Ken Block is back with a new chapter of Gymkhana video series. DC Shoes: Ken Block’s Gymkhana FOUR; the Hollywood Megamercial (GYM4) is the latest installment in the series and it was filmed on the back lots of Universal Studios Hollywood. The GYM4 Fiesta, was unveiled by the Monster World Rally Team prior to X Games 17 at Block’s Gymkhana World Tour stop in Los Angeles. Designated the H.F.H.V. Fiesta (Hybrid Function Hoon Vehicle), it is purpose built to transform between the specialized set-ups required for Gymkhana (stage rally and rallycross), thus the Hybrid designation by the Monster World Rally Team.
The chassis of the H.F.H.V. Fiesta is based on M-Sport’s current 2011 Ford Fiesta RS WRC car, but in order to achieve the power outputs required for both rallycross and gymkhana, the 1.6L engine has been replaced with a Pipo Moteurs-built 2.0L, inline-four cylinder. This mill is based off the powerplant found previously in the Ford Focus RS WRC car, a motor that has over 10 years of development. The result is a massive 600hp and 665 ft. lbs. of torque when using the 45mm restrictor. While the 2.0l engine makes the H.F.H.V. ineligible for WRC competition, the addition of a 34mm restrictor will allow the car to compete in the Rally America series. Engine management is handled by Cosworth Electronics.
Mated to this 2.0-liter Ford motor is a custom AWD system designed by Sadev. The drivetrain features a 6-speed Sadev sequential transmission and three adjustable Sadev mechanical differentials. Different gear ratios are used for each of the Hybrid’s three modes. To handle the varying surface conditions, specific Reiger suspension set-ups have been developed for each of the three modes. The transformations from each of the modes range from half a day, to a whole day’s work. The rallycross and gymkhana set-ups are the most similar, but each discipline still requires different gear ratios, entirely different suspension settings, as well as a different wheel and tire combinations, in addition to engine mapping adjustments. The conversion to stage rally, however, is even more involved, including an entire relocation of the cooling system from back to front, a smaller brake set-up, and the addition of a Recaro Ultima seat for a co-driver, a smaller turbo and items such as functional headlights to replace the faux lamps to make the H.F.H.V. road worthy.
