Some unions beget angels and others result in brats. In the case of the latter, it’s not always something to be feared. Take the Toyota Hilux, Subaru Forester, and their unlikely love child if they chose to run away together.
Apparently, someone going by the handle KDesign AG had a bit of nostalgia and a lot of free time, posting this throwback treat on Behance. But this isn’t just any old ToyoBaru render in the vein of the bB/Dex or the 86/BR-Z. What you’re looking at is the artist’s take on the Subaru BRAT as it might look like in 2023.
BRAT, or Bi-drive Recreational All-terrain Transporter, was a two-seater unibody vehicle that Subaru marketed in various territories under different names from 1978 to 1994. Despite the badge, the BRAT was never part of Subaru’s official Japanese lineup, and was only available as a grey-market import for Japanese customers even though it was assembled in Ota, Gunma Prefecture (among other places).
Whereas the original BRAT was a low-slung model closely resembling an Australian ute, KDesign’s 21st century version assumes the form factor of a full-fledged pickup. The Forester’s snout is slapped onto the Hilux body, complete with Subaru alloys on all four corners. Completing the transformation is the prominent Subaru branding on the tailgate.
It might look a little jarring at first glance, but it works in a surreal sort of way. The Forester’s angular fascia seemingly blends well with the overall muscular aesthetic on the Hilux. Of course, it goes without saying that this iteration of the BRAT is now underpinned by a body-on-frame construction, compared to the unibody chassis of the original.
More importantly, it will likely offer more decent seating for five. The first BRAT came with two rear-facing extra jump seats on the bed, classifying the vehicle as a passenger car in Subaru’s attempt to defeat import taxes on light trucks. Obviously, such a stunt isn’t going to fly these days.
Should Toyota and Subaru collaborate in bringing the BRAT back for the new millennium?
Catch more interesting stories on automotive lore at Philkotse.com.