FordVR Debut of Ken Block’s Gymkhana NINE

FordVR takes us behind the scenes with the new virtual reality app of Ken Block’s Gymkhana Nine, bringing fans closer to the action than ever before.

This week, Ford released part one of a series of viral video debuts that fans and enthusiasts can watch in full 360-degree video using the new FordVR app.

The video of choice? None other than Ken Block’s Gymkhana Nine. The video is the first in a series of videos set to release by the Hoonigan himself, and when combined with the VR app that is available for iOS and Android devices, allows fans of the drifting series to experience the sights and sounds of the Ford Focus RS RX like never before.

The Ford Virtual Reality app is available to anyone with a mobile device, and the company says it has plans for sharing not only epic race videos using VR, but stories about new products as well.

According to Lisa Schoder, Ford’s digital marketing manager,

"“On top of sharing virtual reality stories about our innovative products, we are also looking to bring mobility issues to the forefront. As we expand our business to be both an auto and a mobility company, we are pursuing emerging opportunities through Ford Smart Mobility.”"

Ford first debuted the new app back in August with the release of the Ford GT 360 experience, where fans got a 360-degree look at the race car competing at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

As a fan of the Ford GT, this video is probably one of my favorite because it allowed me to really experience what it feels like to be in that driver’s seat racing at Le Mans. The FordVR app also allows me to analyze the videos as well, at my leisure, without ever having to leave the couch.

I can even go as far as analyzing the exact shift point these Ford GT drivers make in a race. This level of detail is what makes the FordVR app so unique.

The latest release of Gymkhana NINE VR gives us a taste of what Ford is looking to invest in this new technology. Each new piece of FordVR content can also be used with or without a virtual reality headset. Part two of the series will be available on the FordVR app in the coming weeks.

Next: Ford Performance Wants To Tune Your Focus RS

So what are your thought’s on the FordVR app? Is this level of detail something you want to see more of in racing? Hit us up on @Twitter and let us know. For me, VR gives me the ability to really “geek out” to some of the driving techniques of these pro drivers.

It also gives me a chance to catch both the good and the bad (did you see that missed shift!) events that take place inside the race car.