From the 2020 WRX STI-based “Airslayer” to the 1983 Subaru GL Wagon-based “Family Huckster,” Subaru Motorsports is no stranger to preparing special vehicles for the UK’s annual Goodwood Festival of Speed. With active aero and over 850hp on tap, both of the brand’s motorsports division’s recent Goodwood entries have been objectively impressed rides.
For the latest iteration of the event, Subaru has whipped up what’s almost certainly its most noteworthy — and what’s at the very least the fastest — Goodwood hill-climber to date with the all-new Project Mayhem.
The Basics
Project Midnight is a factory-built one-of-one, closed-course-only race car based on the latest generation of Subaru’s WRX STI. Unlike its aforementioned progenitors, Project Midnight wasn’t built as an ultra-competent all-arounder, and instead was engineered specifically to be as quick on the tarmac as possible. As such, the blacked-out one-off was designed around a trio of key guiding principles; immense power; minimal weight; and optimized handling — the latter of which was accomplished via a combination of special suspension tuning and a state-of-the-art aero setup.
Turbo Boxer Mill
Powering Project Midnight is a custom-built 2.0-liter BOXER engine that’s been fitted with a turbocharger and a custom exhaust before being heavily massaged in order to squeeze out a whopping 670hp and 680ft-lbs of torque. Spinning at up to 9,500rpm, the engine sends power to Subaru’s proprietary all-wheel drive system. The motor’s flame-spiting exhaust now exits through the car’s custom hood, as well.
Bespoke WideBodywork
Riding on a set of 18” OZ Racing Superturismo LMP magnesium wheels shod in Yokohama ADVAN slick, Project Midnight features a lightened chassis that’s been cloaked in a full suite of carbon fiber bodywork — a recipe that collectively shaves roughly 1,000lbs off the weight of a standard WRX. Sporting a gloss black livery adorned in matte black logos and graphics, Project Midnight’s bespoke widebody kit boasts a massive front splitter, a vented hood with cutouts for its protruding turbocharger and exhaust, fender flares fading into spoilers at all four corners, side skirts, an enormous rear diffuser, and an equally-generously-sized rear wing — several of which are active aero elements.
Other Highlights
The interior of Project Midnight has been completely gutted before being fortified via a full roll-cage and fitted with a race seat. Its suspension setup has also been bestowed with specially-derived tarmac-specific geometry. The modifications made to the vehicle ultimately allow it to tip the scales at under 2,500lbs (or 2,469lbs to be specific). The work that went into this build also allows it to stand as the quickest and fastest factory-built WRX to date.
The Man At The Helm
Unlike the Airslayer and Family Huckster — which were both driven by none other than Travis Pastrana — Project Midnight was helmed by ex-Formula 1 driver and rallycross champ Scott Speed. Thanks to the factory-built one-off’s immense power and super-svelte curb weight — and Speed’s skill behind-the-wheel — Project Midnight was ultimately able to achieve a 46.07-second time up the hill at Goodwood earlier this month. Project Midnight would lose out to Ford’s Supervan with its 43.98-second run.
Straight From The Horse’s Mouth
“Subaru Motorsports USA and the team at Vermont SportsCar have delivered an absolute beast,” Speed relays. “When driving the car it 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.”
Spec Sheet
Class: Factory-Built One-Off Race Car
Brand: Subaru Motorsports
Model: Project Midnight
Donor: WRX STI
Engine: Turbocharged 2.0L Flat-Four
Power: 670HP & 680FT-LBs
Weight: 2,469LBs
Goodwood Hillclimb Time: 46.07 Seconds
Pricing & Availability
As a one-of-one factory custom, Subaru Motorsports’ Project Midnight isn’t for sale and will remain in the possession of the manufacturer for the foreseeable future.
Recap
Subaru Motorsports Project Midnight
Built to take on the competition at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, the Subaru Motorsports Project Midnight is a factory-built 670-hp active-aero-kitted race car that represents the marque’s fastest WRX to date.
