Subaru WRX Project Midnight: A Tarmac Performance Machine
Hey, want a brand new Subaru WRX with an impressive 670-hp, striking wide body kit, and a curb weight of merely 2,469 pounds? If you’re Scott Speed, Subaru Motorsports’ new Project Midnight is your ideal ride. However, if you’re an eager Subaru fan anticipating the new STI, this isn’t for you—except to cheer on Speed as he and Project Midnight take on the 2024 Goodwood Festival of Speed.
This build is very much in the spirit of Subaru’s former Gymkhana builds. However, rather than being a versatile project for that genre, Subaru Motorsports and Vermont SportsCar, the technical partner responsible for prepping the company’s rally and rallycross vehicles, focused specifically on tarmac performance. This results in high horsepower, low weight, and a serious body kit that enhances its aggressive look and functionality.
The engine remains a robust 2.0-liter flat-four, now delivering a powerful 670 hp and 680 lb-ft of torque with a thrilling 9,500 rpm redline—essentially representing the current top-tier rallycross engine. Moreover, the body is constructed from lightweight carbon fiber, and the chassis has been lightened by 1,000 pounds compared to the standard road-going model, achieving a remarkable curb weight. The vehicle rolls on 18×11-inch OZ Racing mag wheels wrapped in high-performance Yokohama Advan slick tires. Notably, the impressive wing on the vehicle draws inspiration from the Subaru Motorsports WRX ARA24 gravel rally car.
What’s next after Goodwood? Speed and Subaru intend to break new records and take on new challenges. Therefore, it will be intriguing to see what unfolds. However, do not expect this build to provide a direct preview of any upcoming STI. We have yet to receive concrete information about a potential STI successor. Nonetheless, it is possible that Subaru may feature a bold wing on a future special-edition WRX, enhance the performance tuning for some additional power, and label it the Midnight Edition. Perhaps a Moonrise Edition could emerge? One can hope for something exciting in the future.
