Travis Pastrana delivers his boldest performance yet in “Aussie Shred,” the latest and wildest installment of the iconic Gymkhana film series. This film is set Down Under, a fitting location since Australia coined the term “hoon.” Pastrana pilots the spectacular Subaru “Brataroo” 9500 Turbo, a car engineered for maximum impact. The Subaru Motorsports USA and Hoonigan collaboration pushes the boundaries of action.
The Birth of the Gymkhana Brataroo
This project reimagined a 1978 Subaru BRAT into a bespoke Gymkhana contender. It was crafted by Subaru of America and their technical partner, Vermont SportsCar (VSC). They intended to create a machine capable of cornering, sliding, and flying at extreme levels. The engineering brief demanded performance well beyond its predecessors’ limits.
Design and Active Aerodynamics
The Brataroo’s design features innovative engineering throughout its structure. This ensures the car can handle the intense demands of Gymkhana stunts. VSC fitted the car with the most advanced active aerodynamics seen on a car in this series. This system dramatically improves both stability and handling during dynamic maneuvers. Active panels adjust instantly to optimize airflow.
A Landscape Ripe for Hooning
Australia provided an epic and diverse backdrop for the film “Aussie Shred.” The shoot moved between the bustling excitement of Sydney’s Harbour and the rugged Outback’s red sands. This juxtaposition offered a perfect setting, unlike any previous Gymkhana film. Brian Scotto, Hoonigan Co-Founder, noted their long-standing desire to shoot in Australia.
Pushing Stunts to the Limit
The film is officially the wildest in the franchise’s celebrated history. Audiences will witness the biggest jumps and the closest calls ever attempted. Pastrana himself called the car the “craziest Gymkhana car we’ve ever built.” Every component was made to withstand incredible abuse.
Iconic Australian Locales
The Brataroo attacks several famous locations across the continent. Notably, Pastrana shreds parts of the legendary Bathurst’s Mount Panorama circuit. Other stunts include hanging two tires off a pier and flying over a vast canyon gap. Pastrana even skims the Brataroo across a deep lake surface.
A Cast of Australian Motorsport Icons
“Aussie Shred” features numerous local motorsport and cultural cameos. Two-time Dakar Rally champion Toby Price makes an appearance in the film. Subaru WRC driver Chris Atkinson, known as “Atko,” joins the action as well. The film also includes V8 Supercars drivers challenging the Brataroo down Conrod Straight. Moog and Marty from Mighty Car Mods also join the star-studded lineup.
Subaru Brataroo Gymkhana Power and Specs
The rallycross-derived chassis is equipped with an explosive powertrain. It utilizes a fire-spitting turbocharged 2.0-liter boxer engine configuration. This unit delivers a mighty 670 horsepower to all four wheels. Torque is equally impressive, peaking at 680 lb-ft. The engine is built for high-performance use, revving to over 9,500 RPM. This combination ensures immediate and brutal acceleration.
Legacy and the Next Chapter
The film also honors the vision of the late Ken Block, the franchise founder. Block’s original “Gymkhana Practice” film transformed driving into a global cultural phenomenon. This installment marks Pastrana’s final Gymkhana film in the series. It concludes his chapter with a monumental, boundary-pushing production.
“Aussie Shred” is a celebration of aggressive, precision driving and advanced engineering. The Subaru Brataroo Gymkhana machine is truly a purpose-built weapon. The film’s ambitious scale makes it a must-see for all motorsport fans.
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Source: Subaru
