SEMA: Ken Block Ford Mustang Hoonicorn RTR

The world's biggest aftermarket motor show, SEMA, was crawling with brand new 2015 Mustang designs but Gymkhana guru Ken Block decided he'd take a different tack by tuning a classic 1965 Ford Mustang notchback.

The almost 50-year-old car has the retro look, but as the star of the upcoming Gymkhana SEVEN feature video – where DC shoes founder Block drifts his car in and out of impossibly tight situations – the Hoonicorn has some seriously cool technology under the metal.

Dubbed "The batsh!t retro-modern all-wheel drive Gymkhana seven Ford Mustang" the PR spin is actually spot on in this instance, as the car is powered by a monstrous 6.7-litre Roush Yates V8 that belts out 630kW/975Nm. That should be just enough poke to get the car sideways, all four tyres smoking madly, making the perfect eye candy for when the car undoubtedly powerslides between a concrete wall and half a dozen fluffy ducklings, all in glorious 1000fps slow motion.

As Ken Block manhandles the vehicle around a street course for Gymkhana SEVEN, which is in post-production, the power from the massive 410 cubic inch crate engine is diverted to all four wheels of the 'Stang via a custom six-speed Sadev SC90-24 transmission sourced from France.

It also gets a powerful hydraulic handbrake system to enable Block's trademark locked-wheel slides.

Other features of the car comprise customised componentry, courtesy of ASD Motorsports – including a tubular chassis, roll cage, door bars and suspension mounts for improved rigidity and control. There's a wide body kit, carbon fibre body work to keep weight down and 18x10.5-inch alloy wheels shod with Pirelli Trofeo R tyres, measuring 295/30.

The tyres feature a 'custom Ken Block compound', a special blend of silica believed to provide measured levels of grip, slip and smoke.

According to Hoonigan, the car shop that designs Ken Block's vehicles, the Hoonicorn was a collaboration between Block, Hoonigan and RTR. The latter is Vaughn Gittin Jr's automotive tuning brand. Like Block, Gittin is sponsored by Ford and the Monster Energy drink company.

Assembled by ASD Motorsports in North Carolina in the States, the build took two years and replaces Ken Block's iconic Ford Fiesta, whose 485kW/880Nm was clearly not enough power for the new Gymkhana video, which appears to be based on public roads as opposed to the custom course in Gymkhana 6, which can be viewed at the bottom of this page.

The design of the Hoonicorn was influenced by German touring cars (DTM), World Rally cars (WRC) and even toy cars from Block's childhood. It features what is possibly the largest rear diffuser ever seen on a Mustang, ultra-low ground effects including front spoiler, bronze wheels and side exhaust pipes that will no doubt belch flames.

"This is a project that I’ve been working on for two years, so to see it fully come to fruition and be able to drive it for Gymkhana SEVEN was absolutely amazing," said Block.

"I also knew that working with Vaughn [Gittin Jr.] and his RTR team was the right choice for this project since Mustangs are their world. But they really went above and beyond on this car. The attention to detail with the fabrication and bodywork blows my mind.

"This is hands-down the best Gymkhana car I’ve had yet," he said.