Subaru BRAT’s Comeback in Gymkhana Style: Meet the Brataroo 9500 Turbo

The name might sound mischievous, but the new Brataroo 9500 Turbo is anything but a joke. In collaboration with Subaru and Hoonigan, the beloved BRAT pickup has been reborn for the latest instalment of the Gymkhana video series. The setting? Australia. The mission? Two-wheeled drifts, high-flying jumps and the kind of horsepower you usually only find in a supercar.

For those who remember the original BRAT — a quirky 1970s/80s Subaru utility vehicle with jump-seats in the back — this reincarnation is a wild overhaul. Think of it as the BRAT you forgot you wanted, now completely tuned for audacious performance.

What Makes the Brataroo 9500 Turbo So Wild

This machine isn’t simply a restomod. Underneath the carbon-fibre body lies a fully-realised rally-grade chassis built by Vermont SportsCar. Add to that the engine: a turbocharged 2.0-litre Subaru boxer four, tuned all the way to around 670 hp and 680 lb-ft of torque, revving up to a staggering 9,500 rpm.

Other standout features include:

• Full carbon-fibre bodywork with wide-body arches and ‘roo-bar front protection
• Adjustable louvers up front that change pitch mid-jump
• Dual rear wings you can swap depending on whether you’re going for pure grip or drifting chaos
• Six-speed sequential gearbox and full all-wheel drive for maximum traction

In short: this is a vehicle engineered for spectacle. The kind of spectacle that belongs in a Gymkhana video, filmed across sand dunes, desert highways and urban loops, all under the Australian sun.

Design Flair Meets Audiovisual Madness

Where the old BRAT was utilitarian and odd, the Brataroo leans heavily into the theatrical, signature Hoonigan style. The “Midnight Purple” wrap shifts tone under different light, the enormous wheels and tyres dominate each shot, and the roll-cage bursts into view thanks to its orange highlight tubing. Subaru and Hoonigan clearly aimed for eye-catching, and they succeeded spectacularly.

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FAQs

What is the Brataroo 9500 Turbo based on?

It’s based on the Subaru BRAT platform, but transformed extensively with a rally-chassis and bespoke body panels.

How powerful is it?

The car uses a 2.0-litre turbocharged boxer four, tuned to about 670 hp and 680 lb-ft of torque, revving to 9,500 rpm.

Where will it be seen?

This concept stars in the latest Gymkhana video series, filmed in Australia, and it will make appearances at SEMA and special events.

Is it street legal?

No. The Brataroo 9500 Turbo is a one-off creation built for stunt driving and concept showcases.

Why is this important for Subaru?

It highlights that Subaru, despite its mainstream image, still values visceral, fun-driving experiences. It’s a perfect vehicle for Hoonigan's brand of controlled chaos. Ultimately, it signals to fans that performance and character still have a place in the brand. It signals to fans that performance and character still have a place in the brand.