Debuting at Goodwood, Project Midnight has a carbon-fiber body and an engine that revs to 9500 rpm.
Subaru is set to make a significant impact at the Goodwood Festival of Speed with a WRX that stands out as a unique creation in its history. This extraordinary vehicle, aptly named 'Project Midnight', features an all-carbon-fiber body.
The choice of material not only adds to the vehicle's aesthetic appeal but also significantly reduces its weight, enhancing overall performance. The black finish and advanced construction techniques combine to create the most modern and powerfulWRX race car from SubaruMotorsports USA.
At the heart of Project Midnight lies a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, an engine initially developed for Subaru's rallycross team. This engine has undergone significant improvements to deliver the remarkable 670 horsepower and 680 pound-feet of torque. The turbocharged and intercooled engine can rev to the impressive 9500 rpm, directing immense power to all four wheels – a hallmark of the WRX.
This powerful engine is housed in a chassis that has been meticulously lightened for racing purposes, resulting in a total vehicle weight of just 2469 pounds. To put this in perspective, Project Midnight is nearly 1000 pounds lighter than a standard production WRX, providing it with an exceptional power-to-weight ratio that is critical for high-performance racing.
Project Midnight's carbon-fiber body is not just about weight reduction; it also features a suite of aerodynamic enhancements designed to optimize performance. The front end includes canards and a massive front splitter, seamlessly integrated with aggressively flared wheel arches to create a wide-body aesthetic. The rear wing, a heavily modified version of the one used on Subaru USA's rally car, contributes to the vehicle's superior downforce and stability.
Complementing these aerodynamic modifications, Project Midnight rides on a custom suspension system specifically tuned for tarmac, and is equipped with 18-inch wheels wrapped in slick tires for maximum track grip and control.
Fans of Subaru's 2020 Gymkhana video featuring Travis Pastrana may find Project Midnight's design familiar. The inspiration for this vehicle came from that iconic video, but unlike its airborne predecessor, Project Midnight is built for earth-shaking speed and precision.
With rally champion and former Formula 1 driver Scott Speed behind the wheel, Subaru is aiming to conquer the Goodwood hill and pursue additional unspecified records in the near future. Speed commented on the car, saying: 'Subaru Motorsports USA and the Vermont SportsCar team have produced an absolute beast.'
When you drive the car, it obviously has rallycross roots, but the wider tires, track, and geometry give it a very unique feel and incredible grip. It's the ultimate driver's machine; half RX, half sports car – a true driver's delight.'
Project Midnight is scheduled to make its long-awaited official debut on July 11 at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. This event marks a significant milestone for Subaru, demonstrating their relentless pursuit of perfection and innovation in the automotive industry. With its lightweight carbon-fiber construction, powerful engine, and advanced aerodynamics, this WRX is poised to make a lasting impression at Goodwood and beyond.
The unveiling of Project Midnight not only underscores Subaru's commitment to pushing the boundaries of performance and design but also promises to captivate both enthusiasts and experts alike with its unprecedented capabilities and striking presence.
The further development of the intricate details of Project Midnight reveals the level of engineering power and innovation invested in this vehicle. The carbon fibre body is a marvel of modern engineering, crafted with precision to ensure it delivers both strength and lightness.
This choice of material plays a pivotal role in enhancing the vehicle's agility and speed, making it an exceptional competitor on the race track. The design philosophy behind Project Midnight emphasises both form and function, combining aesthetic appeal with aerodynamic efficiency.
The engine, a masterpiece of engineering drawn from Subaru's rallycross heritage, represents the pinnacle of performance tuning. This 2.0-litre flat four-cylinder engine is not just a transplant from the rallycross team; it has been re-engineered and refined to deliver unmatched power and torque.
The turbocharger and intercooler systems are state-of-the-art, designed to maximise performance and reliability under the most demanding conditions. The ability of this engine to rev up to 9500 rpm is testament to its robust construction and the precise attention to detail from Subaru engineers.
The chassis of Project Midnight has undergone an extensive weight-reduction programme, involving the use of advanced materials and innovative design techniques. Every component has been carefully studied and optimised to reduce unnecessary weight while maintaining structural integrity. This rigorous approach to weight reduction ensures that Project Midnight can fully utilise its powerful engine, achieving breathtaking acceleration and handling.
The aerodynamic package of Project Midnight is a work of art, designed to slice through the air with minimal drag while delivering maximum downforce. The front end, with its wings and large spoiler, is sculpted to direct air efficiently around the vehicle, reducing drag and improving stability.
The aggressively flared wheel arches not only contribute to the vehicle's muscular stance but also accommodate wider tyres, which are essential for tarmac grip during high-speed manoeuvres. The rear wing, an evolution of the design used in Subaru rally cars, has been meticulously engineered to deliver the necessary downforce to keep the vehicle planted on the road, even at high speeds.
The suspension system of Project Midnight is another area where Subaru's expertise shines. Specifically tuned for tarmac, this suspension ensures the vehicle remains composed and responsive under the most challenging conditions. The 18-inch wheels, shod with slick tyres, provide the perfect balance of grip and agility, allowing the vehicle to turn in precisely and confidently.
Reflecting the inspiration drawn from the 2020 Gymkhana video, Project Midnight embodies the spirit of innovation and daring that defines Subaru. While the Gymkhana car was created for spectacular stunts and aerial antics, Project Midnight is designed for pure speed and on-the-ground performance. This focus on precision and control makes it a formidable competitor in any racing scenario.
The involvement of Scott Speed, an experienced rallycross champion and former Formula 1 driver, adds a layer of credibility and excitement to Project Midnight. His insights and feedback have contributed to the fine-tuning of the vehicle's operational characteristics, ensuring it meets the high standards expected from a Subaru Motorsports USA vehicle.
Approval by Speed for the car as the 'best driving machine' highlights the seamless integration of rallycross DNA with the sophistication of a sports car, resulting in a vehicle that is both exhilarating to drive and capable of setting new performance standards.
As Project Midnight prepares to make its debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, the anticipation among enthusiasts and industry insiders is palpable. This event will not only demonstrate the car's capabilities but also serve as a platform for Subaru to showcase its commitment to pushing the boundaries of automotive engineering. The journey of Project Midnight from concept to reality is a testament to the vision, dedication, and expertise of the Subaru Motorsports USA team and their partners at Vermont SportsCar.
In conclusion, Project Midnight represents the zenith of Subaru's engineering and design prowess. Its lightweight carbon fiber body, powerful engine, and advanced aerodynamics combine to create a vehicle that is as visually stunning as it is mechanically impressive.
With its debut at Goodwood, Project Midnight will capture the imagination of car enthusiasts and set new benchmarks in the world of high-performance racing. This extraordinary WRX is more than just a car; it is a symbol of Subaru's relentless pursuit of excellence and innovation in the automotive world.
