Subaru isn't messing around. They've ripped the curtains off Project Midnight, the undisputed king of WRX performance, and it's a fire-breathing monster ready to dominate the tarmac. This isn't just an evolution; it's a revolution for the WRX platform, built with one purpose in mind: raw, unadulterated speed.
Remember the record-smashing "Airslayer" Gymkhana car? Project Midnight takes that legacy and throws it into a high-octane blender. Forget the jack-of-all-trades approach. This widebody beast is laser-focused on carving up corners and leaving lap records in the dust.
Under the hood lurks a force to be reckoned with: a turbocharged and intercooled 2.0-liter boxer engine pumping out a mind-blowing 670 horsepower and a gut-wrenching 680 lb-ft of torque. That scream reaches a fever pitch at a staggering 9,500 rpm, accompanied by the glorious spectacle of flames spitting from the hood-mounted exhaust. This isn't your average grocery-getter. This is a fire-breathing dragon.
But Project Midnight isn't just about brute force. Subaru Motorsports USA has meticulously crafted a lightweight champion. The extensive use of carbon fiber and a strategically lightened chassis keeps the curb weight under 2,500 pounds. That's a staggering 300-pound reduction compared to the Airslayer and a whopping 1,000-pound shed from a stock WRX. Think of it as a featherweight boxer packing a heavyweight punch.
Speaking of punches, Project Midnight throws some serious aerodynamic jabs. The ultra-wide bodywork and a comically large wing, inspired by the team's WRX ARA24 rally car, create a downforce storm that would make a fighter jet jealous. This isn't just for show; it's a scientific formula for ripping through corners like a heat-seeking missile.
The magic touch doesn't stop there. Project Midnight benefits from specially designed tarmac suspension and ditches the Airslayer's rallycross rubber in favor of 18x11 inch OZ Racing Superturismo LMP magnesium wheels wrapped in 280/650R18 Yokohama ADVAN slicks. This translates to razor-sharp handling and grip that would make a gecko envious.
Behind the wheel sits none other than Scott Speed, a driver with a pedigree as impressive as Project Midnight itself. From F1 to rallycross, Speed brings a wealth of experience to the table. As he puts it, "The car clearly has rallycross roots, but the wider tires, track, and geometry give it a very unique feel and incredible grip. The ultimate driving machine; half RX, half sports car – a true joy to drive."
Project Midnight isn't just a car; it's a testament to Subaru's commitment to pushing boundaries. It's a thrilling collaboration between driver and machine, poised to rewrite the record books and redefine what a WRX can truly be. Keep your eyes peeled, because this isn't the last you'll hear of Project Midnight's tarmac-shredding adventures.
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