In creating the Project Midnight Subaru WRX, the decision to go with an all-black livery was met with some initial resistance within the Subaru hierarchy. However, this bold choice proved to be a standout at the Goodwood Festival of Speed among the sea of heavily branded vehicles. While other cars blended into the visual overload of advertisements, Project Midnight clearly stood out as a menacing and unique Subaru WRX variant.
At its core, Project Midnight was designed to achieve the fastest time up the hill climb at Goodwood. With Scott Speed behind the wheel, the team made incremental adjustments based on feedback from practice runs to optimize performance. The car, derived from Subaru Motorsports’ rallycross vehicle, boasts a 2.0-liter turbocharged boxer engine with an impressive 670 horsepower and 680 pound-feet of torque.
Key upgrades were made to components like the engine block and cylinder strength, as well as a six-speed sequential gearbox tailored for the hill climb. The turbocharger and intercooler were also optimized to push the limits of power output. Notably, the rear-mounted radiator, fed by ducts from cutouts in the body panels, ensures efficient cooling for the high-powered engine during the short, intense hill climb.
The aggressive aerodynamic bodywork of Project Midnight, complete with a massive rear wing, sets it apart as a purpose-built racing machine. Additionally, the front-mounted exhaust system not only contributes to power gains but also adds a visually striking element with fiery exhaust flames visible during acceleration. Overall, Project Midnight represents a unique blend of performance and design innovation that sets it apart in the world of automotive racing.