Gymkhana is back with Travis Pastrana and a gnarly Subaru BRAT

Gymkhana, a word that will attract almost all car enthusiasts, regardless of what discipline they practice. It’s more than just drifting, it’s more than rallying, it’s more than time attack; it is a practice of total madness. And it comes back! With the 2025 SEMA Show underway, we’ve seen countless 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 is sure to get your heart racing.

Travis Pastrana gets behind the wheel of the newly named ‘Brataroo 9500 Turbo’, an upgraded Subaru BRAT purpose-built to handle more abuse than the original 1970s recreational vehicle, and the star of the upcoming ‘Aussie Shred’ Gymkhana movie. With numerous upgrades that make it a true hooning machine, the Brataroo heralds a new phase of the famous Gymkhana film series that promises to be the wildest yet.

Gymkhana returns with a tribute to the rebellion

The start of this insane build is the mighty mill under the hood: a high-pressure turbocharged 2.0-liter boxer that spits out 670 horsepower and 680 pound-feet of torque while revving in excess of 9,500 rpm – the highest ever in a Gymkhana car to date. The massive power is put to the road via an AWD system, mated to a six-speed SADEV sequential gearbox and motorsport-quality differentials – all of which play a role in maintaining and dissipating grip.

Those familiar with Gymkhana are aware of the tire shredding madness that takes place, and to ensure maximum shredability, the Brataroo 9500 Turbo skates on Yokohama ADVAN A052 or APEX tires depending on stunt needs and road surface. The wheels are a one-off set of forged 18-inch monoblocks that pay tribute to both the golden era of rallying and the original four-spoke design of the Subaru BRAT.

The high-flying recipe contains active aerodynamic and lightweight materials

The lightweight widebody machine is made entirely of carbon fiber, which retains the BRAT’s signature look while injecting it with a healthy dose of aggressive, angular accents and aerodynamic styling that help it take to the air and carve 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 worthy of carrying the Gymkhana torch into the future.

Active aerodynamic features include front fender slats that allow real-time control of the Brataroo’s front balance while in the air or on the ground. These slats rotate forward or backward to fine-tune the height of the vehicle in flight. The rear 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 move upward for greater control over pitch and rotation in flight. The larger wing has additional features: as it extends upwards, it becomes wider, which significantly increases surface area and aero stability.

Interior Restomod adds modern options

Inside the cockpit, the Brataroo features a carbon fiber dashboard with flax composite woodgrain accents that pay tribute to the BRAT’s practical charm, while modern controls and technology integrate seamlessly without overshadowing the retro approach. Features such as a restored OEM radio, updated HVAC controls (now used to adjust active aerodynamics) and a period-correct Uniden CB radio marry the past and present in a delightful blend of heritage and modern motorsport needs. This custom build was made possible by 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.