After a devastating fire claimed his beloved 1991 Ford Escort Cosworth rally car in 2018, motorsports icon Ken Block wasted no time in initiating a spectacular comeback for 2019. Introducing the “Cossie V2,” this all-new Ford Escort RS Cosworth widebody is not just a replacement, but a significant evolution, meticulously crafted for Block’s highly anticipated “Cossie World Tour” and accompanying YouTube series. This machine takes everything fans adored about the original Cosworth Escort and amplifies it to breathtaking new levels.
In an innovative collaboration, Block partnered with digital design virtuoso Ash Thorp, renowned for his VFX-GCI mastery in blockbuster films like X-Men: First Class and Prometheus. Together, they embarked on a mission to reimagine the Ford Escort RS Cosworth for the modern era. Their vision was clear: to design what a current Ford World Rally Championship (WRC) team would create if tasked with building an Escort today. The result is the Cossie V2 – arguably the most aggressively styled and visually stunning Escort RS “Cossie” ever conceived.
Drawing direct inspiration from the current Ford Fiesta WRC cars, the Cossie V2 boasts widened fender arches and aerodynamic enhancements that immediately set it apart. With a track width expanded by a substantial 4.3 inches over the original, the new car’s stance is undeniably more imposing and purposeful. These aero upgrades extend to the iconic rear wing, now featuring an additional Gurney flap for enhanced downforce. Adding to its versatility, the Cossie V2 offers interchangeable exhaust configurations, with options for both dual side-exit and a rear-mounted center-exit setup, adaptable to various event regulations.
Under the hood, the Cossie V2 retains the formidable Ford YB engine, expertly built and tuned by Julian Godfrey. Even with a 34mm restrictor in place, it delivers a potent 371 horsepower, ensuring thrilling performance. The car also benefits from thoroughly modern suspension and geometry, alongside an enhanced safety cage design that draws directly from the pinnacle of WRC Cosworth specifications of its time.
The Cossie V2 features a robust Sadev 6-speed sequential gearbox. While one cog fewer than the original’s 7-speed, this decision was a strategic choice by Block and his team to prioritize improved reliability and durability under extreme rally conditions. The Hoonigan Racing Division spearheaded the design direction, collaborating closely with MDV Engineering in the U.K. for the build execution. In a poignant tribute to Block’s original, fire-damaged Cossie, Death Spray Custom incorporated ground-up fragments of the burnt car as metal flakes within the new roll cage’s paint.
A groundbreaking aspect of this 25-year-old racecar’s modernization was Thorp’s use of complete CGI rendering. This allowed Block and Hoonigan to meticulously review and refine every detail of the vehicle’s design virtually before any physical bodywork was fabricated. Thorp’s renders were so photorealistic and comprehensive that they were chosen as the exclusive launch images – a first for Block and his team, showcasing the cutting-edge approach to this project.
“I connected with Ash through a mutual friend,” Block explained. “I admired his work, and it turned out he was a fan of mine. We discussed collaborating, and I pitched the idea of building the most extreme Ford Escort Cosworth ever as my 2019 race car, incorporating current WRC aero. Ash embraced the concept and immediately sent back incredible ideas and renders. His CGI skills are mind-blowing, and the entire team has been amazed working with him. Now, I just need to get him in the car for a ride!”
For the Cossie V2’s 2019 livery, Block continued his tradition of partnering with renowned artists, selecting his longtime friend Troy Lee of Troy Lee Designs. Lee, a legend in moto helmet painting and gear design, brought a classic racecar livery aesthetic blended with a modern motocross edge to the Cossie 2.0. This design seamlessly aligns with Lee’s current motocross gear line. Lee also custom painted Block’s 2019 race helmet to complete the integrated visual theme.
“Troy and I have been friends for years,” Block noted. “He’s designed most of my racing helmets, but this was our first vehicle graphics collaboration, which is fantastic. Given my motocross background, bringing Troy’s updated retro vibe to a car that is both retro and modern was an opportunity I couldn’t miss. I’m thrilled with how the car, my suit, and helmet have all come together. Huge thanks to Troy!”
The “Cossie World Tour,” presented by Sonax and hosted on Ken Block’s YouTube channel (youtube.com/KenBlockHHIC), is a new episodic series documenting Block, co-driver Alex Gelsomino, their team, and the Cossie V2 as they compete in national-level rally events worldwide, including prestigious events like the Goodwood Festival of Speed and Gymkhana GRID.
Catch the Cossie World Tour episodes live now:
The Cossie World Tour Schedule:
March 15/16 – Rally in the 100 Acre Wood, Salem, USA
May 3-5 – International Rally of Whangarei, Whangarei, NZ
June 21-23 – Donegal International Rally, Donegal, IRL
July 4-7 – Goodwood Festival of Speed, West Sussex, ENG
Sept 7-8 – Gymkhana GRID Poland, TBA, PL
Oct 11-13 – Rally Legend San Marino, San Marino SMR
Oct 18-20 – PENDING: Rallye International du Valais, Martigny, CH
Nov 5-8 – PENDING: SEMA, Las Vegas, USA
Furthermore, Hoonigan is launching a fresh line of Ken Block and Cossie World Tour merchandise soon, available at Hoonigan.com. Stay tuned for more updates and witness the Cossie V2 in action across the globe.
