Skip advert
Advertisement

Ken Block unveils Ford Escort RS Cosworth for 2018

Gymkhana star Ken Block will be competing across various rally disciplines in this Ford Escort RS Cosworth over the course of 2018.

Ken Block has shown off his custom-liveried Ford Escort RS Cosworth to the public for the first time ahead of a busy season of rallying.

Hoonigan Racing’s efforts to homologate the blue oval icon for the numerous series in which Block will enter it, extend beyond the new Death Spray-designed, lighting bolt livery. It’s been fitted with a 1997-specification Ford Escort WRC 2-litre turbo-four, featuring period upgrades including a lighter engine block and strengthened internals, that pushes out 395bhp and 405lb ft of torque. Power will make its way to the wheels via a seven-speed sequential gearbox, and spent gases will be expelled through side-exit exhausts.

Advertisement - Article continues below

> Ford Focus RS review

Hoonigan Racing has stopped short of disclosing the suspension set-up underpinning Block’s Cossie, however it has said it will be capable of handling both tarmac and gravel-based terrains, implying the suspension is fully adjustable.

A wide scope to modify the RS will be necessary with Block due to contest various rounds of multiple rallying championships. Block is competing in the Cossie for the first time this year in the Oregon Trail rally this weekend.

Talking about his iconic RS, Block said: ‘I love my old Cossie and I’m looking forward to going and pushing it here in America during some events.’

> New Ford Focus ST spied testing

Block is due to release the next instalment in the Gymkhana video trilogy this autumn, which has been titled GymkhanaTEN, however he’s yet to confirm if the Escort will feature.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Ford Escort RS Cosworth (1992 - 1996) – history, review and specs of Ford's rally star
Ford Escort RS Cosworth
Reviews

Ford Escort RS Cosworth (1992 - 1996) – history, review and specs of Ford's rally star

It was a poster car for a generation and the ‘Cossie’ now has a cult following
12 Feb 2025
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Best cars of the 2000s – the best cars from the best of times
Best cars of the 2000s
Best cars

Best cars of the 2000s – the best cars from the best of times

The 2000s was a decade that went supernova for the performance car market. We count down just a few of the very best cars of the decade
6 Oct 2025
When Performance Car magazine closed, two writers and a Subaru kept driving
Subaru Impreza Turbo
Opinion

When Performance Car magazine closed, two writers and a Subaru kept driving

Porter recounts the extraordinary day that led to the birth of evo
6 Oct 2025
RML GT Hypercar review – the Porsche 911 taken to the ultimate extreme
RML GT Hypercar front
Reviews

RML GT Hypercar review – the Porsche 911 taken to the ultimate extreme

As close as anything’s gotten to being a modern day 911 GT1, the RML GT hypercar is a 900bhp monster
7 Oct 2025