The Gymkhana Subaru WRX STI was built to perform

How Was Gymkhana Subaru WRX STI Built?

What are the specs for the Gymakhana WRX STI?

As the sun set on Ken Block and Ford’s foray into the Gymkhana, it was rising for Subaru and Travis Pastrana. And no delays mind you, as the countdown for Gymkhana Subaru WRX STI to be ready was just one year. The challenge is everything but meek! Synonymous with formidable design in a rubber-burning package built to entertain, Gymkhana is definitely not something you take your grandmother to.

An incredible challenge when you know how Pastrana would approach it, determined to put his own spin on all those precision drifts, jumps and stunts that the Gymkhana is so well known for.  With expectations high, Travis Pastrana and Subaru had big shoes to fill.

So, what did the Gymkhana Subaru specs produce?

Travis Pastrana WRX STI Custom Build

What’s different between the Subaru WRX STI and Gymakhana WRX STI?

A 643kW (862-horsepower) powerhouse STI that fit the Gymkhana bill perfectly! Beyond the flashy livery, wheels, rear wing and exhaust pipes coming out of the hood, there’s evermore than meets the eye. Based on its original factory chassis, the A and B pillars remained unchanged, as with the tail-lights and doors, whereas the wheelbase was shortened slightly and the track widened slightly.

Cue: Active Aero

Extreme downforce is crucial when the challenge is to perform precise manoeuvres around obstacles and jump over various objects where active aerodynamics are key.

Engine

With its boxer unit and big turbo attachment, this engine displaced 2.3L (despite starting life as a 2L mill) and thereafter dedicated the customization of everything that connects to how it produced that renowned feat of 643kW.

Body

The body was made of Kevlar mostly and prepreg carbon fiber, with the icing on the cake being the 3D-printed Inconel exhaust through the hood.

We could wax lyrically about how the Travis Pastrana WRX STI (more than!) earned its stripes and why it has come to be known as the “most insane” Gymkhana ever… or we could just show you.

Take a deep breath in…

…and… exhale.

You don’t have to be a professional racer to grasp why the Subaru WRX STI is renowned and respected for its supreme power, handling and control. And while we don’t encourage any off-limits, unsafe drag-racing activities, the spirit of the rally car is something true to what runs through Subaru’s blood.

If less rally and more car is what you’re after, we welcome you to your nearest dealership to discuss exactly what gives you the thrills. Guaranteed that — no matter what it is — there’s a Subaru match, ready to become a part of how you do life.

To get your thrills sorted, start with a test drive which you can book at your local Subaru dealership, by contacting us on +27 11 608 0116 or emailing info@subaru.co.za and letting us know how a Subaru-enthusiastic member of our team can assist you.