Rally car driver Ken Block will be joining the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb (PPIHC) using a mid-engined Porsche SVRSR.
According to Hoonigan Racing, the one-of-a-kind Porsche 911 (dubbed as “Hoonipigasus”) was built by Pikes Peak winning Porsche experts, BBi Autosport in partnership with Mobil 1. The vehicle — which is equipped with a twin-turbo power mill that can dish out as much as 1,400hp — was engineered to suit Block’s driving style. It features a “Chorizo” transmission tunnel that goes from shoulder height down to the front axle, resulting in a lower center of gravity.
The Hoonipigasus weighs only 1,000 kilograms and is equipped with a GPS Height-adjusted suspension based on previous year’s telemetry. It will be competing in the Pikes Peak Open (PPO) category.
“The Pikes Peak Hill Climb is one of the big reasons as to why I’m a rally driver,” the Hoonigan co-founder was quoted as saying.
“The list of drivers who have raced and won this hill climb includes many of my heroes: Walter Rohrl, Ari Vatanen, Michelle Mouton, Sebastien Loeb and Rod Millen to name a few. I’ve always wanted the chance to race Pikes Peak at the top level and compete for an overall win — and with our team and BBi Autosport creating this amazing Porsche, we’ve got a good shot! And, with Trouble's wild livery, inspired by one of the most famous Porsches in history, we’ll be hard to miss. I’m stoked to be a part of this iconic race and totally up for the challenge to add my name to those that have gone the fastest overall in the most technically challenging hill climb on the planet,” he added.
Further, Hoonigan Racing shared that BBi Autosport is throwing its full support to Block in his attempt to take the first overall in the event.
"The Hoonipigasus is an absolute dream-come-true type of build,” BBi Autosport Founder Betim Berisha said. “It doesn't get any more mental from a tech, power, aero, and visual standpoint. The original vision of the car came from a longtime friend of mine, Joe Scarbo of Scarbo Performance, nearly a decade ago. We then teamed up with our most talented engineers and designers, threw the book out, and took an unconventional path. We are building the world's nastiest 911."
Meanwhile, Block and Hoonigan teamed up with internationally-acclaimed street artist Trevor Andrew (also known as Guccighost and Trouble Andrew) to launch a special livery on the vehicle that pays homage to one of the most iconic racing Porsches in history, the Porsche 917/20 “Pink Pig”.
“When Ken and the team at Hoonigan called, there was no doubt in my mind that I wanted to team up to create something unique and memorable,” Andrew said.
“Reimagining iconic imagery and taking it in new, creative directions drives me, and in many ways my design parallels what Hoonigan and BBi have done with the car. This collaboration allows me to combine two things I love, art and competition, and for me, there’s no better partner for that journey than Ken Block.”
As Mobil 1 is the vehicle’s official motor oil, the Mobil high-flying Pegasus trademark will be featured on the Hoonipigasus — commemorating the brand’s legacy as the winningest motor oil brand on America’s Mountain since 1934.
The 2022 PPIHC is scheduled on June 26, which will be the 100th running of the invitation-only event. The 12.42-mile course has 156 turns and an elevation gain of 4,725 feet, rising to the finish line at 14,115 feet above sea level.
Photos from Hoonigan Racing
Also read:
Porsche launches limited-run 911 Sport Classic
All-new Porsche 911 GT3 blazes through Nürburgring Nordschleife
Copyright © Carmudi 2014-2024. All Rights Reserved.
