2010 Olsbergs MSE Gymkhana THREE Fiesta

The Gymkhana THREE Fiesta, designed by DC, is emblazoned with similar livery to Block’s Monster World Rally Team Rally America Fiesta and his Focus RS WRC; however, the “drip pattern” livery is larger and more pronounced than the rally car’s design.

The carbon fiber hydraulic e-brake handle has been changed to a custom-made metal piece, with Ken’s Huck Gee skull logo and No. 43 engraved into it. While Block’s trademark “43” 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 car’s 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 car’s 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 Block’s 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 Ford’s 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 Racing’s national promotion “43 Fiestas” (www.43fiestas.com). The 10-week campaign brings some of Ford Racing’s biggest personalities together into a national broadcast and digital campaign designed to promote the 2011 Ford Fiesta.

“If Ken is involved in a program, his legions of fans passionately follow whatever he is doing,” said Scott Denby, Ford Racing business manager. “There aren’t 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.”

Gymkhana Three 2011 Ford Fiesta, which Ken Block will drive. Built by Olsbergs Motorsport Evolution, the 2,425-pound Fiesta sports a purpose-built Olsbergs engine capable of up to 850 brake horsepower, but is restricted to 650 horsepower in order to give Block the torque band he needs to control the car. (04/21/2010)

In Detail