Buckle up for a wild ride Down Under – Travis Pastrana is set to ignite Australia's streets with his signature high-octane maneuvers in the latest Gymkhana extravaganza!
If you've ever wondered what happens when extreme sports meet automotive insanity, you're in for a treat. Next week, the world will witness Australia like never before through the eyes of Hoonigan's hit Gymkhana series, featuring the legendary action hero Travis Pastrana. Dubbed 'Aussie Shred,' this adrenaline-fueled video marks the series' debut visit to the Land Down Under, and it's already generating buzz. Imagine heart-stopping drifts, gravity-defying jumps, and cars pushed to their limits – that's the essence of Gymkhana, a franchise that turns everyday vehicles into stunt machines for jaw-dropping performances. For beginners dipping into this world, think of it as a blend of rally racing and freestyle motocross, but on four wheels, designed to showcase driving prowess in creative, often outrageous ways.
But here's where it gets controversial...
Believe it or not, this wasn't the first time Gymkhana aimed to hit Australian shores. Back in 2016, plans were in place for 'Gymkhana 9,' starring the late Ken Block, who sadly passed away in 2023. However, New South Wales Police intervened, citing the state's strict anti-hoon laws – regulations crafted to curb dangerous street racing and reckless driving that can endanger lives and property. These laws, often praised for promoting road safety, sparked debate among enthusiasts who argue they sometimes stifle legitimate motorsport enthusiasm. Fast-forward to now, and the tides have turned: Pastrana has secured backing from local authorities, allowing filming in three iconic spots. A tantalizing trailer drops hints at these locations – Sydney's bustling urban sprawl, the legendary Mount Panorama circuit in Bathurst, and the rugged outback charm of Broken Hill – with the full video dropping on December 10 at 1am AEDT.
And this is the part most people miss – the sheer collaboration that made it happen.
Pastrana and the Hoonigan crew captured the Bathurst scenes just ahead of this year's Bathurst 1000, Australia's premier endurance race. Teaming up with Supercars – the governing body behind high-speed racing events – they wove in appearances from supercar stars and their machines, adding an extra layer of authenticity and excitement. It's a prime example of how motorsport communities can unite for epic content, bridging the gap between street culture and professional racing.
Now, let's talk about the star of the show: the Subaru Brataroo 9500 Turbo. This beast is a custom reincarnation of the first-generation Subaru Brat ute, known in Australia as the Brumby – a compact, open-bed pickup from the 1980s that's beloved for its quirky, utilitarian vibe. Hoonigan has released a detailed YouTube breakdown of its build, transforming it into a powerhouse. At its heart is a turbocharged 2.0-liter flat-four boxer engine, a design typical of Subarus that offers balance and torque for off-road adventures. This setup cranks out an impressive 500 kilowatts of power and 922 Newton-meters of torque – for context, that's enough to launch a car from 0 to 100 km/h in under three seconds, making it a monster for stunts. It's paired with an all-wheel-drive system for traction in unpredictable environments and a Rallycross-inspired Sadev six-speed sequential transmission, which allows lightning-fast gear changes, much like in professional racing where split-second decisions can mean the difference between victory and wipeout.
The bodywork is a masterpiece of modern engineering, crafted from lightweight carbon fiber to keep weight down while boosting strength – think of carbon fiber as the superhero material in Formula 1 cars. It's adorned in a vibrant livery that nods to Australia's wild side, featuring swirling red dust patterns and playful kangaroo motifs, dreamed up by designer Khyzyl Saleem. Saleem's portfolio includes the TWR Supercat and Pastrana's previous Gymkhana ride, the Family Huckster, so he's no stranger to turning cars into canvases of speed and style.
What really sets the Brataroo apart is its active aerodynamics – a feature borrowed from high-end race cars. The front wheel-arch vents and rear wings can adjust on the fly, increasing or decreasing downforce to keep the car planted during high-speed maneuvers or allowing it to soar for aerial tricks. Given Pastrana's penchant for flying through the air, expect these to play a starring role in 'Aussie Shred,' adding a layer of innovation that could inspire future builds.
This video is Pastrana's second in the Gymkhana series following Block's passing. Block, the visionary behind 10 core Gymkhana videos plus two Audi spin-offs (one released after his untimely death), leaves a legacy of pushing boundaries. His influence is felt here, as Pastrana carries the torch, blending respect for the past with fresh energy.
For more on this Subaru Brat masterpiece, check out the details here: [Torquecafe link to Travis Pastrana’s Gymkhana Subaru Brat]. And here's a closer look at the Bathurst collaboration: [Torquecafe link to Pastrana Bathurst 1000 Subaru Brat].
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Jordan Mulach
Motoring Editor
Jordan Mulach is a seasoned Australian motoring journalist with deep roots in motorsport reporting. As a top automotive news writer, he melds expert knowledge with a genuine love for cars, sim racing, and all facets of the motoring world.
What do you think? Are strict anti-hoon laws a necessary evil to keep roads safe, or do they unfairly limit motorsport culture? And should extreme stunts like Gymkhana be permitted on public roads with proper oversight? We'd love to hear your take – agree or disagree, drop your thoughts in the comments below!
