The Gymkhana Legend Returns with a New Monster
The spirit of the legendary Ken Block, who tragically passed away almost three years ago, continues to live on in the Gymkhana video series. In the new installment, titled Aussie Shred, rally star and extreme sports master Travis Pastrana returns to the driver’s seat. This time, he is behind the wheel of a radically modified Subaru Brat, built by the specialists at Vermont SportsCar.
The car impresses with its performance and design:
Australia Becomes the New Playground for Stunts
Pastrana’s previous Gymkhana performance took place in 2022 in a Subaru GL Wagon. The new part was filmed in Australia, even though just a few years ago local police blocked plans to film Gymkhana 9 in the country. Now the situation has changed, and Australian landscapes—from deserts to the famous Mount Panorama circuit during the Bathurst 1000 race—have become the perfect backdrop for insane stunts, high-speed jumps, and drifts.
The Heart and Soul of the Modified Brat
Under the hood of this monster lies a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that develops 670 hp and 680 lb-ft of torque. Its sound is distinct from any other car ever used in the Gymkhana series. Active aerodynamics, including massive louvres on the front fenders, ensure stability during jumps. The lightweight carbon body is paired with a retro livery that perfectly suits the Brat’s character.
The film Aussie Shred demonstrates not only the technical progress in creating special effects cars but also the evolution of attitudes towards this kind of filming. What was once impossible due to legislative restrictions has now been realized, opening new horizons for creators of extreme content. This project is also a tribute to Ken Block, whose style and approach to motorsport continue to inspire new generations of racers and fans around the world.