If you’re an enthusiast, the word “hybrid” probably conjures up images of a Toyota Prius, being driven at one mile per hour below the speed limit, in the left lane, by some eco-fanatic attempting to squeeze the last tenth of a mile per gallon from the car’s anemic engine and motor. That’s what I think of at least, and I’ve never driven a hybrid with any kind of serious entertainment value. Not all hybrids are created alike, and the term “hybrid” doesn’t always apply to the powertrain alone.
Ken Block has a serious need for a hybrid vehicle. Not one that runs on battery and gasoline power, mind you, but a race car that can excel at gymkhana, rallycross and stage rally events. One that can put down the 600 horsepower and 665 ft-lb of torque produced by the car’s specially built 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine, across a wide variety of surfaces, tracks and driving conditions. Enter the H.F.H.V., or “Hybrid Function Hoon Vehicle”, built as a collaboration between the Monster World Rally Team and its supplier partners across the globe.
Also, don’t forget that you can get discounted new car pricing with a free quote through qualified local dealer partners.
The H.F.H.V. cuts the number of cars campaigned by Block from 3 to 1, which greatly simplifies transportation, set-up and race preparation. It also allows Block to focus on driving a single car, instead of having to master three different vehicles. See the H.F.H.V. in action in the video below.
Kurt Ernst has been passionate about automobiles and driving nearly his entire life. His early years were shaped working in the family service station, though his real passion was auto racing. After graduating from the University of Colorado, Kurt spent a year club racing with the Sports Car Club of America, before focusing on a business career in marketing and project management. Later, his passion for writing and the automotive hobby found him freelancing for a variety of automotive news sites, including Automotive Addicts and Motor Authority, where his work was syndicated and appeared in several national publications. Recognized as an expert in the automotive field, Kurt joined Hemmings Motor News as an Associate Editor in 2013, and in the years since has progressed to Editor, Hemmings Daily; Managing Editor for Hemmings Motor News, Hemmings Classic Car, Hemmings Muscle Machines, and the Hemmings Daily; and now, Managing Editor, Hemmings Auctions. Kurt was instrumental in organizing the Hemmings Motor News Concours d’Elegance from 2013-2019, and has served as a judge at this event and The Vintage Racing Stable Concours d’Elegance. A Skip Barber Racing School graduate and prolific writer, Ernst is also skilled in copyediting, project management, brand development, and public relations.
