Subaru Unveils ‘The Quickest and Fastest WRX Ever’
Introducing Project Midnight
Subaru is set to make a splash at the Goodwood Festival of Speed with its latest creation, Project Midnight. This special edition WRX boasts a full carbon fiber body and a powerful engine that revs up to an astonishing 9,500 rpm. Subaru Motorsports USA claims this is the quickest and fastest WRX race car they’ve ever produced, and it’s easy to see why.
The Heart of Project Midnight: A Beastly Engine
At the core of Project Midnight lies a 2.0-liter flat-four engine, inspired by Subaru’s rallycross team. This turbocharged and intercooled powerhouse delivers a jaw-dropping 670 horsepower and 680 pound-feet of torque. Designed to spin to 9,500 rpm, this engine propels all four wheels, staying true to the WRX’s all-wheel-drive heritage. The chassis, meticulously lightened for racing, ensures the car weighs in at a mere 2,469 pounds, nearly 1,000 pounds lighter than a standard WRX.
Aerodynamics and Design: Form Meets Function
Project Midnight’s carbon fiber body isn’t just about weight reduction; it’s also a showcase of aerodynamic enhancements. The front fascia features winglets and a massive front spoiler, seamlessly blending into the widebody look created by aggressively flared wheel arches. The rear wing, a significantly modified version of Subaru USA’s rally car wing, adds to the car’s downforce. Riding on a custom suspension tuned specifically for tarmac, Project Midnight uses 18-inch wheels wrapped in slicks to maximize grip.
Inspired by Gymkhana
If Project Midnight looks familiar, it’s because it draws inspiration from Subaru’s 2020 Gymkhana video featuring Travis Pastrana. The team at Vermont SportsCar, responsible for building this beast, aimed to capture the spirit of that car while optimizing it for track performance. Unlike its Gymkhana predecessor, Project Midnight isn’t designed for aerial stunts. Instead, it’s built for speed and precision, with rallycross champion and former F1 driver Scott Speed set to pilot it at Goodwood.
Scott Speed’s Take
Scott Speed, who will drive Project Midnight at Goodwood, couldn’t hide his excitement. “Subaru Motorsports USA and the team at Vermont SportsCar have delivered an absolute beast,” Speed said. “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. It’s the ultimate driving machine; half RX, half sports car – a true joy to drive.”
The Goodwood Debut
Project Midnight will make its official debut on July 11 at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. This event marks the beginning of what promises to be an exciting journey for this exceptional WRX. Subaru plans to seek out unspecified records in the months to come, with Project Midnight expected to set new benchmarks in speed and performance.
Subaru’s Legacy of Innovation
Subaru has long been a leader in automotive innovation, particularly in the realm of rally and performance cars. Project Midnight represents the pinnacle of this legacy, combining cutting-edge technology with lessons learned from decades of motorsport experience. The result is a car that not only pushes the boundaries of what a WRX can be but also sets a new standard for performance cars worldwide.
Behind the Build: Vermont SportsCar
Vermont SportsCar, the team behind Project Midnight, has a storied history of building high-performance vehicles. Known for their meticulous attention to detail and engineering excellence, they have once again delivered a masterpiece. Their collaboration with Subaru Motorsports USA has produced a car that is as visually stunning as it is mechanically impressive.
The Future of Project Midnight
While its debut at Goodwood is highly anticipated, Project Midnight’s journey is just beginning. Subaru and Vermont SportsCar plan to continue refining and testing the car, aiming to break records and set new standards in the performance car industry. Enthusiasts and fans eagerly await each new development, excited to see what this groundbreaking vehicle will achieve next.
Conclusion
Subaru’s Project Midnight is more than just a car; it’s a testament to the brand’s commitment to pushing the limits of automotive performance. With its debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, this extraordinary WRX is poised to make history. Combining a powerful engine, lightweight carbon fiber body, and advanced aerodynamics, Project Midnight embodies the future of high-performance racing. As Subaru continues to innovate and break new ground, the automotive world watches with bated breath, eager to witness the next chapter in the legacy of the WRX.
