Over the years, Ken Block has treated us to a wide variety of high-octane racing action, having competed in plenty of racing disciplines that has earned him the title as one of the most versatile racers in the world today.

Having had experience with the WRC->ke523, Rallycross, and Gymkhana, Block has likewise driven plenty of race cars, each unique to its own depending on the where he is racing at a particular time.

But all that's about to change with the introduction of the new Ford Fiesta->ke1170 RS WRC HFHV. If you don't know, 'HFHV' stands for 'Hybrid Function Hoon Vehicle', which pretty much explains what the car is all about. It's a modified Ford Fiesta that has been tweaked and reconfigured in such a way that it fits right in on all three racing items Block competes in.

At the heart of this versatile machine is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder Ford EcoBoost engine that produces 600 horsepower and 665 lb/ft of torque mated to a six-speed sequential manual gearbox. Anytime Block and his team need to change the specs of the car, they only need to add and subtract a few elements of the car.

Read more about this versatile vehicle after the jump.

2011 Ford Fiesta RS WRC HFHV

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2011 Ford Fiesta RS WRC HFHV
  • Engine/Motor: four-cylinder Ford EcoBoost engine
  • Horsepower: 600
  • Torque: 665
  • Transmission: six-speed sequential manual gearbox
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

Rallycross

For example, when the car is built for Rallycross purposes, it's fitted with a set of 17" Speedline Wheels with Pirelli P-Zero Rallycross tires, a custom-built Garrett turbocharger with a 45-mm restrictor, and a dual-core intercooler.

"Many people may not realize this, but despite the fundamental similarities between stage rally, rallycross and gymkhana, in order to be the best at each, you must have specific-built vehicles," said Block in a statement. "My WRC Fiesta just can't do what my Gymkhana Fiesta can, and vice versa. But having to campaign three separate cars is a nightmare, so we built one car that can be transformed to suit each form of racing I do on the highest level."

Gymkhana

When its configured for Gymkhana, the dampers, spring rates, and ride height are all adjusted, the engine management map is adjusted, the gear ratios are shortened, and its outfitted with a set of 18" custom Fifteen52 tarmac wheels with Pirelli Trofeo tires.

World Rally

Finally, when it's going to compete in Stage Rally, the car's radiator moves from the back to the front for better cooling and the side intake vents are covered. The lightweight faux headlamps are then replaced with real, functioning lights and the dampers, spring rates, and ride height are also adjusted. The final modification is to change the tires to 15" Oz Gravel wheels with Pirelli P-Zero Rally tires installed along with 300 mm brake set-up.

“The H.F.H.V. is the best of all worlds for me," Block said. "The current WRC Fiesta is the greatest handling car I have driven, but it lacks the sheer grunt that the 2.0L engine in the WRC Focus created. The H.F.H.V. brings those two things together, and the result is a manic beast that is just too much fun to drive.”

We'll definitely take his word for it.

Watch the transformations take place in the video provided.