Despite the passing of Ken Block, his world famous Gymkhana still lives on and the baton has been handed to action star and rally driver Travis Pastrana, who has just recently concluded a tour of Australia for the latest edition.
Pastrana was the star attraction during the lead up to the Repco Bathurst 1000 as he joined a select few of the Supercars field at the top of the Mountain to shoot a part for the latest Gymkhana movie.
Block has previously linked up with various manufacturers including Ford and Audi, but Subaru was close to his heart.
The first Gymkhana video was Block using a rally-specification Subaru Impreza WRX STI and the latest will have Pastrana drive a highly modified BRAT ute (known as the Brumby here in Australia).
Coined the Subaru Brataroo 9500 Turbo, this wild utility has undergone a considerable transformation to be able to complete the stunts required by the Gymkhana series.
Starting off as a stock 1978 Subaru BRAT or Bi-Drive Recreational All-Terrain Transporter, the Brataroo contains not much of those original parts.
Powered by a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder boxer engine built by long-time factory Subaru USA team Vermont SportsCar, it produces 670bhp and 680Nm as it can rev to 9500rpm.
It features an all-wheel-drive system designed for competition use and a six-speed sequential gearbox produced by renowned manufacturer SADEV to ensure the Brataroo can deal with the extreme tortures of a Gymkhana video.
In recent editions of the Gymkhana series, Active Aero has been predominately part of the stunts and this one is no exception.
Adjustable wings and flaps highlighted by a large rear spoiler ensure the Brataroo remains stable during the various stunts.
Carbon fibre is used throughout, including as part of the interior, which is supposed to resemble the BRAT’s original design from 1978.
Aussie Shred is the next episode in the Gymkhana series and is due to feature in early December.