Ken Block’s passing earlier this year shocked the world. As someone who obsessively followed the Gymkhana series growing up, the news hit particularly hard, because not only have we lost a true legend in the automotive world, we’re also saying goodbye to the Gymkhana videos, forever.
But as it turns out, it wasn’t quite the farewell we expected. Back in December 2022, shortly before his unfortunate passing, Ken Block and the Hoonigan team actually brought the Audi S1 Hoonitron to Mexico City for yet another instalment of the Gymkhana series. Now more than a year later, they’ve finally taken the project off the shelves as a fitting tribute to the late Ken Block.
We don’t want to spoil it too much, but the final video, dubbed Electrikhana Two, is a little different from the usual. In addition to the usual crazy tyre-slaying antics with Ken Block behind the wheel, the Mexico City instalment also gives us a slightly behind-the-scenes look at how these wild videos are made.
And don’t forget to keep some tissue handy, because the final credit montage at the end will definitely make you tear at least a little.
In terms of cars, Electrickhana 2 features a significantly upgraded Audi S1 Hoonitron, taking in account the learnings from its previous outing in Las Vegas to further push the boundaries of a performance EV.
One of the biggest improvements, the company says, is the addition of a “simulated gears” feature to allow for more controlled slides. Unlike before, which sent the wheels spinning at max speeds at a jab of the throttle pedal, the new feature essentially limits the motors’ RPM in stepped “gears” to cater to the variety of different rally-inspired drifts Block does in a single run – including one that switches the drivetrain to reverse mid-drift (see 7:15 in the video).
There’s also the new ability to instantly switch from all-wheel to rear-wheel drive, as well as a “differential” tuning to influence chassis balance – all of these only possible with a fully-electric drivetrain.
Of course, the opening shot, with the front and rear axles spinning in opposite direction for a standstill AWD burnout, would already leave you jaw-dropped.
Fifteen years since the very first Gymkhana video took the internet by storm, they are now ending it with a truly incredible finale – so be sure to give it a watch if you haven’t already. And if you’re getting teary-eyed like us, prepare to bawl when you see his daughter, Lia, continue his legacy by taking the 1,400 hp Hoonipigasus up Pikes Peak.
Rest in peace, Ken Block, you will always be missed.
