developing a car for a video with Ken Block that millions of people around the world are going to watch has provided our team with additional motivation,” said Lichte. He further added, “These new inspirations are also immensely 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.”
The electric racer gets a lightweight body construction and complies with FIA safety standards.
Audi states that Hoonitron’s design will help the electric racer deliver its best performance during the Hillclimb run. Furthermore, the car’s design complies with FIA safety regulations. The rally racer’s aerodynamics are responsible for its impressive handling characteristics. The EV also flaunts big flared arches at the rear, which were not incorporated for function but as an homage to the iconic design of the original Quattro S1.
The Ingolstadt-based automaker has not released any information regarding the performance, top speed, and power figures of the EV. However, thanks to its carbon-fiber tub, Hoonitron’s lightweight construction will offset the weight of its battery pack. In true EV fashion, headlight and taillight clusters of the Hoonitron get elaborate LED treatments. Ken Block also spoke about how much he has to learn about the Audi S1 Hoonitron.
“Audi gave me the opportunity to test it for a few days in Germany,” said Block. He further added, “I’m familiar with a wide variety of cars using internal combustion engines and transmissions, but there were a lot of new things for me to learn here. Spinning into a donut at 150 km/h directly from standstill – just using my right foot – is an all-new experience for me. Our work was focused on getting the car and I used to each other. My thanks go to the whole Audi Sport squad for their outstanding teamwork.”
Image Source: Audi