Subaru is set to unveil a unique WRX at the upcoming Goodwood Festival of Speed called Project Midnight. This special edition race car features a full carbon fiber body that significantly reduces weight, coupled with a substantial increase in horsepower. With a 2.0-liter flat-four engine producing 670 horsepower and 680 pound-feet of torque, the car is claimed to be the quickest and fastest WRX to come from Subaru Motorsports USA.
Lightweight Construction and High-Powered Engine
The Project Midnight WRX features a 2.0-liter flat-four engine that has been derived from Subaru’s rallycross team. However, this engine has been modified to produce a whopping 670 horsepower and 680 pound-feet of torque. The turbocharged and intercooled mill is capable of spinning to 9,500 rpm, delivering power to all four wheels as expected from a WRX. Additionally, the car has undergone significant weight reduction measures, with a total weight of 2,469 pounds – approximately 1,000 pounds lighter than a production WRX.
Aerodynamic Enhancements and Custom Suspension
In addition to its lightweight construction and powerful engine, the Project Midnight WRX boasts a range of aerodynamic upgrades. The carbon fiber body features winglets, a massive front spoiler, and aggressively flared wheel arches for a widebody appearance. The rear wing is a modified version of the one used on Subaru USA’s rally car. The car also features a custom suspension setup specifically tuned for tarmac, along with 18-inch wheels wrapped in slick tires for optimal grip on the road.
Inspiration and Performance
The design of the Project Midnight WRX draws inspiration from Subaru’s 2020 Gymkhana video with Travis Pastrana. However, unlike its Gymkhana predecessor, this car is not intended for airborne stunts. With rallycross champion and former F1 driver Scott Speed behind the wheel, Subaru plans to showcase the capabilities of the Project Midnight WRX at the Goodwood Festival of Speed and pursue various performance records in the future. Speed praised the car for its unique blend of rallycross and sports car characteristics, describing it as a "true joy to drive."
Official Debut and Future Plans
Project Midnight will make its official in-person debut at Goodwood on July 11. Beyond its appearance at the festival, Subaru will continue to test and refine the car’s performance capabilities in pursuit of breaking new records. With its combination of lightweight construction, high-powered engine, aerodynamic enhancements, and custom suspension, the Project Midnight WRX is poised to make a significant impact in the world of motorsports. Stay tuned for more updates on Subaru’s latest creation as it takes on new challenges and pushes the boundaries of performance.