RideLust

No. It Isn't Photoshopped.

The sort of aerial automotive acrobatics pictured here are the result of the collaborative efforts of rally car racer Ken Block and performance engine and component manufacturer Cosworth. As you can imagine, pulling off such insane maneuvers takes some pretty talented people, and a pretty sick car. Or is it the other way around?

More Reasonable Maneuvers

Block is technically provided rally cars from Vermont SportsCar, but for the special events that he participates in (X-Games, Gymkhana), essentially anything beyond the already vigorous rally car driving he does, they turn to Cosworth for additional assistance with his Subaru STi stunt car.

According to Cosworth, Block’s “Jump Car 2″ utilizes the highest performance off-the-shelf components that they have, beginning with the engine. The car uses a full Cosworth Performance Parts CS600X 2.6L Long Block engine with their ECPro ECU that provides fully enabled anti-lag, driver selectable boost levels, water spray and launch control. Other updates include a Cosworth 12mm high volume oil pump, high volume inlet plenum and Kevlar reinforced timing belt.

Ouch

Once assembled, the car was flown from Vermont to the UK, where it spent three days with the Cosworth team who develop the Pectel Control Systems range of motorsport ECUs. The importance of the ECU in rally racing environments is amplified because of the high-likelihood of debris, gravel, sand and/or dirt making its way into the intercooler and radiator intakes. (A few pieces of dirt probably made their way inside in the picture above…) The extensive range of safety features in the ECPro help keep the fluctuations of temperatures in check. The Cosworth electronics team carried out the calibration and setup of the ECPro before the car was transported to Millbrook Proving Ground. Here’s where the fruits of their labors became evident with over 500 horsepower at the wheels or an amazing 600-plus base horsepower output.

Right At Home

Now that the car is assembled, keep your eyes peeled for an airborn Subaru; it is probably this one.