Gymkhana, a word that will attract almost all auto enthusiasts, no matter what discipline they’re into. It’s more than just drifting, it’s more than rally, it’s more than time attack; it’s a practice in all-out insanity. And it’s coming back! With the 2025 SEMA Show underway, we’ve seen numerous builds, from hydrogen-powered rescue vehicles to electric track weapons and everything in between, but Subaru Motorsports USA and Hoonigan bring us a classic, mixed with some modern capabilities, that’s sure to get your heart pumping.
Travis Pastrana gets behind the wheel of the newly dubbed “Brataroo 9500 Turbo,” a juiced-up Subaru BRAT purpose-built to handle more abuse than the original recreational vehicle from the 1970s, and the star of the upcoming “Aussie Shred” Gymkhana film. With loads of upgrades that make it a true hooning machine, the Brataroo will kick off a new phase of the famed Gymkhana film series that promises to be the wildest to date.
Gymkhana Returns With An Homage To Rebellion
Kicking off this insane build is the mighty mill under the hood: a highly pressurized turbocharged 2.0-liter Boxer that spits out 670 horsepower and 680 pound-feet of torque, while reaching revs of over 9,500 rpm — the highest ever in a Gymkhana car to date. The massive power is put to pavement via an AWD system mated to a six-speed sequential SADEV gearbox and motorsport-grade differentials — all of which play a role in both retaining grip and disposing of it.
Those familiar with Gymkhana are aware of the tire-shredding madness that takes place, and to ensure maximum shreddability, the Brataroo 9500 Turbo skates on either Yokohama ADVAN A052 or APEX tires, depending on the stunt needs and road surfaces. The wheels are a one-off set of forged 18-inch monoblocks that pay homage to both the Golden Era of rallying and the Subaru BRAT’s original four-spoke design.
The High-Flying Recipe Includes Active Aero And Lightweight Materials
The lightweight widebody machine is constructed entirely of carbon fiber, which retains the BRAT’s signature aura while injecting it with a healthy dose of aggressive, angular accents and aerodynamic shaping that help it get airborne and slice through courses with surgical precision. Reimagined by renowned designer Khyzyl Saleem (The Kyza), the Brataroo seamlessly blends heritage with modern dynamics to create a truly special machine that’s worthy of carrying the Gymkhana torch into the future.
Active aero features include front fender louvers that allow real-time control of the Brataroo’s front-end balance while airborne or planted on the ground. These louvres pivot forward or backward to fine-tune the vehicle’s altitude while in-flight. The rear end features two interchangeable rear wings: a large one for maximum downforce and stability, and a smaller one for general tire shredding. Both wings can adjust their angle of attack and can actuate upward for more control over the pitch and rotation during flight. The larger wing features additional properties: as it extends upward, it increases in width, which significantly increases its surface area and aero stability.
Interior Restomod Adds Modern Capability
In the cockpit, the Brataroo features a carbon-fiber dashboard with flax-composite wood-grain accents that pay homage to the BRAT’s utilitarian charm, while modern controls and tech seamlessly integrate without overshadowing the retro approach. Features like a restored OEM radio, repurposed HVAC controls (now used to adjust the active aero), and a period-correct Uniden CB radio marry the past and present in a delicious mix of heritage and modern motorsport needs. This bespoke build comes courtesy of Subaru of America and technical partner Vermont SportsCar (VSC), as well as The Kyza, KMC Wheels, Mercury Marine, Yokohama Tire, Heat Wave Visual, and Dixxon Flannel, and will be on display at the 2025 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.
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