Over the years, Subaru Motorsports has unveiled several one-off extreme cars for hill climbs and Gymkhana-style filming. The “Airslayer” WRX STI from 2020 is a prime example, breaking records at timed events, including the iconic Mt. Washington Hillclimb. The recently revealed “Project Midnight” takes a different approach. It’s not just an extremely fast Subaru WRX — it was built to break new speed records on tarmac.
Project Midnight shares a similar ethos to the Airslayer, reimagined using the current generation of Subaru WRX. However, the modifications are purely designed to achieve maximum speed rather than perform stunts. The car features lightweight, ultra-wide aerodynamic bodywork made of carbon fibre, built on a significantly lightened chassis. Even with the addition of an enormous rear wing, Project Midnight’s curb weight is just 2,469 lbs — almost 300 lbs lighter than the Airslayer and 1,000 lbs lighter than a standard WRX.
This unique sprinter is equipped with a turbocharged and intercooled 2.0-liter flat-four BOXER engine, delivering 670 hp and 922 Nm of torque, with a maximum rev of 9,500 rpm. The motor’s flame-spitting exhaust vents through the car’s custom bonnet, and other notable upgrades include 18×11-inch OZ Racing Superturismo LMP magnesium wheels and 280/650R18 Yokohama ADVAN tyres.
Project Midnight was piloted by ex-Formula 1 driver and rallycross champion Scott Speed at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed, where it set the fastest shootout time for an internal combustion engine vehicle. Expect to see it making appearances at more motorsport events, including the Velocity Invitational at Sonoma Raceway, California, in October.
