Ken Block from the US has made a name for himself as a rally and rallycross driver since 2005. However, the 53-year-old is most famous worldwide for his elaborately produced videos in which he drives high-performance vehicles to the limit at iconic locations. Block is now joining forces with Audi for joint projects with electric vehicles (EVs).
Ken Block was a teenager when the Audi quattro revolutionised the World Rally Championship and the Audi Sport quattro S1 stormed Pikes Peak in the USA in record time. These vehicles made Block dream of becoming a rally driver himself.
Ken Block, professional rally driver, said: “Audi is the brand that ignited my passion for motorsport. I am extremely excited to start this new chapter. Together, we will develop innovative projects and push the boundaries of electric mobility.”
Now, during his first visit to Audi, the American was allowed to drive several historic race and rally cars from his favourite brand. These included the Audi Sport quattro S1, the Audi V8 quattro from the DTM and the futuristic Audi e-tron Vision Gran Turismo.
Block didn’t miss the opportunity to test the most powerful electric vehicle currently in the Audi AG model range, the Audi RS e-tron GT electric car. This speedy electric vehicle was launched by the German carmaker back in February.
The super powerful Audi RS e-tron GT electric car can accelerate from 0-62mph (0-100kph) in just 3.3 seconds and has a top speed of 155mph (250kph), Practically, it also has a range of up to 292miles (472km) of range.
Ken Block, professional rally driver, added: “The Audi RS e-tron GT really surprised me. The design is exquisite with great attention to detail and a perfect finish. The driving experience is amazing and the car is incredibly fast and handles very well. The centre of gravity is very low so you can change direction quickly.”
Ken Block is considered a classic petrolhead because of his history. The American has been re-evaluating this over recent years having tested and raced various electric cars over the last few years.
Block recorded the third-fastest time in the final stage of the 2020 Dakar Rally with an electric prototype and won the inaugural race of the Projekt E”rallycross series at Höljes (Sweden) in the same year.
Ken Block, professional rally driver, concluded: “Electric mobility is the future. I see the electric car as a leap forward for us as a society in order to create something that cannot only reduce emissions and hopefully make the planet a better place.
“It’s also about performance. I love anything that makes me go faster. Electric cars can do that. And as far as sound goes, I have kids who don’t care about that. They think that the sound of electric cars is just as cool as the sound of internal combustion engines.”
