The Gymkhana THREE Fiesta, designed by DC, is emblazoned with similar livery to Blockโs Monster World Rally Team Rally America Fiesta and his Focus RS WRC; however, the โdrip patternโ livery is larger and more pronounced than the rally carโs design.
The carbon fiber hydraulic e-brake handle has been changed to a custom-made metal piece, with Kenโs Huck Gee skull logo and No. 43 engraved into it. While Blockโs trademark โ43โ is on the car, it is not in the standard door location, but displayed in the side rear windows.
Built by Olsbergs Motorsport Evolution (MSE), the 2,425-pound Gymkhana THREE Fiesta sports a purpose-built Olsbergs engine capable of up to 850 brake horsepower, but is restricted to
650 horsepower to give Block the torque band needed to control the car. Equipped with an Olsbergs MSE Maktrak (magnesium) six-speed paddle-shift sequential transmission, it is capable of 660 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,000 rpm and needs a mere 1.9 seconds to go from 0 to 60 mph.
The carโs body has been altered with an aggressive new front bumper design inspired by road racing cars. It has a carbon splitter, which improves aerodynamics, unlike the rally carโs bumper, which is built for gravel stage durability. The fender flares are also much wider and more squared off for an aggressive look.
The Gymkhana THREE Fiesta started as a production 2011 Fiesta before going through a conversion by Olsbergs MSE, the same group that runs Blockโs Rally America program. The production Fiesta is an excellent platform for the Gymkhana car. The nimble ride and the ultra-high-strength boron steel body are ideal for the demands of the Gymkhana course. A testament to the Fiesta platform is that Fiesta has been designated as Fordโs worldwide rally car in both WRC and Rally America starting in 2011.
In his first year with Ford, Block has maintained a high profile within the Ford Racing program. He is currently starring in his second national TV commercial, this time with NASCAR legend Richard Petty and driver A.J. Allmendinger, which highlights Ford Racingโs national promotion โ43 Fiestasโ (www.43fiestas.com). The 10-week campaign brings some of Ford Racingโs biggest personalities together into a national broadcast and digital campaign designed to promote the 2011 Ford Fiesta.
โIf Ken is involved in a program, his legions of fans passionately follow whatever he is doing,โ said Scott Denby, Ford Racing business manager. โThere arenโt many personalities in pop culture that can generate tens of millions of views on YouTube, let alone personalities in motorsports. Whether through Gymkhana THREE, 43 Fiestas or Rally, Ken’s ability to connect with his audience is unparalleled and Ford is proud to have Ken on our team.โ
In Detail
type | Racing Car |
built at | Swedin |
body stylist | Olsbergs MSE |
engine | Olsbergs Inline-4 |
position | Front, Transverse |
power | 484.7 kw / 650 bhp @ 6500 rpm |
bhp/weight | 590.37 bhp per tonne |
torque | 894.8 nm / 660 ft lbs @ 4000 rpm |
body / frame | Unitary Steel Monocoque w/KBT Built FIA-spec Rollcage, Carbon Fiber Roof. |
driven wheels | 4WD |
wheel type | Volk Racing TE-37 |
front tires | Pirelli P Zero Nero |
rear tires | Pirelli P Zero Nero |
front brakes | Alcon Steel Discs w/6-Piston Calipers |
rear brakes | Alcon Steel Discs w/4-Piston Calipers |
front wheels | F 45.7 x 24.1 cm / 18 x 9.5 in |
rear wheels | R 45.7 x 24.1 cm / 18 x 9.5 in |
f suspension | MacPherson Struts w/Lower Wishbones, Coil Springs, Dampers |
r suspension | Wishbones w/Coil Springs, Dampers |
curb weight | 1101 kg / 2425 lbs |
transmission | Olsbergs MSE Maktrak 6-Speed Sequential |
tran clutch | Alcon Triple Disk Carbon |
0 – 60 mph | ~2.4 seconds |
key drivers | Ken Block |