Imagine taking a quirky 1980s Subaru Brat and transforming it into a fire-breathing, tire-shredding monster capable of gravity-defying stunts. That’s exactly what Travis Pastrana has done with his latest Gymkhana project, and the automotive world can’t stop talking about it.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Travis Pastrana built a radically modified Subaru Brat for his Gymkhana series
- The vehicle has been described as ‘completely unhinged’ in performance
- This represents a new direction for the iconic video series
- Subaru enthusiasts are witnessing their favorite underdog transformed
Why This Build Matters Beyond the Stunts
When most people think of high-performance vehicles, they picture sleek supercars or powerful muscle cars. But Pastrana’s choice of the Subaru Brat speaks volumes about automotive creativity. According to The Verge’s automotive coverage, this build demonstrates how imagination can trump budget when it comes to creating something truly special.
The Subaru Brat originally debuted in the late 1970s as a practical, economical vehicle with jump seats in the bed. It was never designed for high-performance applications, which makes Pastrana’s transformation even more impressive. By choosing this platform, he’s proving that any vehicle can become extraordinary with the right vision and engineering.
The Engineering Behind the Madness
While specific technical details remain closely guarded, we know this isn’t your grandfather’s Subaru Brat. The extensive modifications likely include a heavily upgraded powertrain, reinforced chassis, and custom suspension capable of handling the extreme demands of Gymkhana driving.
Gymkhana vehicles need to excel at rapid direction changes, controlled slides, and explosive acceleration. As reported by Motor Trend’s performance vehicle analysis, successful Gymkhana builds typically feature all-wheel drive systems, turbocharged engines producing well over 500 horsepower, and specialized differentials for precise power distribution.
What makes this build different?
Pastrana’s team had to overcome the Brat’s inherent limitations while preserving its distinctive character. The short wheelbase and lightweight construction that made the original Brat nimble around town now make it potentially unstable at high speeds during complex maneuvers.
The engineering solutions likely involve sophisticated electronic stability systems, custom weight distribution, and aerodynamic modifications that nobody ever imagined putting on a vehicle that originally came with plastic side windows.
What This Means for Automotive Enthusiasts
Pastrana’s project represents more than just another stunt vehicle. It signals a shift in how we think about automotive potential and what constitutes a proper platform for extreme performance.
For Subaru enthusiasts, this build validates their passion for the brand’s quirky heritage while demonstrating what’s possible with modern technology applied to classic platforms. It proves that you don’t need to start with an expensive supercar to create something extraordinary.
The community impact
Automotive communities are already buzzing about what this means for the future of custom builds. We’re likely to see increased interest in unusual platforms and creative solutions rather than following established formulas. The Brat project demonstrates that thinking outside the box can produce results that standardized approaches never could.
This approach could revitalize interest in older vehicles that might otherwise be forgotten. Instead of chasing the latest factory performance models, enthusiasts might start looking at what hidden potential lies in their grandparents’ garages.
The bottom line:
Travis Pastrana’s Subaru Brat isn’t just another Gymkhana vehicle – it’s a testament to automotive creativity and engineering innovation. By choosing an unconventional platform and pushing it to extreme limits, Pastrana is redefining what’s possible in custom vehicle builds.
For enthusiasts, this project serves as inspiration to look beyond conventional wisdom and explore the potential in unexpected places. The real takeaway isn’t about the specific modifications or performance numbers – it’s about the mindset that any vehicle can become extraordinary with enough vision, skill, and courage to break from tradition.
As we await the full reveal in Pastrana’s upcoming Gymkhana video, one thing is clear: the automotive world needs more of this unhinged creativity.
