The heart of the Hoonicorn, a particularly infamous and striking vehicle, is a marvel of engineering that melds raw power with a touch of madness.
At the core of this beast is a monstrous, custom-built 6.7-liter V8 engine supplied by Roush Yates, known for their precision in high-performance racing engines.
This isn’t just any power plant; it’s one specifically designed to handle the rigors of high-intensity driving, capable of producing an astonishing 1,400 horsepower.
Upgrades to this muscular engine include twin GTX3584RS Garrett turbochargers, which introduce a significant boost in power, catapulting the Hoonicorn into a league of its own on the asphalt battleground.
The AWD system tethered to this power is underscored by a six-speed gearbox sourced from Sadev, a French company reputable in the world of racing transmissions.
Together, these components ensure the Hoonicorn’s performance is nothing short of mythical, with torque figures hitting around 1,250 lb-ft, making it an automotive force to be reckoned with.
The Evolution of the Hoonicorn
The Hoonicorn story begins with a 1965 Ford Mustang, transformed into Ken Block’s dream ride for his famed Gymkhana series.
The custom-built Hoonicorn RTR V2 represents the pinnacle of this evolution, a collaboration between Ken Block and the RTR team.
Initially, the Hoonicorn packed a substantial 845 horsepower, but it wasn’t long before Ken Block and team craved more.
The Hoonicorn V2 was born when Block decided to take the vehicle’s capabilities to new extremes.
The addition of two massive turbochargers, now feeding on methanol, cranked the power output to an astonishing 1,400 horsepower.
The All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system is orchestrated by a six-speed Sadev SC90-24 transmission, handling the extraordinary power and ensuring that each Gymkhana performance is nothing less than electrifying.
We know that the heart of the Hoonicorn V2’s dominance in power and performance is the Roush Yates V8, now with a top speed of 255 mph.
It represents a harmonious marriage of classic American muscle and the latest in high-performance racing technology.
The chart below gives a quick comparison between the original Hoonicorn and the upgraded Hoonicorn V2.
| Feature | Hoonicorn | Hoonicorn V2 |
| Engine | Roush Yates 410 ci V8 | Roush Yates 410 ci V8 with turbochargers |
| Horsepower | 845 hp | 1,400 hp |
| Drive Type | AWD | AWD with Sadev Transmission |
| Bodywork | Classic Mustang | Carbon Fiber |
Design and Engineering
The Hoonicorn is a marvel of modern engineering, blending immense power with groundbreaking design features.
Central to its innovation are the powertrain and aesthetic improvements that redefine what a pony car can be.
Powertrain and Performance
Key Specifications:
Under the hood of the Hoonicorn lies a monstrous V8 engine that defies the traditional limits of performance.
Running on
, this engine delivers jaw-dropping power figures that propel the car beyond the realm of conventional street-legal vehicles.
Our powertrain is not just about brute force, it’s a precise blend of components including a Sadev SC90-24 all-wheel-drive transmission, which ensures that the prodigious amounts of torque are delivered efficiently to all four wheels for maximum traction.
Aesthetic and Structural Innovations
Structural and Design Features:
Our commitment to innovation extends beyond performance, focusing also on the vehicle’s design and structural integrity.
We’ve incorporated
to significantly reduce weight while maintaining strength and durability.
The integration of a comprehensive roll cage and chassis built from billet aluminum ensures driver safety and rigidity, harmonizing to create a pony car that not only moves fast but is also a fortress on wheels.
Ford Performance’s involvement is evident in the seamless melding of classic style with modern technology, producing a vehicle that is as much a piece of art as it is a powerhouse.
Racing and Record Breaking
The Hoonicorn is synonymous with raw power and boundary-pushing performances.
Building upon a heavily modified 1965 Ford Mustang, the Hoonicorn boasts an all-wheel-drive system paired with an 845 horsepower, RTR-built V8 engine.
We must acknowledge the collaboration between Hoonigan Racing Division and rally driver Vaughn Gittin Jr., who contributed to the Hoonicorn’s legacy of thrill.
The expertise melded perfectly with the car’s technical prowess.
As the machine carved through the urban sprawl, Pirelli Trofeo R tires gripped the tarmac, translating wild horsepower into a symphony of speed and control.
In high-altitude challenges like Pikes Peak, the Hoonicorn’s performance is a testament to the engineering marvels from the world of rally racing.
Altitude affects engine performance, yet the Hoonicorn raced up the peak, showcasing its capability to conquer steep inclines and thin air.
- All-wheel-drive system mastery
- High altitude agility at Pikes Peak
- Unforgettable runs in Gymkhana series
- Reaching new crowds with viral video success
Combining Toyo tires’ grip with responsive handling, the Hoonicorn not only shatters records but also sets new standards in the automobile exhibition industry.
Cultural Impact and Legacy
The Hoonicorn’s engine is not merely a powertrain; it’s a cultural phenomenon that propelled Ken Block’s automotive ventures into a worldwide sensation.
Collaborative Projects
Key Collaborations:
- Ken Block’s partnership with Hoonigan
- AWD Ford Mustang as a foundational element
- Integration of video projects such as Gymkhana series
- Evolution into projects like Climbkhana: Pikes Peak
In our ventures, we’ve teamed up with industry leaders to push the Hoonicorn’s limits.
These collaborations have yielded thrilling video concepts that have become cornerstones in the automotive and entertainment industries.
Each video project, including ‘Gymkhana’ and ‘Climbkhana: Pikes Peak’, has shown the AWD Ford Mustang’s capabilities, cementing our position as innovators in the field.
Public Perception and Media
Our work has resonated with a vast audience, transcending motoring enthusiasts to grab the attention of a global viewership.
The Hoonicorn, tied closely to Ken Block, has become a breakout star on platforms like YouTube, where viewership numbers soar into the millions:
| Video Project | YouTube Views |
| Gymkhana 7 | Over 58 million |
| Climbkhana: Pikes Peak | Millions |
The media’s portrayal of our projects has fortified our success, amplifying our reach and influence.
Through strategic engagements and authentic storytelling, our video projects have not just entertained but also shaped the world’s perception of experimental automotive achievements.
We love what we do, and it shows in everything we do and more. We share our knowledge, here on Ran When Parked.
- Best Exhaust Tip for Deep Sound: Top Picks for 2025 - May 3, 2025
- Best Clear Coat for Headlights Reviewed: Top Picks for Enhanced Visibility - May 3, 2025
- Best Car Coffee Table Books for Auto Enthusiasts - May 3, 2025