Hoonigan and Subaru Motorsports USA announced the return of the internet-breaking “Gymkhana” film franchise and unveiled their newest four-wheeled creation at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas. This marks the first-ever public debut of a Gymkhana car, officials stated in a press release.
Set Down Under in the land that coined the term “hoon,” the latest entry in the viral “Gymkhana” film series will take place across Australia and is set to feature a legendary cast of cameos. With Travis Pastrana behind the wheel of his third fully bespoke Gymkhana Subaru, viewers can expect new levels of the signature tire destruction, close calls and massive jumps the “Gymkhana” franchise is known for. This time, Pastrana will pilot the all-new Subaru “Brataroo” 9500 Turbo, a 1978 Subaru BRAT engineered to take the viral series to new heights.
The ‘Brataroo’ Is Built to Surpass the Capabilities of Its Predecessors
The “Brataroo” uses Subaru’s Bi-Drive Recreational All-Terrain Transporter (BRAT) and pushes the limits of performance and technology. Subaru of America and technical partner Vermont SportsCar (VSC) engineered the purpose-built Gymkhana to corner, slide and fly well beyond the capabilities of its predecessors, noted the release.
The lightweight widebody machine utilizes a rallycross-derived, turbocharged 2.0-liter boxer engine. Built by Vermont SportsCar, the highly pressurized four-cylinder delivers 670 horsepower, 680 lb-ft of torque and revs to more than 9,500 rpm, making the “Brataroo” the highest-revving Gymkhana car to date. Horsepower is channeled through the car’s all-wheel-drive system via a 6-speed sequential SADEV gearbox and motorsport-grade differentials.
To minimize weight, the bodywork is constructed entirely of carbon fiber, draped over a VSC-engineered chassis and a roll cage certified to the latest WRC safety standards. The “BRAT’s” iconic look has been reimagined, with the angular lines and proportions reshaped by renowned designer and concept artist Khyzyl Saleem (The Kyza). Inspired by Outback sunsets and featuring kangaroos flashing Pastrana’s signature thumbs up, the BRAT’s livery sports a retro vibe with ‘70s Subaru branding. Other partners include KMC Wheels, Mercury Marine, Yokohama Tire, Heat Wave Visual and Dixxon Flannel.
Advanced Active Aerodynamics
The “Brataroo” features the most advanced active aerodynamics on a Gymkhana car to date. Front fender louvers utilize adjustable active aerodynamics, allowing for real-time control of the car’s front-end balance while in flight or on the ground. The louvers can pivot forward or backward to fine-tune the car’s airborne attitude during high-flying maneuvers.
At the rear, the car features two interchangeable rear wings: a larger wing for high downforce and maximum aerodynamic stability during high-speed driving, and a smaller wing for more general tire-shredding antics. Both wings feature an adjustable angle of attack and actuate upward, allowing for control over the pitch and rotation during Gymkhana’s signature airborne moments.
The larger wing boasts additional engineering enhancements: as it extends upward, it increases in width, significantly increasing its surface area and aerodynamic stability.
The Soul of a Vintage Subaru; the Tech to Fly High & Survive
The “Brataroo” rides on a one-off set of KMC Wheels’ forged monoblocks that pay homage to rallying’s late 1970s golden era while attaining a modern reinterpretation of the BRAT’s four-spoke wheel design. The 18-inch wheels are wrapped in Yokohama ADVAN A052 or APEX tires, depending on the stunt needs and road surface conditions.
The cockpit nods to the original 1978 interior with a carbon-fiber dashboard and flax-composite wood-grain accents echoing the “BRAT’s” utilitarian charm with modern controls and technology. A restored OEM radio, repurposed HVAC controls (now used to adjust the active aero) and a period-correct Uniden CB radio mesh past and present. Every detail was crafted with respect to Subaru’s heritage while servicing the demands of today’s Gymkhana universe, officials said. Even the livery celebrates Pastrana’s longstanding relationship with Dixxon Flannel and retains the trademark plaid seen on previous Gymkhana vehicles.
“This ‘BRAT’s’ completely unhinged—in the best way possible,” said Pastrana. “It’s got the soul of a vintage Subaru with the tech to do things no Gymkhana car has ever done. Every part of it is designed to take abuse, fly big and come back for more. It’s hands down the craziest Gymkhana car we’ve ever built.”
Making its debut at the 2025 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, the Subaru “Brataroo” 9500 Turbo reveal kicks off “Gymkhana Season,” continuing the tradition and creative spirit sparked by Ken Block, whose vision transformed a passion for driving into a global cultural phenomenon. The next “Gymkhana” film, “Aussie Shred,” premieres early December on the Hoonigan YouTube channel.