Not long after being revealed, Ken Block handed the keys to his very special 1978 Ford Escort Mk2 RS to Hoonigan driver Ryan Tuerck. Interestingly, Tuerck was the man behind the wheel of the Escort in its competitive debut at last weekend’s Monster Energy Gymkhana GRID event at Santa Pod Raceway in the UK. Before that happened, Tuerck had the chance to drive the car in the U.S. and in the following video, shows off his skills as well as the capabilities of Block’s latest creation.
Beneath the Rocket Bunny bodykit and panels, the car is powered by a custom 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine delivering a total of 333 hp and revving all the way to 9000 rpm. Coupled to the engine is a six-speed sequential transmission driving the rear wheels.
As mentioned, the car has been adorned with a bodykit from Japanese marque Rocket Bunny and is the only Escort of its kind. Inspiration for its bodykit comes from Block’s former Hoonicorn RTR Ford Mustang as well as numerous other cars from Hoonigan Racing and Rocket Bunny. A set of classic two-piece fifteen52 white wheels have also been fitted.