You may remember Travis Pastrana’s Family Huckster Subaru GL wagon being one of the fastest cars in the 2022 Goodwood Hillclimb and jumping bridges in Florida. Now, it’s in the Hoonigan studio to dive into what makes this wild machine so special. And, there’s a lot to learn.
The vehicle’s basic inspiration is the Subaru GL wagon that served the United States Ski Team in the 1980s. However, neither of the original cars could ever come to terms with the abuse that Pastrana inflicted on the Family Hucksters. The chassis now consists of a 3d modeled tube frame and a carbon fiber body. The wheelbase is nearly identical, but the vehicle is about 12 inches (30.48 centimeters) wider than the original example.
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The Huckster Family offers smart active aero elements. Cutouts on the front and rear fenders, in addition to the rear wing, can be attached. They can be programmed to activate at a certain threshold or Pastrana can increase it by selecting the desired one from the instrument cluster.
The roof-mounted intake is a more subtle yet attractive exterior design element. The rack has a sculpt that directs air into this area. The radiator and cooling system use these vents, then the diffuser directs them backwards.
Power comes from a single turbo 2.3-liter four-cylinder boxer. It was based on the Subaru EJ engine and had a billet block. The output is 862 horsepower (643 kilowatts). The exhaust pipes are rectangular and exit each side of the front fender.
The transmission is a six-speed sequential box. Gearing gave it a top speed of 175 miles per hour (282 kilometers per hour).
Inside, the dashboard has a blue carbon fiber webbing that references the look of the original GL. It also has an excellent instrument cluster that evokes the digital displays of the Subarus of the 1980s. However, this one can display all the info Pastrana needs while driving.
