Ken Block’s New 600bhp Ford Focus RS Rallycross Machine Looks Mean As Hell

As I’m sure that you’re already aware, Gymkhana star Ken Block was heavily involved in the development and marketing of the new Ford Focus RS. After years of hooning four-wheel drive weapons, he helped calibrate the car’s brilliant drift mode, assisted with the vehicle’s chassis set-up and ultimately helped Ford produce one hell of a hot-hatch. He also appeared in numerous advertisements for the Blue Oval, and even went through the pain of being interviewed by our own Alex Kersten at the car’s international launch.

Thankfully for Block, all this hard work wasn’t in vain. Ford has now officially confirmed that Block and his Hoonigan Racing Division team have secured two examples of the new rallycross-spec Ford Focus RS for a full season of FIA World Rallycross. Details are scarce, but Ford has claimed the new rallycross machine will produce upwards of 600bhp from its 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, allowing for a 0-60mph time of under two seconds.

The car also features SLA-type suspension, gravel-specification Brembo brakes, an FIA-approved roll cage, and a Sadev six-speed sequential gearbox. To create this beast, Hoonigan Racing, Ford Performance and major rally tuning company M-Sport have all pitched in. Ultimately, Ford needs to outshine and outperform Sebastien Loeb and his rapid Peugeot 208. No expense has been spared, with drivers Block and Andreas Bakkerud receiving full factory support from Ford - a huge advantage in the ultra competitive world of Rallycross.

Block is clearly happy with the deal, stating:

“To have official factory support for my race season in 2016 and beyond as I enter the FIA World Rallycross Championship full-time is absolutely incredible. It opens up a ton of powerful resources that myself and my team will be able to benefit from in terms of engineering prowess, research, development and racing experience from different fields. Plus, have you seen the car that they’ve created for me to go race in? My mind was blown when they showed it to me in Dearborn a few months ago. I absolutely cannot wait to get behind the wheel and start testing.”

We can’t wait to see the car in full race-ready specification at the first round of the World Rallycross Championship on 15 April.