1978 SUBARU BRATAROO 9500 TURBO
Few vehicles in Subaru’s history embody the brand’s adventurous, unconventional spirit quite like the 1978 Subaru BRAT—the Bi-Drive Recreational All-Terrain Transporter (“BRAT”). Introduced as the first BRAT sold in the United States, it arrived at a pivotal time when Subaru was still carving its identity in a market wary of Japanese imports. The BRAT’s combination of car-like efficiency, truck-like utility, and distinctive personality—complete with rear jump seats, an optional T-top roof, and full-time four-wheel drive—captured imaginations and helped put Subaru on the map. Even President Ronald Reagan famously owned one on his California ranch. It represented everything Subaru would come to stand for: clever engineering, everyday practicality, and a sense of fun that defied convention.
Decades later, Subaru of America and technical partner Vermont SportsCar (VSC) set out to reimagine that legacy through a modern motorsport lens. The result is a one-of-one carbon-fiber creation designed and built exclusively for Travis Pastrana’s Gymkhana 2025—a vehicle that channels the original BRAT’s rebellious energy while pushing the limits of performance and technology. Its striking widebody exterior, with bodywork shaped by acclaimed designer Khyzyl Saleem (The Kyza), transforms the BRAT’s familiar proportions into an aggressive, modern statement—part state-of-the-art race car, part flight-ready stunt machine.
With more than half a billion views across its installments, the Gymkhana video series has become one of the most iconic automotive franchises in the world. After Ken Block’s groundbreaking first ten videos, Pastrana took the helm for Gymkhana 2020, debuting the wild Subaru WRX STI Airslayer, followed by the 1983 Subaru Family Huckster for the Gymkhana 2022 installment. This latest build—the 1978 Subaru Brataroo 9500 Turbo —acts as a spiritual prequel to the Huckster, blending heritage and innovation in equal measure.
Beneath its radical form lies a VSC-engineered 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder turbocharged Subaru BOXER engine, the same bespoke power unit that powers the Subaru WRX: Project Midnight hillclimb car. Producing 670 horsepower and 680 lb-ft of torque and capable of revving beyond 9500 rpm, the engine feeds power through a six-speed SADEV sequential gearbox and motorsport-grade differentials. The VSC-designed chassis and roll cage, constructed to the latest WRC safety cell standards, deliver world-class protection and rigidity—essential for Pastrana’s high-consequence Gymkhana maneuvers.
A hallmark of the Brataroo build is its extremely sophisticated active aerodynamic system, a must for any high-flying Gymkhana car built for Travis Pastrana. This system provides critical, programmable pitch control both on the ground and mid-flight. It features electronically adjustable front fender louvers that pivot forward or backward to fine-tune front-end balance. For the rear, the car utilizes two interchangeable rear wings: a smaller default wing for general use, and a larger, high-downforce wing reserved for maximum aerial stability and high-speed performance driving. Both wings are active, actuating upward as needed based on driving conditions or speed. The larger wing boasts an additional engineering enhancement: as it extends upward, it also grows wider, significantly increasing its surface area and aerodynamic effect. While the smaller wing was the primary component used during the main filming, the larger, more aggressive wing remains an option and may be seen on the car for future stunts or driving demonstrations requiring maximum grip.
The car rides on custom KMC forged wheels—a modern reinterpretation of the original BRAT’s factory design—wrapped in Yokohama ADVAN A052 or APEX tires, with tire choice depending on the particular stunt and surface conditions.
Inside, the cockpit pays deliberate homage to the 1978 original. The carbon-fiber dashboard with flax-composite wood-grain accents echoes the BRAT’s utilitarian charm while integrating modern controls and technology. A restored OEM radio, repurposed HVAC controls (now used to adjust the active aero), and a period-correct Uniden CB radio bridge past and present. Every detail was crafted to celebrate Subaru’s heritage while serving the extreme demands of the Gymkhana environment.
In every sense, this BRAT is more than a stunt car—it’s a statement. It honors Subaru’s roots while redefining what’s possible in a purpose-built performance machine. From its historical inspiration to its cutting-edge execution, the 2025 Gymkhana BRAT captures the brand’s enduring DNA: quirky, capable, and utterly fearless.
ENGINE
Custom VSC billet 2.0L turbocharged and intercooled
horizontally-opposed 4-cylinder Subaru BOXER engine
Approx. 670 bhp and 680 lb-ft torque
Garrett motorsport turbocharger
Dry sump oil system
Sodium cooled valves, DLC coated camshafts
VSC inlet manifold and carbon fiber cover
VSC twin-belt timing system
VSC anti-lag system and turbocharger management
ENGINE MANAGEMENT
Cosworth Pectel MQ12DI ECU
ELECTRICAL
Lightweight motorsport wiring loom
Cosworth programmable power management
MoTeC driver display
ZESTEK ZTR-24g custom steering wheel and hub
WEIGHT
2857lbs (1296kg)
TRANSMISSION & DRIVE SYSTEM
175mph top speed SADEV 6-speed sequential gearbox
RCV propshaft and driveshafts
Electronic rear steer system
CLUTCH
Triple plate carbon racing clutch
DIFFERENTIALS
VSC front differential, SADEV rear differential
COOLING
PWR front-mounted and ducted radiator and intercooler
SUSPENSION
R53 competition suspension with ride height control
VSC tubular front and rear crossmembers
VSC suspension arms and links
VSC competition hubs and uprights
BRAKES
Alcon brake calipers with 343mm rotors
Endless brake pads
VSC hydraulic handbrake
EXHAUST
VSC custom exhaust manifold
3D-printed Inconel hood-exit exhaust with Subaru logo
ROLL CAGE / SHELL PREP
Seam-welded shell
Custom FIA-spec T45 roll cage
WHEELS
18×8.5-inch custom forged KMC wheels
TIRES
Yokohama ADVAN A052/ ADVAN Apex
SEATS
RECARO SPA ProRacer with HANS
Custom carbon fiber rear-facing jump seats
INTERIOR
VSC carbon fiber dashboard with flax composite accent
Schroth 6-point competition harness
FLUIDS
MOTUL 300V 20w60
MOTUL Gear Competition 75w140
BODY
VSC composite widebody designed in collaboration with ‘The Kyza’
VSC carbon fiber flat floor, sump and differential guard
VSC carbon fiber active aero rear wing and fender louvers
VSC carbon fiber bull bar
MISC
Polycarbonate front, side and rear windshield
Rollbar mounted Holley RetroBright LED lights
Custom steering rack (11:1 ratio)
Motorsport high-flow power steering pump
