Subaru Motorsports has prepared a black monster called Project Midnight, which left everyone in the shade at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. With 670 horsepower and active aerodynamics, this car is ready for any race.
Subaru Motorsports has surprised the automotive world once again with its latest creation, Project Midnight. This black beast is the fastest and most powerful WRX STI ever to roll out of the Subaru factory. This time, Subaru didn't play around - they went all out, creating a car that was only designed for speed.
Three key elements: power, weight, handling
Project Midnight is a racing car that can only be used on a closed track. This unique car is designed around three key principles: enormous power, minimal weight and optimized handling. The latter was achieved with a special adjustment of the suspension and advanced aerodynamics. Subaru has created a car that is dedicated to one thing only - to be the fastest on the asphalt.
Turbo BOXER engine
Under the hood of this beast of a vehicle lies a custom 2.0L BOXER engine powered by a turbocharger and custom exhaust system. The result? An astonishing 670 horsepower (500 kW) and 680 Nm of torque, transmitted to Subaru's own all-wheel drive system. The engine, which spins up to 9,500 rpm, releases its power through a custom exhaust system that runs through the hood.
Unique bodywork
Project Midnight rides on 18-inch (45.7 cm) OZ Racing Superturismo LMP magnesium wheels shod with Yokohama ADVAN slick tires. Beneath the full carbon body is a lightweight chassis that weighs as much as 454kg less than the standard WRX. The glossy black color, decorated with matte black logos and graphics, gives the vehicle a truly aggressive look. The car boasts a wide body that includes a massive front spoiler, hood vents, wider fenders, side skirts, a huge rear diffuser and an equally large rear spoiler. Many of these elements are part of active aerodynamics, which contributes to optimal handling at high speeds.
Other special features
The interior of the Projekt Midnight is completely gutted and reinforced with a full roll cage and equipped with a racing seat. The adapted suspension with specific geometry for asphalt allows the vehicle to weigh only 1,120 kg (2,469 lbs). All of these tweaks allow Project Midnight to stand as the fastest and most powerful WRX to date.
Master of the wheel
Project Midnight was driven by none other than former Formula 1 racer and rallycross champion, Scott Speed. Thanks to its massive power and incredibly light weight – and of course Speed's mastery behind the wheel – Project Midnight clocked a time of 46.07 seconds on the climb at Goodwood. However, Project Midnight lost to Ford's Supervan, which set a time of 43.98 seconds.
The future of racing cars
Project Midnight is not only the fastest Subaru ever, but also represents the future of racing with its combination of advanced technology, power and lightness.
Price and availability
As a unique factory product, Project Midnight is not for sale and will remain the property of the manufacturer indefinitely.
Conclusion
Subaru Motorsports Project Midnight is more than just a car; is a statement of engineering capability and commitment to speed. With 670 horsepower and advanced aerodynamics, this black beast is a true masterpiece of speed. Despite not being available for sale, Project Midnight exemplifies what can be achieved when passion for cars meets technological advancement. Although it narrowly lost out to Ford's Supervan at Goodwood, Project Midnight is proof that Subaru remains at the top of motorsport.
