Remember the Subaru BRAT? It was a small pickup truck introduced in 1978, based on the basic Subaru platform. The most unusual feature was that it had two seats in the bed, all-wheel drive, and a penchant for absolute fun.

Because there is an interest in smaller pickup trucks, someone decided to turn an older BRAT into a Gymkhana machine. The idea came from the one and only rally driver, Travis Pastrana. Subaru Motorsports USA and Hoonigan joined in the fun to create a bespoke 1978 BRAT into the Brataroo 9500 Turbo.

Pastrana and the Brataroo 9500 are the stars of the new Gymkhana internet film series, produced by Hoonigan. This series takes our heroes to Australia, where the term “hoon” was born. The film series follows Pastrana and the Brataroo 9500 as they shred around some of the country’s most famous sites, with cameo appearances by various local legends.

In this latest film series, expect Pastrana to destroy tires, make some close calls, and take the Brataroo 9500 on some giant leaps. It’s not a Gymkhana film without them. But expect more this time around – more jumps, more shredding, and more action!

The Brataroo 9500 originated as a 1978 BRAT, but it was further refined by Subaru of America and Vermont SportsCar to achieve its goal of being the ultimate action machine. A 2.0-liter turbocharged BOXER engine propels this small pickup truck. That was raked to achieve 670 horsepower and 680 pound-feet of torque. This engine has been revved up to a 9,500 RPM redline. A SADEV six-speed sequential gearbox sends that power to all four wheels.

Carbon fiber was extensively used on the Brataroo 9500’s body and cabin. The shell was placed onto a VSC-engineered chassis and a WRC-certified roll cage. Advanced active aerodynamics keep this classic on and off the ground. They added a retro-inspired livery sporting some classic branding from the era. An additional nod to the era are the gold-painted 18-inch alloy wheels shod with Yokohama ADVAN tires.

The Brataroo 9500 made its debut at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas in November. This was the kickoff event for the new Gymkhana film series. The film, Aussie Shred, is now available to watch on the Hoonigan YouTube channel.

The spirit of the BRAT lives in our current Subaru lineup. With three Wilderness models to choose from, along with the iconic WRX, there is no shortage of vehicles to fulfill your dreams of conquering terrain that induces excitement for anyone with a driver’s license.

You can catch that spirit of Gymkhana at Twin Falls Subaru. Contact us for parts and accessories for your current vehicle, or to explore a new one that will fulfill your pride in owning one.