Currently reading: Audi S1 E-tron Quattro Hoonitron makes public debut
Extreme motorsports hero Ken Block will use the electric weapon in an upcoming Gymkhana video

Audi Sport has shown the one-off Audi S1 E-tron Quattro Hoonitron, built for Ken Block to use in an upcoming Gymkhana video, in public for the first time at Monterey Car Week.

Inspired by the rally car that won the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb in 1987, it uses Audi RS E-tron GT underpinnings, extensively reworked to meet Block’s demands.

Full performance details have yet to be disclosed, but Block said the car is “capable of spinning into a donut at 150kph [93mph] directly from standstill”.

Audi hoonitron 2022 rear quarter static

The car was developed at Audi Sport’s Neckarsulm base, with the styling handled by Audi design boss March Lichte.

The inspiration from the bodywork came directly from the Sport Quattro S1 that competed at Pikes Peak in 1987.

Lichte described it as “the opportunity to develop a car that combines an icon of our brand with the future”.

He added that the project took just four weeks and that Block was extensively involved in the design process.

Block said: “The S1 Hoonitron combines a lot of what Audi was already famous for in the 1980s. I think it’s cool that the Audi designers have been inspired by their own past and uniquely transferred the car’s technologies and appearance into the present.” 

The American tested the car for the first time in November 2021 and will use it in his forthcoming Elektrikhana video, the latest entry in his hugely popular Gymkhana series.

James Attwood

James Attwood, digital editor
Title: Acting magazine editor

James is Autocar's acting magazine editor. Having served in that role since June 2023, he is in charge of the day-to-day running of the world's oldest car magazine, and regularly interviews some of the biggest names in the industry to secure news and features, such as his world exclusive look into production of Volkswagen currywurst. Really.

Before first joining Autocar in 2017, James spent more than a decade in motorsport journalist, working on Autosport, autosport.com, F1 Racing and Motorsport News, covering everything from club rallying to top-level international events. He also spent 18 months running Move Electric, Haymarket's e-mobility title, where he developed knowledge of the e-bike and e-scooter markets. 

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manicm 15 December 2021
Lest anyone said Audi has no sense of humour, may they be condemned to drive a boring 2011 BMW 6 series coupe forever.
Peter Cavellini 15 December 2021

What a wild looking thing!, looking forward to seeing the Video!