Audi S1 Hoonitron: Gymkhana is about to meet electric

Imagine Audi building you your very own, one-of-a-kind drift car. Feels good, right? Well, YouTube star, professional rally driver and co-founder of DC shoes, Ken Block doesn’t have to imagine, as Audi did just that in suitably spectacular style.
Carrying the same E-Tron branding as Audi's electrified and hybrid road cars, the S1 Hoonitron is an all-electric powerhouse inspired by the iconic 1980s Audi Sport Quattro rally car, and it’s sure to turn heads in the next electrified gymkhana instalment. Check out the Audi S1 Hoonitron with Rory Reid in our latest video.

Ken Block’s world-famous Gymkhana series is getting the electric treatment. In partnership with Audi, Electrikhana promises to take drifting into the future and showcase the true power of electric cars. In 2021 Block teased the event by saying, “It's new. It's high-level performance. It's the future. And new technology and forward thinking - the things Audi is great at - can be used to have even more fun with cars, and I am all about that.”

Known as Autotesting or Motorkhana in other parts of the world, Gymkhana is similar to Autocross in that the goal is to achieve the fastest possible time by memorising and manoeuvring the course.
Gymkhana courses typically only involve the use of first and second gears, and can feature obstacles such as cones, tires, and barrels. What separates Gymkhana from traditional autocross events is that Gymkhana participants are required to perform advanced skills such as reversals, 180- and 360-degree spins, parking boxes and figures of eight amongst others. Drifting is especially encouraged where necessary. Electrikhana promises to elevate the event by combining the skill needed for Gymkhana with the powerful technology that electric cars can offer, bringing this motorsport into the future.

The all electric Hoonitron will harness Formula E technology. Using three Formula E-motors, which generate 475 horsepower each, this unique S1 gets a whopping 1,425 horsepower. For comparison, a Formula E car will do 0-62 in under three seconds, meaning the Hoonitron could potentially smash it in 1.5 seconds.
Whilst we wait to see the latest electrified Audi in action, you can check out our latest video where Rory showcases it in all its glory.

Whilst the Hoonitron isn’t available to the general public, Audi has plenty of models to suit every lifestyle. The German carmaker is one of the most popular in the UK, and whether you’re an Audi enthusiast or you’re looking for your first, you could find the perfect Audi for you on Auto Trader.