Ken Block was the driving force behind the famous internet-breaking Gymkhana YouTube videos, but a big part of the charm was undoubtedly due to the wild vehicles the Hoonigan team created for them. Despite the changing times, trends and of course, the untimely demise of the block, the team is working hard to develop cars capable of shredding mountains of tires. Say hello to Gymkhana’s latest creation: the Subaru Bratar 9500 Turbo.
As you might have guessed, the Brataru started life as an honest-to-goodness 1978 Subaru Brat. You know, that cute little ute that was sold around the world including the US from the late 70s to the mid 90s Of course, there isn’t much left in the stock vehicle, since Hoonigan has amped it up to 12 – as they always do. Oh, and by the way, BRAT isn’t a name, it’s the acronym for By-Drive Recreational All-Terrain Transporter.
Under the hood, the Vermont sportscar features a turbocharged 2.0-liter boxer engine built by Rally Racing Masters. It produces 670 horsepower and 680 lb-ft of torque from a small but mighty four-cylinder engine that can rev up to a truly stratospheric 9,500 rpm. According to Hoonigan, it is the most speedy car ever built for the franchise. To put down all that power and destroy the rubber, BRAT uses a race-derived all-wheel-drive system and a six-speed sequential SADEV gearbox.
Like the previous build, Active Aero makes an appearance ensuring the Brataro corners in less time and remains stable at higher speeds. Other adjustable and deployable wings and flaps help it stay balanced while flying in the air and increase the chances of safe landing after heavy jumps.
Then there’s the body, but what can I really say that makes it worth reading? Just enjoy some of the pictures we gave you. For starters, the livery is spectacular, and just look at the huge rear wing attached to the tailgate. As the youth used to 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 will be out australian pieces Premiere on the Hoonigan YouTube channel.
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