Excitement is revving up for enthusiasts of high-performance vehicles as Subaru unveils its 2024 Subaru WRX Project Midnight, attending the iconic Goodwood Festival of Speed. This sleek and powerful machine marks a bold statement in the automotive industry—boasting a striking black design that is both aggressive and sophisticated.
Project Midnight is not your typical WRX. It is optimized for maximum performance on tarmac, equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter flat-four engine that produces a staggering 670 horsepower and 680 lb-ft of torque. This substantial power output originates from its rallycross roots, enhancing its pedigree as one of the fastest WRXs ever created.
Weight is a critical factor in performance cars, and Subaru has tackled this issue head-on. The Project Midnight is a weight-saving marvel, tipping the scales at only 2,469 pounds—approximately 1,000 pounds lighter than the standard production model. This impressive reduction is largely thanks to its full carbon fiber body. The combination of reduced mass and a potent engine sets the stage for exhilarating acceleration and nimble handling, crucial for time trials.
One of the standout features of this car is its engine's redline. Capable of spinning up to an unbelievable 9,500 RPM, the Project Midnight emits an unmistakable roar, delighting fans of performance dynamics. In addition to thrilling sounds, it produces eye-catching flames through its hood-exit exhaust, a visual spectacle that only amplifies its performance credentials.
Aesthetically, Project Midnight has been carefully designed with aerodynamics in mind. Its carbon fiber shell integrates unique features such as dramatically flared wheel arches, a massive front spoiler, and a custom rear wing that enhances downforce. Each component has been meticulously engineered to facilitate maximum speed and grip while maintaining Subaru’s iconic styling.
Scott Speed, the skilled driver with a wealth of experience in various motorsports, has been selected to pilot this beast. His first official run will take place at the Goodwood Festival, where he aims to showcase Project Midnight’s formidable capabilities. In a statement, Speed remarked, “Subaru Motorsports USA and the team at Vermont SportsCar have delivered an absolute beast. When driving the car, it clearly has rallycross roots, but the wider tires and geometry give it a very unique feel and incredible grip. It’s half RX, half sports car—a true joy to drive.”
Having been inspired by the earlier Subaru GL wagon nicknamed the Huckster and Travis Pastrana's viral Gymkhana video, Project Midnight seeks to redefine the WRX’s performance profile. Where previous models, like the Airslayer, graced the stages of Gymkhana, Project Midnight's design is tailored solely for track dominance.
As Subaru prepares to debut this ferocious machine, it’s hard not to feel a surge of anticipation from the automotive community. Will the Project Midnight set new records in its endeavors? Its first challenge at Goodwood will set the tone for what the future holds for high-performance vehicles in Subaru’s lineup.
The Goodwood Festival isn’t just an event; it’s a stage where automotive excellence is on display, a place where performance cars of all styles are pitted against one another in a showdown of speed and skill. The Project Midnight will be among the stars of the festival, and many are eager to catch a glimpse of this black beauty in action, aiming to leave a permanent mark on the motorsport landscape.
This is a thrilling time for Subaru enthusiasts and motorsport aficionados alike. As they observe Project Midnight journey from concept to reality, the excitement around its performance is palpable—not just for this model, but for what it signifies within the evolution of the WRX lineage. With its potent combination of technology, clever engineering, and racing heritage, Subaru is undeniably pushing the envelope of what performance cars can achieve.
All eyes will undoubtedly be on Scott Speed as he pushes the limits of Project Midnight, and those hoping for impressive results will closely monitor his runs up the hill. Will the Project Midnight deliver on its promise of speed and agility? Time will tell, and with rear-wheel drive capability and a weight-to-power ratio that rivals competitors, it seems poised to do so.