Subaru Motorsports USA has unveiled its latest marvel, "Project Midnight," at the 2024 Goodwood Festival of Speed. This WRX variant promises unprecedented speed and performance, drawing from its predecessor, the "Airslayer" Gymkhana car, but with a sharper focus on tarmac racing. Ex-F1 driver and rallycross champion Scott Speed pilots this beast, showcasing its capabilities at the prestigious event.
Project Midnight is a lightweight, widebody machine built for sheer speed. Weighing in at just 2,469 lbs, it features a carbon fiber body and a dramatically lightened chassis, making it nearly 300 lbs lighter than Airslayer and 1,000 lbs lighter than a standard WRX. The car's aerodynamic bodywork and an oversized wing, adapted from the WRX ARA24 gravel rally car, enhance its tarmac performance. The suspension geometry is specifically tuned for tarmac, and it rides on 18x11-inch OZ Racing Superturismo LMP magnesium wheels fitted with 280/650R18 Yokohama ADVAN slicks.
Under the hood, Project Midnight boasts a turbocharged and intercooled 2.0-liter flat-four engine, producing an impressive 670 horsepower and 680 lb-ft of torque. This powerhouse engine, capable of revving up to 9,500 rpm, is a top-tier evolution of Subaru’s rallycross engines that led Scott Speed to a Nitro Rallycross Teams Championship in 2021. The hood-exit exhaust adds a dramatic flair, spitting flames as the engine roars.
Scott Speed lauds the Project Midnight for its unique driving experience, blending rallycross roots with a sports car’s precision. “Subaru Motorsports USA and the team at Vermont SportsCar have delivered an absolute beast. The wider tires, track, and geometry give it incredible grip and a very unique feel. It’s the ultimate driving machine – half RX, half sports car – a true joy to drive,” Speed said.
