Skip advert
Advertisement

Ken Block versus Chinese mountainside: Climbkhana Two is here

Fresh from Pikes Peak, Block’s latest tyre-smoking mountain run takes place in China

If Volkswagen holds the record for the fastest way of getting to the top of the 99-turn Tianmen Shan mountain road in China, then Ken Block can now lay claim to the most spectacular run.

Back in September Le Mans winner Romain Dumas drove the Volkswagen ID.R prototype up the 6.77-mile public road in 7min 38.585sec. Block’s latest video is longer than that single run alone, but while the American driver wouldn’t have come close to matching VW’s time, it’s probably more satisfying to watch.

Advertisement - Article continues below

> Chris Harris drifts Ken Block's Ford Fiesta

Called Climbkhana Two, it follows the first Climbkhana video up Pikes Peak – appropriately, another venue where VW’s ID.R holds a course record. And true to form (and his previous run of Gymkhana videos), Block is virtually never travelling in a straight line.

His vehicle choice for the latest video is once again the ‘Hoonitruck’ – a 1977 Ford F-150 pickup, gently massaged (OK, completely transformed) with a Ford GT-derived EcoBoost V6, producing 914bhp and 702lb ft of torque, through all four wheels.

It’s primarily a vaguely F-series-shaped shell draped over a space frame, and at the centre sits Block, controlling this huge output with a steering wheel, pedals, and two large levers – one being the sequential gearshift of the six-speed Sadev ’box, the other a hydraulic handbrake. Combined, they form a kind of medieval instrument of torture for tyres, but a contract with Toyo should ensure Block has plenty of them in reserve.

There’s not a great deal else to add – it’s simply a damn good video featuring some impressive driving on one of the world’s most dramatic roads. Riding on board with Block probably isn’t as scary as dicing with tourists and buses during the week, though...

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Best fast Fords of all time – from the GT supercar to the Fiesta ST
Best Fast Fords header
Best cars

Best fast Fords of all time – from the GT supercar to the Fiesta ST

Ford has produced some of our favourite driving machines over its extensive history, these are the best fast Fords from the ages
16 Sep 2024
Fast Ford heaven: a tour of the ultimate Ford garage
Ford Heritage Collection tour
Features

Fast Ford heaven: a tour of the ultimate Ford garage

Who doesn’t love a fast Ford? Prepare for a nostalgia overload as we get a guided tour of Ford UK’s magnificent, newly rehomed Heritage Collection
7 Jul 2024
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

2025 VED car tax: what you'll be paying
VED car tax 2025
Advice

2025 VED car tax: what you'll be paying

The latest car tax changes explained, including new pricing for EVs and hybrids and increased prices for higher-emission vehicles
3 Jan 2025
Best fast family cars – our favourite fun, practical daily drivers
Best fast family cars
Best cars

Best fast family cars – our favourite fun, practical daily drivers

A family car doesn’t need to be dull – some of our favourite performance models deliver the thrills of a purpose-built sports car
13 Jan 2025
New Subaru WRX S210 STI – the most focused STI has a CVT gearbox
Subaru WRX S210 STI – front
News

New Subaru WRX S210 STI – the most focused STI has a CVT gearbox

Subaru’s WRX S210 STI evokes the spirit of our favourite hot Imprezas, with one major caveat
10 Jan 2025