Hoonigan RC Drift Cars: The HPI Hoonicorn and Ken Block Replicas
“Hoonigan RC drift cars” usually means RC replicas of Ken Block’s Hoonigan cars, most famously HPI Racing’s 1/10 RS4 Sport 3 Ken Block 1965 Ford Mustang Hoonicorn. It’s a ready-to-run 4WD shaft-drive touring chassis with a 15-turn Firebolt brushed motor, waterproof electronics and a 2.4 GHz radio, wearing a detailed body of the Gymkhana SEVEN Hoonicorn with its tall air scoop and matching wheels. It measures about 17 in long with a 10 in wheelbase. HPI also made other Ken Block replicas over the years.
By Kyle HilsonUpdated: October 20264 min read
HPI Hoonicorn specifications
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Chassis | HPI RS4 Sport 3, 4WD shaft drive |
| Scale | 1/10 |
| Motor | Firebolt 15T brushed |
| Electronics | Waterproof ESC and servo, 2.4 GHz radio |
| Length / width | About 17 in / 7.9 in |
| Wheelbase | About 10 in |
From HPI and dealer listings; availability varies and the model may be out of production in some regions.
The real Hoonicorn
The full-size Hoonicorn is a heavily modified 1965 Ford Mustang built for Ken Block’s Gymkhana videos, with all-wheel drive and a large V8. Its later twin-turbo version is known as the Hoonicorn V2. The RC model copies the look: chopped body, big air scoop, livery and wheels.
How it drives
Out of the box, the RS4 Sport 3 is a 4WD touring car, so it drives with grip. It can slide on smooth surfaces and handle “drift” with the right tyres, but it’s not a dedicated rear-wheel-drive drift chassis. For proper drifting, fit hard drift tyres, which let the car slide in controlled arcs. Hard-tyre 4WD drifting is easier than RWD drifting, which needs a gyro and more practice. Types are compared in best RC drift cars.
Drift setup tips
- Fit drift tyres (hard plastic or compound).
- Use a smooth surface: polished concrete, epoxy floors or tiles.
- Lower the throttle endpoint at first for control.
- Add more steering angle if the chassis allows.
- Consider a steering gyro for counter-steer help.
Display or driving?
Many buyers keep Hoonicorn bodies as display pieces and drive on a spare clear body, because the detailed body scuffs easily. Spare bodies are sold separately for some versions. Painting a clear body is a good project; removing old paint is explained in how to remove paint from an RC car body.
Finding one
- Check hobby shops and HPI dealers for remaining stock.
- Look for used examples; check the body condition.
- Buy a separate Hoonicorn body to fit another 1/10 touring chassis.
- Check wheelbase compatibility before buying a body.
- Look out for other Ken Block replica bodies.
Alternatives
If you want a dedicated drifter, RWD drift chassis from brands like Yokomo or 3Racing are designed for sliding. HPI’s other drift cars are covered in HPI RC drift cars. For a smaller, cheaper start, see cheap RC drift cars.
Upgrades
Common upgrades include a brushless motor and ESC for more power, ball bearings if not fitted, metal drive shafts, adjustable suspension links and LED light kits that match the real car. Keep the body light, because heavy bodies make drifting harder.
Batteries and run time
The RS4 Sport 3 runs on a standard 7.2 V NiMH or 2S LiPo pack in a touring-car battery slot. Run time depends on pack capacity and driving style, typically 10–20 minutes for drifting. Set the ESC to LiPo mode if you use a LiPo, so it cuts off before the pack is over-discharged.
FAQ
Who makes the Hoonicorn RC car?
HPI Racing, on its RS4 Sport 3 chassis.
Is it a real drift car?
It’s 4WD; with drift tyres it slides well, but it’s not a dedicated RWD drifter.
What motor does it use?
A Firebolt 15T brushed motor.
Is it ready to run?
Yes, with everything included.
More on this topic: the complete RC Cars guide covers the basics behind this article.
About 20 years in RC. Mostly boats in the NAVIGA Mini Eco Expert class, with many self-made parts; also a King Motor Baja 5B, a home-built electric plane, home-built nitro planes he has flown, and an RC helicopter. More about SwellRC
