Ken Block’s Climbkhana is Climb Dance for the internet generation

IT WAS almost inevitable that Ken Block’s latest built-for-internet display of tyre-frying antics would be compared to one of the seminal pieces of automotive videography – Climb Dance.

For those who’ve avoided their social media feeds this morning, you may be unaware, but Ken Block has dropped another of his gloriously indulgent videos, this time dubbed, Climbkhana.

Part hill climb, part his traditional gymkhana, the drift wizard’s latest video combines the terrifying challenge of blasting past the tree line to the summit of Pikes Peak in Colorado and the art of precision powersliding a Ford Mustang from hell.

The Hoonicorn Mustang V2, twin-turbo, methanol-fuelled, monster sends 1044kW to all four wheels, transforming the low-slung machine into an instant tyre vaporiser.

Block is up to his usual tricks, with lots of sideways action, plenty of rev-limiter, and now fire-spitting turbos to add some spice.

Fans of the American rally driver will be familiar with his unique brand of automotive ballet and, while his latest action flick is entirely in character, it’s far from growing old. Take nine minutes out of your day to watch the latest instalment and you won’t be disappointed.

There will be the usual array of complaints regarding Block’s now allegedly derivative style, but if you find a 1000kW+ Mustang turning treads into shreds on the most infamous mountain in motorsport boring, that’s your problem.

While remarkably different in driving style, there is a clear connection to Louis Mourey’s 1988 film Climb Dance in which Ari Vatenen pilots his Peugeot 405 T16 to the summit, but at the time, the mountain was unsurfaced and all-dirt, just to make things even more heart-stopping.

Does it live up to that iconic piece of film? Well, that’s a case of personal preference. So we’ve linked both videos in this story so you can start your morning properly.