Ken Block's Ford Escort Gymkhana car

Joining a long list of purpose-built tyre-frying automobiles, Gymkhana legend, rally driver and Hoonigan head-honcho Ken Block has revealed his latest weapon, a 248kW, rear-drive 1978 MkII Ford Escort.

Revealed in a new video, the lightweight classic has been two years in development and was originally used by Block in local rally events after he bought it in 2008.

Powered by a 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated Millington racing engine sourced from the UK, the Escort pumps out 248kW and has a rev ceiling of 9000rpm. It's paired with a six-speed sequential gearbox.

Naturally, the rest of the car has been upgraded to withstand the punishment of Gymkhana trials, which see cars sideways most of the time, with a number of WRC-spec components in use.

"This car has been something I've been working on slowly for a long time now," explained Block. "I'm stoked with how the whole thing turned out.

From a design perspective, Ken Block's new Escort features pumped wheel arches which, along with the rest of the exterior, were designed by Japanese outfit Rocket Bunny.

Naturally, the Hoonigan team has added its own look and feel to the Escort, making use of Pirelli tyres shod to two-piece fifteen52 wheels.

The cockpit has been given the once-over too, with Recaro bucket seats and digitised instruments and Block says that a number of guest drivers will be seen in upcoming videos giving the Escort a good thrashing.

The Hoonigan team has confirmed the Ford Escort will be the star of a new Gymkhana feature video in 2016 and made its public debut last weekend in the UK.

"I’ve only been able to test this car for two days, but I'm looking forward to slaying some more tyres in this thing really soon. The car absolutely rips, especially at 9000rpm," enthused the Block.

His Youtube Gymkhana videos have amassed hundreds of millions of view over the years, making the American driver a pop-culture phenomenon.