Subaru Project Midnight WRX is turning heads worldwide as the brand steps away from traditional dirt-flying rally machines to unleash an extreme tarmac time-attack monster. Moving past the airborne stunts of Travis Pastrana's famous Airslayer, this aggressive new build is engineered to stick to the pavement with ferocious grip.
Built by Subaru Motorsports USA and Vermont SportsCar, the vehicle combines elements from previous Rallycross cars and ARA rally models into a radically lightweight package. Weighing under 2,500 pounds, Project Midnight sheds roughly 300 pounds compared to its predecessor thanks to extensive use of thin carbon fiber body panels.
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SubscribeUnder the hood sits a high-revving turbocharged 2.0-liter horizontally-opposed four-cylinder engine churning out an impressive 670 horsepower and 680 lb-ft of torque with a 9,500-rpm redline. While slightly lower in raw horsepower than the Airslayer, the drastic weight reduction yields a staggering power-to-weight advantage.
To handle pure tarmac duty, engineers equipped the car with redesigned front suspension geometry, wider track layouts, and 18-inch OZ Racing magnesium wheels wrapped in massive Yokohama slick tires. Driver Scott Speed praised the creation, noting that it blends rallycross roots with extraordinary track grip to deliver an unforgettable driving experience.
Goodwood Debut and Future Global Venues
Project Midnight made its high-profile debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, where professional racer Scott Speed piloted the machine up the iconic hillclimb course in pursuit of record-breaking times. The vehicle's striking appearance matches current production WRX road cars while carrying vastly more aggressive aerodynamics.
A massive rear wing derived from American Rally Association competition provides high-speed downforce tailored specifically for paved tracks rather than loose gravel or dirt jumps. Joining Speed at the festival is fellow motorsport icon Travis Pastrana, who is slated to drive the classic 1983 Subaru GL wagon known as the Huckster.
Beyond the Goodwood hillclimb, Subaru has confirmed plans to showcase Project Midnight at various other high-profile venues and events, signaling an expansive future for this tarmac specialist. The car's unique blend of rally agility and sports car handling positions it as a standout engineering achievement for the brand.
Motorsport enthusiasts and automotive analysts alike are closely watching how this lightweight time-attack machine performs across upcoming international venues, cementing Subaru's legacy of pushing engineering boundaries on both dirt and asphalt.