--- title: "Travis Pastrana’s New Gymkhana Ride Is an Extreme Subaru Brat That Revs to 9,500 RPM" date: "2025-11-04" modified: "2025-11-04" authors: - name: "Jerry Perez" job_title: "Deputy Editor" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/jerry-perez" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/gymkhanas-1978-subaru-brat-with-9500-rpm-redline-and-active-aero-is-one-super-ute" categories: - "Culture" - "News" - "News by Brand" - "Subaru News" tags: - "Subaru" --- # Travis Pastrana’s New Gymkhana Ride Is an Extreme Subaru Brat That Revs to 9,500 RPM ![]() *\Andy Sapp\* The legendary [Ken Block]() was the driving force behind the internet-breaking [Gymkhana]() YouTube videos, but a big chunk of the allure was undoubtedly due to the [wild vehicles the Hoonigan]() team created for these. Despite the changing times, trends, and, of course, Block's untimely passing, the team continues to work hard to develop cars capable of shredding mountains of tires. Say hello to the newest Gymkhana creation: the [Subaru]() Brataroo 9500 Turbo. As you may have guessed, the Brataroo started out in life as an honest-to-goodness 1978 Subaru BRAT. Y'know, that cute little ute that sold from the late '70s to the mid '90s across the globe, including the U.S. Not much is left of the stock vehicle, of course, because Hoonigan has turned it up to 12—as they always do. Oh, and by the way, BRAT isn't a name, it's an acronym for Bi-Drive Recreational All-Terrain Transporter. ![]() **Andy Sapp** Under the hood, there's a turbocharged 2.0-liter boxer engine built by the rally racing masters at Vermont SportsCar. It puts out 670 horsepower and 680 lb-ft of torque from the tiny but mighty four-cylinder engine, which can actually rev to a stratospheric 9,500 rpm. According to Hoonigan, it's the highest-revving car ever built for the franchise. In order to put all that power down and shred rubber into oblivion, the BRAT employs a race-derived all-wheel-drive system and a six-speed sequential SADEV gearbox. Like in previous builds, Active Aero makes an appearance to ensure the Brataro corners on a dime and remains stable at high speeds. Other adjustable and deployable wings and flaps help it stay balanced while flying through the air and increase its chances of having a safe landing after massive jumps. ![]() ![]() Then there's the body, but what can I really say that's worth reading? Just enjoy the few photos we've been given. For starters, the livery is fantastic, and just look at that massive rear wing attached to the tailgate. As the youths would say, "it's sick." Hoonigan claims the carbon fiber interior still resembles the original '78 design, but no photos of it were provided. Either way, we'll find out in early December when the next episode of the Gymkhana series titled *Aussie Shred* premieres on the Hoonigan YouTube channel. *Got a tip? Email us at tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Jerry is responsible for upholding The Drive's ethos as an audience-first, enthusiast-driven car blog that serves up industry-leading news, reviews, culture, and motorsport coverage. Overseeing a staff of writers and editors from his home base in Indianapolis, he helps curate the site's daily rundown, as well as its medium- and long-term content strategies. Jerry joined The Drive in 2018 as a writer and worked as news editor and managing editor before becoming the deputy in 2023. As a lifelong car enthusiast and racing fan, Jerry believes that all cars are cool, but the people behind the machines are even cooler. This belief often gives The Drive a slightly different focus from most other car sites, where we explore the humanity behind the machines. When he's not obsessing over the day's biggest stories or hanging out at a race track, Jerry can be found behind the wheel of a car, most likely sharing a laugh with his teenage son or daughter. ### Author social links [Instagram]()