Peter Lyon
November 5, 2025
Subaru and Pastrana are back. The Subaru Brataroo 9500 Turbo is a high-flying, active-aero equipped, 9,500-plus RPM screamer built to star in the wildest Gymkhana film to date
Hoonigan and Subaru Motorsports USA announced the return of the internet-breaking Gymkhana film franchise and unveiled their newest four-wheeled hero at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas today.
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, shredding famed landmarks and sporting a legendary cast of cameos. With Travis Pastrana behind the wheel of his third fully bespoke Gymkhana Subaru, 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.
No shortage of trick engineering went into creating a car that enjoys being airborne as much as being sideways. The Brataroo blends the rebellious energy of Subaru’s Bi-Drive Recreational All-Terrain Transporter (BRAT) while pushing the limits of modern performance and technology. Subaru of America and technical partner Vermont SportsCar (VSC) engineered the purpose-built Gymkhana weapon to corner, slide – and fly – well beyond the capabilities of its predecessors.
The lightweight widebody machine utilizes a rallycross-derived, fire-spitting turbocharged 2.0-liter boxer engine. Built by technical partner Vermont SportsCar, the very 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 six-speed sequential SADEV gearbox and motorsport-grade differentials.
The Subaru Brataroo 9500 Turbo 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 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. 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. Expect a torrent of content for both the new viewer and the diehard automotive fan who has been following along since Gymkhana Practice. The next Gymkhana film Aussie Shred premieres early December on the Hoonigan YouTube channel.
CARLIST THOUGHTS
Subaru vs Pastrana vs Down Under? And it was just unveiled at SEMA? What a combination. And yes, as an Aussie, I can vouch that the term ‘Hoon’ was first coined in Australia. Fans of the infamous Gymkhana series have already started drooling at the news that Travis will be back behind the wheel, pulling off seemingly death-defying stunts in crazy Subaru cars.
