Mustang Build Was Inspired By The Hoonicorn
Read the full story on Backfire News
Even though he passed on over two years ago, Ken Block is still inspiring people, like this classic Mustang build which is in the same vein as the Hoonicorn. To be honest, we're surprised we haven't seen more Hoonicorn clones, but maybe those will be coming. For now, we can admire this one, which is very well done.Built by a shop called Restomod Mustangs for a client who settled upon the direction for the car at the time of Block's untimely passing. The idea was to make it fun and hit hard, but also prioritize comfort, drivability, and reliability. That's not such an easy balance to strike.
Under what's left of the hood is a 401ci small block Windsor V8 with twin 72mm turbos. In its current tune, which isn't very aggressive, it's making 600-whp. Considering a lot of the body components are made of fiberglass and other lightweighting has been done, that's plenty of power.
Behind the engine is a T56 Magnum transmission and a 3.80:1 ratio for the rear. Plus there's a four-link suspension in the rear. Supposedly, it handles tight, which with all that power is almost essential if you don't want to be constantly wrestling the car for control.
Unlike the Hoonicorn, this Mustang wasn't built for drifting, so that might be disappointing to some. But not everyone wants to drift and it sounds like this client wanted a good cruiser that allowed for some fun now and then.
The interior looks comfortable and functional, with nothing too over-the-top other than a screen replacing the gauge cluster and another one sitting in the center stack. We don't expect everyone will love this build, but it's different and yet familiar since it's inspired by a famous car.
Images via Autotopia LA/YouTube
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Car and Driver
5 hours ago
- Car and Driver
2026 Ford Mustang Review, Pricing, and Specs
Overview While hybrid and electric people-movers are all the rage these days, the Mustang proves that American muscle is alive and well—in Ford's stable, at least. America's favorite pony continues to deliver on its 40-plus-year reputation as an affordable sports car in either fastback or convertible form. A 315-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder offers a more contemporary approach to tire-roasting, but a 480-hp 5.0-liter V-8 is still available for eight-cylinder loyalists who can't live without a baritone soundtrack. Both EcoBoost and GT models are potent enough steeds, but the 500-hp Dark Horse is the way to go if performance is a top priority. Regardless, the Mustang's tasteful blend of retro and modern touches is the perfect example of advancements not spoiling a timeless recipe. What's New for 2026? A new FX appearance package is now available on GT Premium models, paying homage to one of the Mustang's most iconic eras. The package celebrates the third-generation Fox-body 'stang, complete with callback exterior styling accents and a retro cabin redesign. A pair of new wheel designs are on offer as part of the kit; Performance-Package-equipped models get rad Oxford White wheels reminiscent of the fan-like shoes found on the old Mustang Cobra, while the remaining models get a revised version of the Mustang's existing 19-inch split-five-spoke wheels, also painted in white. The Oxford White theme continues with the badging, grille nostrils, and optional white-out taillights on Performance Package variants. Inside, the cabin features plaid perforated leather seat inserts, silver and blue contrast stitching, and carbon fiber trim from the Dark Horse. Independent of the FX package, a new aqua-ish Adriatic Blue Metallic paint option is available on all Mustang models, and the Orange Fury hue also returns after being discontinued in 2019. Ford says that the order books for the 2026 Mustang will open in late June. Pricing and Which One to Buy The price of the 2026 Ford Mustang is expected to start around $34,000 and go up to $70,000 depending on the trim and options. EcoBoost $34,000 (est) EcoBoost Premium $40,000 (est) EcoBoost Convertible $42,000 (est) EcoBoost Premium Convertible $45,000 (est) GT $49,000 (est) GT Premium $53,000 (est) GT Premium Convertible $58,000 (est) Dark Horse $66,000 (est) Dark Horse Premium Coupe $70,000 (est) 0 $25k $50k $75k $100k $125k The turbocharged four-cylinder EcoBoost has nothing to be ashamed of performance-wise, but we're still at a point in time where a V-8 exists, and we recommend taking advantage of it— particularly with the six-speed manual in the GT coupe. Sure, it's $10k and change more than the four, but as it's said, buy experiences, not things; with the Mustang GT you get both. You can also add a GT Performance package for roughly $5000 extra. That gives you 19-inch wheels, big Brembo calipers, a 3.73-geared Torsen differential, as well as some sweet appearance bits. Engine, Transmission, and Performance The Mustang's base powertrain is a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder EcoBoost engine rated at 315 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque mated exclusively with a 10-speed automatic transmission. It's a solid-performing setup, but the 5.0-liter V-8 is the heart of the Mustang. Rated for 480 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque, it can send power through either the ten-speed automatic or, preferably, a six-speed manual. Ford says an optional performance exhaust increases output to 486 horsepower and 418 pound-feet. The Mustang Dark Horse is a track-focused step up from the GT that uses a 500-hp version of the 5.0-liter V-8. Essentially an evolution of the beloved Mach 1 of the previous generation, it has adaptive dampers and 19-inch Pirelli P Zero PZ4s, but gummy Pirelli Trofeo RS track-worthy tires are available via an optional handling package. Ford has improved the ride and handling balance with every generation, and the latest Mustang shows improvements across the board, including better steering feel and feedback. The Dark Horse's standard adaptive dampers go a long way to tame the brutality that is often part and parcel of performance vehicles wearing track-focused rubber. 0–60-MPH Times At our test track, a Mustang GT with the performance exhaust system ripped to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds; the EcoBoost wasn't too far behind, hitting 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. At 4.1 seconds, the Dark Horse only shaved one second off the GT's time, but it went on to cross the quarter-mile marker in 12.5 seconds at 115 mph. The Dark Horse did shine during our recent 0-to-150-to-0 speed test with a time of 29.7 seconds, beating a Toyota Supra 3.0. View Photos Ford Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG The EPA hasn't released fuel economy information for the 2026 Mustang yet, but last year's four-cylinder model was good for up to 22 mpg city and 33 mpg highway. With the V-8, those estimates fell to 16 mpg city and 24 highway. On our 75-mph highway fuel economy route, a GT model with a six-speed manual returned 24 mpg; the Ecoboost model with the automatic transmission delivered 32 mpg. We'll update this section with 2026 EPA fuel economy estimates when they become available. For more information about the Mustang's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website. Interior, Comfort, and Cargo The Mustang's interior design is a mix of new and retro. We found the seats to be plenty supportive, and the standard 12.4-inch instrument cluster is a massive leap ahead of the previous car's. The configurable display can be customized to fit the needs of most red, white, and blue patriots, with selectable colors, gauges, and even a 'calm' screen that reveals only the most necessary details. If you're feeling nostalgic, the cluster can be configured to look similar to the 1987 Mustang's analog gauges—and a second analog throwback screen that takes its looks from the 1967 'Stang is available as an over-the-air update for all seventh-gen models. Ambient lighting and a driver's display adapt to whichever drive mode you've selected. Base Mustangs come with cloth seats and available micro-suede vinyl inserts, while the Premium level adds stitched bits and pieces from door trim to dashboard. Opting for the FX package on GT Premium models injects some extra retro flair, with plaid seat inserts and silver-and-blue contrast stitching. Ford has also introduced a Remote Rev function that allows the car's engine to blast up the RPMs with a simple click from the key fob while you admire the sounds from outside the car. View Photos Ford Infotainment and Connectivity An available 13.2-inch infotainment screen using Ford's Sync 4 software flows from the gauge cluster toward the center of the car behind a curved glass panel. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard on this system, and an optional wireless smartphone charger helps drivers reduce the clutter of charging cables. Amazon Alexa and Ford Streaming allow voice commands to replace knob-turning or button presses, and every Mustang comes with Ford Power-Up software capability, allowing for over-the-air updates for later software and vehicle function improvements. Safety and Driver-Assistance Features The Mustang is available with an impressive suite of driver-assistance technology named Ford Co-Pilot360. For more information about the Mustang's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include: Standard adaptive cruise control Standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist Available active pothole mitigation (included with Performance Pack) Warranty and Maintenance Coverage The Mustang has a solid but average warranty. However, unlike Chevy, Ford doesn't provide a complimentary scheduled maintenance visit. Limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles Powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles No complimentary scheduled maintenance Specifications Specifications 2024 Ford Mustang GT Vehicle Type: front-engine, rear-wheel-drive, 4-passenger, 2-door coupe PRICE Base/As Tested: $44,090/$62,425 ENGINE DOHC 32-valve V-8, aluminum block and heads, port and direct fuel injection Displacement: 307 in3, 5038 cm3 Power: 486 hp @ 7250 rpm Torque: 418 lb-ft @ 4900 rpm TRANSMISSION 6-speed manual CHASSIS Suspension, F/R: struts/multilink Brakes, F/R: 15.4-in vented disc/14.0-in vented disc Tires: Pirelli P Zero PZ4 F: 255/40R-19 96Y R: 275/40R-19 101Y DIMENSIONS Wheelbase: 107.0 in Length: 189.4 in Width: 75.4 in Height: 55.0 in Passenger Volume, F/R: 55/30 ft3 Trunk Volume: 13 ft3 Curb Weight: 3947 lb C/D TEST RESULTS 60 mph: 4.2 sec 100 mph: 9.5 sec 1/4-Mile: 12.5 sec @ 114 mph 130 mph: 16.5 sec 150 mph: 23.5 sec Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec. Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 5.0 sec Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 10.0 sec Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 9.0 sec Top Speed (gov ltd): 155 mph Braking, 70–0 mph: 153 ft Braking, 100–0 mph: 312 ft Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.99 g C/D FUEL ECONOMY Observed: 18 mpg 75-mph Highway Driving: 24 mpg 75-mph Highway Range: 380 mi EPA FUEL ECONOMY Combined/City/Highway: 17/14/23 mpg 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse Vehicle Type: front-engine, rear-wheel-drive, 4-passenger, 2-door coupe PRICE Base/As Tested: $60,865/$73,205 ENGINE DOHC 32-valve V-8, aluminum block and heads, port and direct fuel injection Displacement: 307 in3, 5038 cm3 Power: 500 hp @ 7250 rpm Torque: 418 lb-ft @ 4900 rpm TRANSMISSION 6-speed manual CHASSIS Suspension, F/R: struts/multilink Brakes, F/R: 15.4-in vented disc/14.0-in vented disc Tires: Pirelli P Zero Trofeo RS F: 305/30ZR-19 (98Y) R: 315/30ZR-19 (100Y) DIMENSIONS Wheelbase: 107.0 in Length: 189.7 in Width: 75.5 in Height: 55.2 in Passenger Volume, F/R: 55/30 ft3 Trunk Volume: 13 ft3 Curb Weight: 3975 lb C/D TEST RESULTS 60 mph: 4.1 sec 100 mph: 9.7 sec 1/4-Mile: 12.5 sec @ 115 mph 130 mph: 16.4 sec 150 mph: 23.2 sec Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec. Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 5.0 sec Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 9.4 sec Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 8.8 sec Top Speed (mfr's claim): 166 mph Braking, 70–0 mph: 142 ft Braking, 100–0 mph: 278 ft Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 1.07 g EPA FUEL ECONOMY Combined/City/Highway: 17/14/22 mpg C/D TESTING EXPLAINED More Features and Specs


Motor 1
6 hours ago
- Motor 1
The Mustang's New Appearance Pack Is a 1980s Fever Dream
Ford has found inspiration in its past for a new appearance package that launches with the 2026 Mustang . It's called the FX Pack, and it adds a handful of retro-inspired styling cues straight out of the 1980s to the seventh-generation Mustang. The FX combines Adriatic Blue Metallic, a new color inspired by the teal available on the third-generation Mustang, and white accents, including the wheels. There are two new rim designs, both finished in Oxford White. Photo by: Ford Photo by: Ford The pack's standard wheel is a new version of the car's 19-inch, five-spoke option, which was already available for 2025. The other wheel is offered with the Performance Pack and has a retro design that would look perfect on an original Fox Body . The wheels have white center caps that feature a new FX-specific font inspired by the wordmark found on the 1987-1993 Mustangs. White accents also wrap around the 5.0-liter and GT badges, while Ford puts an all-white pony in the center of the glass-black grille. Performance Pack cars will also have Oxford White Nostrils, while non-Performance Mustangs will feature Dark Carbonized Gray examples. FX Mustangs will also come with white taillights that look striking against the new blue color. Photo by: Ford Inside, Ford continues the 80s vibe with unique perforated leather inserts, incorporating black and white elements that mimic the plaid seats found in Mustangs from that era, playing a great trick on the eyes. Best of all, the inserts are available on the standard buckets and the optional Recaro seats. Ford uses City Silver and Adriatic Blue stitching throughout the cabin, including the doors, dash, seats, and steering wheel. There's even a Mustang GT badge on the dash in the FX-specific font. Photo by: Ford Photo by: Ford Also new for the upcoming model year are new seatbelt color options: International Orange, Prime Blue, and Black with a red stripe. They're available across the Mustang lineup, along with the Adriatic Blue Metallic and Orange Fury Metallic Tricoat, which was last available for 2019. The white taillights will be available in the Ford Performance Parts catalog, allowing any seventh-gen Mustang owner to add them to their car. Customers will be able to get the FX Package on the GT Premium trim with or without the Performance Package in any body style, with either transmission option. The order books for the 2026 Mustang will open later this month. Check Out More Mustang News Here: Next-Gen Shelby GT500 Looks Menacing in New Spy Shots The Ford Mustang GTD Just Broke Its Own Nürburgring Record (Update) Get the best news, reviews, columns, and more delivered straight to your inbox, daily. back Sign up For more information, read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use . Source: Ford Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
Disneyland Autotopia Car Crashes Off The Track
Read the full story on Backfire News One of the cars at the Disneyland Autotopia ride in Anaheim, California went off the track, crashing in the dirt and foliage. We've been on the ride ourselves many times and never imagined such a thing was even possible with all the guardrails and such, but there are photos and video to prove it Disney and theme park aficionado Laughing Place posted the photos and video of the crash aftermath to X. While he was just as shocked as we were, he did note it didn't appear anyone was injured in the freak incident, which is a good thing. After all, we can't have any tragedies in the happiest place on earth, right? While we would think this is a first in the ride's 70 year history, it's apparently not even close. Another X user called The Infernoman who claims to have been at one point a trainer and working lead for the Autotopia ride confirmed this sort of thing has happened in the past. Saying it was 'very rare,' the guy said he has seen a car go completely off the tracks in the past, noting the off-road part of the ride is where it's most likely to occur. He goes on to explain that if one of the cars is hit hard from behind in the area where you make a U-turn, it could in fact get knocked off the track. That might be why workers at the ride emphasize not ramming into the back of the car in front of you. The ride was immediately shut down and everyone in the cars had to get out and walk to the exit with help from employees. Disneyland had the ride up and running again soon after the incident, so whatever happened it must have been an easy fix. Just remember next time you go on Autotopia to not ram into your friends or family members driving right in front of you. Image via laughing_place/X