Audi refers to the legendary model in Pikes Peak Hill Climb, one of the oldest automobile races in America, which has been going on since 1916. From the Audi Sport quattro S1 to the Audi S1 Hoonitron…
Audi recalls the legendary Audi Sport quattro S1 at the famous Pikes Peak Hill Climb, also known as "Race to the Clouds" event. But this time in an all-electric version: the Audi S1 Hoonitron.
Specially developed for American drift pilot Ken Block, the quattro Hoonitron is a one-of-a-kind and fully electric car. The special video that Block will shoot with this vehicle will also be released in the next few months.
Block: "S1 Hoonitron inspired by the past"
Saying that Audi has been passionate about rally cars from an early age, Ken Block said, “The S1 Hoonitron combines many things that Audi was already famous for in the 1980s. For example, the amazing aerodynamics of the car have now been translated into a completely modern form. I think it's great that Audi designers have uniquely brought the technology and look of the car to the present with inspiration from the past.” he said.
Two electric motors, all-wheel drive, plenty of power, a carbon fiber chassis and safety standards set by the FIA, motorsport's top governing body, make the S1 Hoonitron very short. Ken Block, who first used the car in November, said: “Audi gave me the opportunity to test the car in Germany for a few days. I am familiar with a wide variety of cars with internal combustion engines and transmissions. However, there were many new things to learn here. It is a completely new experience for me to reach 150 km/h from a standing position and turn using only my right foot. We soon got used to each other. I would also like to thank the entire Audi Sport team for their outstanding teamwork.” said.
Marc Lichte : “We had the opportunity to connect an icon with the future”
The entire development process of the S1 Hoonitron, including its technology, was handled by Audi Sport in Neckarsulm. This is also where the Audi RS e-tron GT was developed and produced. Saying that they were extremely excited when they first heard about the project, Marc Lichte, chief designer of Audi Design in Ingolstadt, said: “We had the opportunity to develop a car that combined an icon of our brand with the future. There were great difficulties. Creating a modern, all-electric interpretation of the S1 Pikes Peak was not easy. Time was also extremely limited. While our design process normally takes one to one and a half years, we only had four weeks from initial drawing to final design. We were in constant communication with Ken Block and his team and exchanged extensive information.” he said.
Everyone at Audi expects this
The entire development process of the S1 Hoonitron, including its technology, was handled by Audi Sport in Neckarsulm. This is also where the Audi RS e-tron GT was developed and produced. Saying that they were extremely excited when they first heard about the project, Marc Lichte, chief designer of Audi Design in Ingolstadt, said: “We had the opportunity to develop a car that combined an icon of our brand with the future. There were great difficulties. Creating a modern, all-electric interpretation of the S1 Pikes Peak was not easy. Time was also extremely limited. While our design process normally takes one to one and a half years, we only had four weeks from initial drawing to final design. We were in constant communication with Ken Block and his team and exchanged extensive information.” he said.
From Gymkhana to Elektrikhana
Fans of the US star will be able to see the results of this project very soon. Ken Blok and his team will shoot the next adapted video of the famous Gymkhana series, featuring the S1 Hoonitron, under the name Elektrikhana. Stating that the collaboration with Audi is very special for him, Block said, “Audi and his passion for motor sports motivated me to participate in rallies. It's a dream come true for me to have Audi develop this model for me and my team, to join us in our next project. Hoonitron is writing the next chapter in our history and taking our Gymkhana story into the future.” said.
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