The Legendary Hoonicorn RTR: A Revolution in Automotive Performance

The Hoonicorn RTR, a heavily modified 1965 Ford Mustang, is one of the most recognizable and influential vehicles in modern car culture. Developed by the late Ken Block and his team at Hoonigan, this machine was built to push the limits of what a performance car could achieve. The Hoonicorn blends the classic appeal of American muscle cars with cutting-edge motorsport technology, creating a vehicle that has captivated millions through Block’s Gymkhana series and various high-profile racing events.

From its inception in 2013 to its evolution into the Hoonicorn V2, this car has continuously redefined performance expectations, cementing itself as one of the most unique and aggressive Mustangs ever built. Let’s take a deep dive into the history of this remarkable machine, exploring its origins, its technical innovations, and the unforgettable moments that have made it a legend.

The Birth of the Hoonicorn (2013-2014)

Ken Block was already an established motorsports icon before the Hoonicorn project began. As a professional rally driver and co-founder of DC Shoes, Block had made a name for himself with his Gymkhana series—highly stylized and precision-based stunt-driving videos featuring extreme drifting and technical maneuvers.

By 2013, Block and his team at Hoonigan wanted to create a car unlike anything seen before—a vehicle that combined classic muscle car aesthetics with modern racecar engineering. The goal was to build the ultimate all-wheel-drive (AWD) Gymkhana machine, capable of executing mind-bending drifts, slides, and donuts in extreme urban and mountain environments.

The Design and Engineering

Block enlisted the help of Ash Thorp, a renowned designer, along with a team of top engineers to bring the concept to life. They selected a 1965 Ford Mustang as the base chassis but quickly realized that nearly every component would need to be custom-built.

The Hoonicorn’s construction was handled by RTR (Ready to Rock), a company founded by professional drifter Vaughn Gittin Jr., in collaboration with the motorsport specialists at AutoSport Dynamics (ASD). The final result was an awe-inspiring machine that debuted in 2014’s Gymkhana SEVEN, tearing through the streets of Los Angeles in spectacular fashion.

Hoonicorn V1 (2014-2016): The First AWD Monster Mustang

The original Hoonicorn, also known as Hoonicorn V1, was a groundbreaking vehicle for several reasons. It was the first all-wheel-drive (AWD) performance Mustang ever built, offering unprecedented handling capabilities. This setup allowed Block to execute incredibly precise slides and drifts with a level of control never before seen in a Mustang.

Powertrain and Performance

• Engine: Naturally aspirated Roush-Yates 410 cubic-inch (6.7L) V8

• Horsepower: 845 hp

• Drivetrain: Sadev all-wheel-drive system with a six-speed sequential transmission

• Chassis: Custom tubular frame with an aggressive wide-body design

• Suspension: Race-spec long-travel suspension with fully adjustable dampers

The car’s raw power, combined with its lightweight carbon-fiber bodywork, made it an absolute monster on the streets. The wide stance and custom 18-inch wheels wrapped in sticky Toyo Proxes R888R tires gave it superior traction and grip.

Gymkhana SEVEN and Beyond

The Hoonicorn V1 made its global debut in Gymkhana SEVEN, a video that showcased Block sliding through Los Angeles in a high-speed ballet of smoke and tire destruction. The video became an instant hit, amassing millions of views and solidifying the Hoonicorn’s place in automotive history.

Beyond Gymkhana, the Hoonicorn V1 also appeared at:

• Goodwood Festival of Speed, where it tackled the famous hill climb

• Top Gear’s “Ken Block Drifts London”, a stunning showcase of its urban drifting capabilities

The car’s overwhelming success led Block and his team to push the limits even further—giving birth to an even more extreme version: Hoonicorn V2.

Hoonicorn V2 (2016-Present): Twin-Turbo Insanity

In 2016, Block and his team decided that 845 horsepower wasn’t enough. To take the Hoonicorn to new heights, they introduced Hoonicorn V2, a 1,400-horsepower twin-turbo monster fueled by methanol.

Hoonicorn V2: The Upgrades

• Engine: The same 410 cubic-inch Roush-Yates V8, but now fitted with twin turbochargers

• Fuel System: Converted to methanol, allowing for extreme power output

• Horsepower: A staggering 1,400 hp

• Torque: Over 1,200 lb-ft

• Top Speed: Well over 200 mph

The addition of twin Garrett turbochargers, protruding menacingly from the hood, gave the car an even more aggressive aesthetic while significantly increasing its power-to-weight ratio.

Climbkhana: Conquering Pikes Peak

With Hoonicorn V2, Block tackled Pikes Peak, one of the most dangerous and legendary hill climbs in motorsports history. The video, titled Climbkhana, showcased the Hoonicorn roaring up the 12.42-mile mountain road, navigating 156 turns with breathtaking precision—all while producing massive plumes of tire smoke.

This was a defining moment for the Hoonicorn, proving that it wasn’t just a stunt car—it was a true performance beast capable of tackling one of the world’s most challenging roads.

The Hoonicorn Legacy and Lia Block’s Future

Ken Block’s tragic passing in January 2023 left a void in the motorsport community, but his legacy continues to live on through the Hoonicorn and his family. His daughter, Lia Block, has stepped up to take the wheel of the Hoonicorn in recent years.

Lia has already showcased her incredible driving skills behind the Hoonicorn, competing in Hoonigan’s “This vs. That” drag race series, where she has taken on some of the world’s fastest cars.

In addition, the Hoonicorn has been exhibited at prestigious automotive events, including:

• The Petersen Automotive Museum, where it was part of “The Cars of Ken Block” display

• SEMA, the premier automotive aftermarket expo

• Goodwood Festival of Speed, where it continues to draw massive crowds

The Hoonicorn RTR is more than just a car—it is a cultural phenomenon. It represents the fusion of art, engineering, and pure passion for motorsports.

From its origins as Ken Block’s ultimate Gymkhana weapon to its Pikes Peak domination and now its continued legacy under Lia Block, the Hoonicorn remains one of the most iconic builds in automotive history.

Ken Block’s vision of blending classic American muscle with cutting-edge race technology changed the game forever, inspiring a new generation of car enthusiasts, engineers, and racers. His legacy will continue to fuel innovation in the motorsports world for years to come.