LAS VEGAS, NV — You may have noticed something different about Ken Block’s latest Gymkhana video.
It may not look different, but it definitely sounds different! Sure, there’s the ubiquitous sound of screeching tires (Block says over 100 tires were consumed during the making of the video) and dramatic effects.
But where are the engine revs and exhaust noise?
Block talked extensively about his decision to go all-electric for his latest Gymkhana creation, Electrikhana, at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas.
“I think it’s interesting that we’re watching the birth of something completely new,” Block said, speaking at the SEMA new products awards. “Obviously electric motors have been around forever, but using them for transportation is something that is growing. I think there is a great opportunity for all sorts of things and I’m really watching that build and happen now.”
Not surprisingly, the choice to go electric wasn’t without challenges.
“It’s not an easy thing,” Block said. “We went from a certain setup that worked for me very well racing and doing these Gymkhana video to now having to sort of reinvent the wheel on the electric side. It hasn’t been something that was an easy transfer. Audi and us did a lot of testing with it—a lot of development—and we’re still working on it. It’s definitely a new world and it’s been fun being part of that development and finding new sources and ways to do things.”
Block was quick to point out some of the aftermarket manufacturers, such as Borla, who have developed products for electric vehicles. Borla was presented an award for one of its electric-oriented innovations at the show.
If you haven’t seen the Electrikhana video, you can watch it here:
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