Gymkhana's Aussie Shred: An Engineered Epic and a Bittersweet Farewell

BUENA PARK, CA – December 09, 2025 – The internet’s premier automotive spectacle has once again shattered expectations. Hoonigan and Subaru Motorsports USA have unleashed “Aussie Shred,” the latest and arguably most audacious installment in the iconic Gymkhana film franchise. Released today to a global audience of millions, the film sees action sports legend Travis Pastrana embark on his final, physics-defying drive in the series, taking a custom-built weapon of a car through the heart of Australia. The result is a masterclass in extreme driving, cutting-edge engineering, and savvy brand storytelling that both honors a legacy and pushes the boundaries of digital entertainment.

For his third and final outing, Pastrana pilots the Subaru “Brataroo,” a vehicle that is a 1978 Subaru BRAT in name and silhouette only. This film is more than just a sequence of stunts; it represents a culmination of innovation, a victory over past challenges, and a poignant turning point for a franchise that has defined automotive culture for over a decade. From the red dust of the Outback to the shimmering Sydney Harbour, “Aussie Shred” is a fittingly wild farewell to Pastrana's chapter in the Gymkhana saga.

The Engineering Marvel Behind the Mayhem

While Travis Pastrana is the master behind the wheel, the true co-star of “Aussie Shred” is the machine he commands. The Subaru “Brataroo” 9500 Turbo is a testament to what happens when engineering is pushed to its absolute limit for the sake of spectacle. Crafted by Subaru of America and the technical wizards at Vermont SportsCar (VSC), the vehicle is a ground-up reimagining of the classic utility coupe, engineered as a purpose-built Gymkhana weapon.

Beneath its bespoke carbon fiber body, designed by renowned artist Khyzyl Saleem, lies a fire-spitting, rallycross-derived 2.0-liter boxer engine. This powerhouse delivers a staggering 670 horsepower and 680 lb-ft of torque, revving to an ear-splitting 9,500 RPM. Power is sent to all four wheels through a Sadev six-speed sequential transmission, allowing for the explosive acceleration and precise control necessary for Gymkhana’s intricate choreography.

However, the Brataroo's most significant innovation lies in its active aerodynamics. The car features massive front wheel-arch vents and a dynamic rear wing system that constantly adjusts to optimize downforce. This technology was critical for the film’s most jaw-dropping moments, allowing the car to maintain stability while cornering at impossible angles, flying through the air, and even skimming across the surface of a lake. As Pastrana himself stated, “The Brataroo is hands down the craziest Gymkhana car we've ever built. Every part of this car was designed to take the abuse we threw at it.” That abuse included a breathtaking 160-foot jump across a 10-story deep canyon and hanging two tires off a pier, stunts that would be impossible without this level of advanced engineering.

A Homecoming for ‘Hooning’: Gymkhana's Australian Conquest

The choice of Australia as the backdrop for Pastrana’s final film is deeply significant. The term “hoon,” a colloquialism for reckless and spirited driving, originated Down Under, making the location a spiritual homecoming for the franchise. The film fully embraces this, weaving a narrative that is as much a celebration of Australian car culture as it is a showcase of driving skill.

This production was a decade in the making and represents a significant logistical victory for the Hoonigan team. “Australia had long been at the top of the list of potential Gymkhana film locations,” explained Hoonigan Co-Founder Brian Scotto. He revealed that an attempt to film there for Gymkhana Nine was met with “a resounding no, because of the climate of anti-hoon laws at the time.” The fact that, a decade later, the team was welcomed “with open arms” by the Australian government speaks volumes about the franchise’s global cultural impact and its evolution into a professional, high-stakes production.

Filming took place across a stunning array of iconic locales, from the rugged, red-earthed expanse of Broken Hill in the Outback to the bustling Sydney Harbour and the hallowed asphalt of Bathurst’s Mount Panorama circuit. The film is packed with local flavor and cameos from Australian motorsport royalty, including two-time Dakar Rally champion Toby Price, Subaru WRC driver Chris “Atko” Atkinson, and a host of V8 Supercars drivers. In one memorable sequence, Pastrana even engages in a rolling drag race against a V8 Supercar on the famous Conrod Straight. The inclusion of personalities like Moog and Marty from the beloved YouTube channel Mighty Car Mods further cements the film's authentic connection to the local scene.

The End of an Era, The Future of a Franchise

“Aussie Shred” carries a palpable emotional weight. It is not only Travis Pastrana’s swan song for the series but also a powerful tribute to the man who started it all, the late Ken Block. The film’s creators made a conscious effort to pay “due homage to the previous films of Ken Block, whose vision transformed a passion for driving into a global cultural phenomenon.” For fans who have followed the series from its raw beginnings with Block’s “Gymkhana Practice” film, this installment feels like a pivotal chapter closing.

The film’s success is also a case study in modern media strategy. Hoonigan has cultivated a massive and loyal fanbase, with over 5.8 million subscribers on its primary YouTube channel, by consistently delivering high-octane content that resonates with automotive enthusiasts. The Gymkhana series serves as the brand’s flagship production, a viral tentpole event that leverages strategic partnerships with giants like Subaru, Yokohama Tire, and KMC Wheels to achieve cinematic quality and global reach.

With the premiere of “Aussie Shred,” the Pastrana era of Gymkhana concludes on its highest note. Yet, Hoonigan has confirmed this is not the end of the franchise. Unlike the film that introduced Pastrana as Block’s successor, this one offers no clues as to who will next take the wheel. This deliberate mystery leaves the door wide open, fueling speculation and ensuring that the global automotive community will be watching intently for what comes next, proving that even as one chapter ends, the engine of innovation at the heart of Gymkhana continues to rev.