The Subaru Brataroo 9500 Turbo brings back Gymkhana with Travis Pastrana behind the wheel in what promises to be the wildest entry yet. Revealed at the 2025 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, this radical Subaru creation is engineered to dominate the next Gymkhana film set in Australia , home of the term “hoon.” Expect tire destruction, impossible jumps, and controlled chaos as Pastrana pilots a machine that redefines automotive insanity.
The Rebirth of a Legend
Hoonigan and Subaru Motorsports USA joined forces once again to resurrect the internet-breaking Gymkhana franchise. Their latest hero, the Brataroo 9500 Turbo, is a bespoke, fully reimagined 1978 Subaru BRAT that blends the rebellious spirit of the original with cutting-edge motorsport technology. Designed and built by Vermont SportsCar (VSC), it’s a car that feels just as happy flying as it does sliding.
Design That Honors and Defies Tradition
Styled by concept artist Khyzyl Saleem, the Brataroo’s carbon-fiber widebody merges classic BRAT proportions with modern aggression. Its retro livery celebrates Subaru’s 1970s heritage, complete with Outback-inspired graphics, kangaroo details, and logos from partners like KMC Wheels, Mercury Marine, and Yokohama. The look is both nostalgic and futuristic , a perfect reflection of Gymkhana’s roots and evolution.
Power and Performance
Under the hood sits a rallycross-derived, turbocharged 2.0-liter boxer engine built by Vermont SportsCar. The motor delivers an astonishing 670 horsepower and 680 lb-ft of torque while spinning beyond 9,500 RPM , making it the highest-revving Gymkhana car ever. Power routes through a six-speed sequential SADEV gearbox and an advanced all-wheel-drive system, ensuring every ounce of energy translates into motion, whether on the ground or midair.
Lightweight Engineering and Aerodynamics
The Brataroo’s carbon-fiber body covers a VSC-built chassis and a roll cage that meets modern WRC safety standards. Yet the real innovation lies in its active aerodynamics. Adjustable front fender louvers can alter their angle to balance the car’s flight posture, while dual rear wings offer customizable downforce for either stability or stunts. The larger wing even expands as it lifts, increasing surface area and control during Gymkhana’s signature airborne moments.
Wheels, Tires, and Handling
Riding on forged monoblock KMC wheels, the Brataroo pays tribute to Subaru’s rally heritage while embracing modern performance. The 18-inch wheels wear Yokohama ADVAN A052 or APEX tires, chosen based on stunt demands and surface conditions. Together, they deliver precision grip and effortless slides , the essence of Gymkhana driving.
Interior: Retro Soul, Modern Control
The cockpit balances nostalgia and innovation. A carbon-fiber dash and flax-composite wood-grain accents echo the BRAT’s utilitarian charm, while modern electronics handle complex functions like active aero. Period-correct details such as a restored OEM radio and a Uniden CB radio complete the throwback aesthetic, merging past and present in perfect harmony.
Pastrana’s Wildest Ride Yet
“This BRAT’s completely unhinged – in the best way possible,” Pastrana says. “It’s got the soul of a vintage Subaru with the tech to do things no Gymkhana car has ever done.” The Brataroo was designed to endure abuse, soar high, and land harder, carrying forward the spirit of Ken Block’s groundbreaking vision while carving its own path in Gymkhana history.
Gymkhana Season Begins
The debut of the Subaru Brataroo 9500 Turbo at SEMA marks the start of “Gymkhana Season,” setting the stage for the upcoming film Aussie Shred premiering in December on Hoonigan’s YouTube channel. With its unmatched mix of retro cool and extreme engineering, the Brataroo proves that the Gymkhana legacy is alive, airborne, and louder than ever.
Summary
The Subaru Brataroo 9500 Turbo is more than a showpiece , it’s a symbol of Gymkhana’s evolution. Combining 670 horsepower, advanced active aero, and unmistakable Subaru soul, it pushes the boundaries of what’s possible on four wheels. Travis Pastrana’s next Gymkhana chapter isn’t just back , it’s going bigger, faster, and higher than ever.
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Source: Subaru
