The 2024 Goodwood Festival of Speed witnessed the awe-inspiring debut of the Subaru WRX Project Midnight, a fire-breathing machine that shattered internal combustion engine records and left the crowds in a frenzy. Built by Subaru Motorsports USA, this isn't your average WRX. Project Midnight is a purpose-built, tarmac-shredding monster, designed to conquer hillclimb challenges with unparalleled speed and precision.
From Family Hauler to Hillclimb Hero
The Subaru WRX is a legendary nameplate, synonymous with performance and practicality. It's a car that comfortably transports families on weekdays and transforms into a capable rally weapon on weekends. Project Midnight takes the WRX's DNA and injects a hefty dose of steroids, morphing it into a track-focused beast.
Under the Hood of a Beast
While the stock WRX boasts a respectable 2.4-liter, 270-horsepower engine, Project Midnight throws those figures out the window. It wields a heavily modified 2.0-liter, turbocharged boxer engine derived from Subaru's championship-winning rallycross car. This ferocious powerplant cranks out a mind-blowing 670 horsepower and a staggering 920 Nm of torque, screaming all the way to a 9,500 rpm redline.
Aerodynamics for Maximum Grip
Project Midnight isn't just about brute power. The engineers have meticulously sculpted its aerodynamic profile to generate downforce and keep the car glued to the tarmac during high-speed ascents. The widebody kit, coupled with a giant rear wing inspired by the team's WRX ARA24 rally car, creates a menacing presence and ensures exceptional grip through corners.
Lightweight Champion
Subaru's team went to extreme lengths to shave off weight from Project Midnight. The extensive use of carbon fiber for the body panels and a significantly lightened chassis contribute to a curb weight of well under 2,500 pounds. This impressive figure makes Project Midnight nearly 300 pounds lighter than its predecessor, the Airslayer, and a whopping 1,000 pounds lighter than a standard WRX.
Taking on Goodwood
Project Midnight, piloted by the skilled racing legend Scott Speed, set the Goodwood Festival of Speed ablaze. The car secured the fastest internal combustion engine time during the prestigious Shootout, a testament to its phenomenal capabilities. While it ultimately fell short of the overall victory due to a technical issue with a sister car, Project Midnight's performance left an undeniable mark on the event.
