Ken Block might be the driver behind the wheel of the sweet rides in the Gymkhana videos, but the real star of the show is always the cool car Block uses. In the Gymkhana 10 video that will debut next month, Block won’t drive a car; he will be hooning a 1977 Ford F-150 truck.
Block says he chose a 1977 F-150 because his dad had one growing up and he learned to drive and do burnouts in it. This nostalgic connection adds a personal touch to the vehicle’s selection, making it more than just a high-performance machine but a tribute to his roots. Block’s F-150 is not stock. It has a tube frame chassis, 914hp EcoBoost Ford Racing V6 from the Ford GT, a sequential 6-speed transmission, and an all-wheel-drive system.
Technical Specifications and Modifications
The modifications on Block’s 1977 F-150 are extensive and impressive. The tube frame chassis provides a lightweight yet strong foundation, essential for the high-stress maneuvers typical in Gymkhana events. The 914hp EcoBoost Ford Racing V6 engine is a powerhouse, borrowed from the Ford GT, ensuring that the truck has more than enough muscle to perform the stunts and tricks that Block is famous for. This engine is a marvel of modern engineering, combining high power output with efficiency.
The sequential 6-speed transmission allows for rapid gear changes, crucial for maintaining control during high-speed maneuvers. Unlike traditional manual transmissions, a sequential gearbox can shift gears in a fraction of a second, which is vital for the precision driving seen in Gymkhana videos. The all-wheel-drive system ensures that power is distributed evenly to all four wheels, providing maximum traction and stability, whether Block is drifting around a corner or launching off a ramp.
The Anticipation and Impact
We don’t get to see the truck in action just yet, but it sounds mean. The anticipation for Gymkhana 10 is palpable, with fans eagerly awaiting to see how the 1977 F-150 performs. Block and his cohorts answer questions about the truck in the video above, giving us a glimpse into the thought process and engineering that went into creating this beast of a machine.
The choice of a 1977 F-150 also highlights a trend in motorsports where classic vehicles are given new life through modern technology. This blend of old and new not only pays homage to automotive history but also showcases the advancements in automotive engineering. The F-150, a symbol of rugged American trucks, is transformed into a high-performance machine capable of competing with the best modern sports cars.
Block’s use of the F-150 in Gymkhana 10 is likely to inspire other enthusiasts to look at classic vehicles in a new light. It demonstrates that with the right modifications, even a truck from the 1970s can become a formidable performance vehicle. This could lead to a resurgence in the popularity of classic trucks, not just as collector’s items but as platforms for high-performance builds.
The video above provides a behind-the-scenes look at the truck and the team behind it. It’s fascinating to see the level of detail and effort that goes into preparing a vehicle for a Gymkhana event. From the custom-built chassis to the high-tech engine, every component is carefully selected and tuned to ensure maximum performance.
via YouTube
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