Subaru Is Bringing 670 HP WRX Project Midnight to Goodwood
Subaru unveils the monstrous WRX Project Midnight, a track-ready powerhouse with rallycross roots and a 670-horsepower punch.
Introduction of the Beast
Subaru has unveiled its latest performance project, the WRX Project Midnight, an exhilarating new build that blends rallycross roots with track-ready performance. Revealed after a series of teasers, this car is based on the Airslayer Gymkhana car and packs a powerful punch with 670 horsepower. Subaru describes Project Midnight as "the quickest and fastest" WRX it has ever produced.
Engine and Performance
At the heart of Project Midnight lies a 2.0-liter flat-four-cylinder engine that produces 670 horsepower and 680 lb-ft of torque. This engine, which revs up to an impressive 9,500 RPM, sends power to all four 18-inch wheels wrapped in 280-section-width Yokohama tires. The high-revving engine, combined with an extensive turbocharged boost, allows the car to achieve phenomenal speed and agility. As Scott Speed, the driver taking the car up the Goodwood Hillclimb, says, "When driving the car it clearly has rallycross roots, but the wider tires, track, and geometry give it a very unique feel and incredible grip."
Weight Reduction and Design
A significant factor in Project Midnight's performance is its lightweight design. Weighing in at less than 2,500 pounds, it is 1,000 pounds lighter than a standard WRX and 300 pounds lighter than the Airslayer WRX STI. This featherweight mass is achieved through the use of carbon fiber panels and a lightened chassis. The car's body features aerodynamic components such as a prominent front splitter, large canards, and a massive rear wing, all designed to enhance stability and grip.
Visual and Aerodynamic Features
Visually, Project Midnight is a menacing machine with its matte black paintwork, black-painted wheels, and gloss black Subaru logo decals. The widened body, covered in aerodynamic components, is designed to keep the car glued to the road. The car's suspension geometry has been specially developed for tarmac use, and it rides on 18-inch OZ Racing Superturismo LMP wheels made from magnesium.
Scott Speed
Scott Speed, a seasoned race car driver, will pilot Project Midnight at its debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. Speed has praised the car's unique feel and incredible grip, describing it as "the ultimate driving machine; half RX, half sports car - a true joy to drive." Subaru hints at future challenges and record attempts with this hardcore WRX, suggesting that more tarmac-based hillclimb runs and lap times are on the horizon.
Consumer Availability
Despite the excitement surrounding Project Midnight, Subaru has no plans to bring this car to market. Fans may be disappointed that such an impressive machine won't be available for purchase. As Scott Speed notes, "Subaru Motorsports USA and the team at Vermont SportsCar have delivered an absolute beast," yet it remains a track-only special. Subaru's decision underscores the gap between show-stopping concept cars and the reality of consumer models.