Toyo Tires today announced a new video series where it will be teaming up with World RallyX driver Ken Block. The new video series is Climbkhana, and it features Block’s 1965 Ford Mustang Hoonicorn RTR V2. Apparently Block further upgraded his ‘Stang with a twin turbo, methanol power, 1,400 horsepower V8 engine, and of course the crucial upgrade of proper traction that comes in the form of Toyo Proxes R888R tires. This will be the first time the Proxes R888R is available in the U.S..
“Climbkana is the next generation of the Gymkhana series,” says Block. “I’ve long wanted to extend Gymkhana beyond the backdrops it has been living in. As a rally-driver, I have always wanted to mix what I do in the films with stage roads. During a race, I’m focused on being fast and clean through the road, but Climbkhana gives me an outlet to let it all hang out and run it sideways, plus add some additional obstacles along the way. And what better roads than hill climbs, which are essentially uphill stages. And what better Hill Climb to start with than the famous Pikes Peak! Which also happens to be the setting for one of my favorite automotive films, Climb Dance with Ari Vatanen.”
Check out a teaser of the film:
“Climbkana introduces fans of Ken Block to a whole new level of his exceptional driving talent, while demonstrating the precision handling anyone can expect from our Proxes tires,“ said Amy Coleman, senior director of marketing, Toyo Tire U.S.A. Corp. ”Climbkhana allows people to live vicariously through the steering wheel of the Hoonicorn with on-board camera angles and dramatic aerial photography. Toyo Tires is proud to be a part of this film project.”
According to a press release on the new series, Block’s Hoonigan Media Machine began filming the project this fall at Historic Pikes Peak. Hoonigan’s own Brian Scotto will work on the project while director duties will be handled by Jeff Zwart, who worked with Porsche through RadicalMedia and who also holds three records and eight class wins over the 15 times he has raced up the Colorado mountain. The film will be released in Summer 2017.
Specially crafted in advance for Block and his Hoonicorn V2, the 1,400 horsepower machine now sports 295/30ZR18 Toyo Proxes R888R tires on all four corners, providing Block with the enhanced grip and stability he needs when sliding that much power around famous curves at Pikes Peak like Ari Vatanen while simultaneously providing Block with the tire smoke that he craves when doing power slides and Gymkhana-style maneuvers on the mountain. To learn more about the Proxes R888R DOT competition tire and find a dealer, check out www.toyotires.com/tires/competition-tires.
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