Debut of “Project Midnight,” Subaru’s Fastest WRX Ever and Offshoot of the “Airslayer”

In 2020, Travis Pastrana set records with a distinctive Subaru WRX known as the “Airslayer.” While the Airslayer WRX achieved great success, Subaru Motorsports USA embarked on a mission to reimagine it for the current WRX model. This led to the creation of “Project Midnight.” Recently unveiled by Subaru Motorsports USA, “Project Midnight” represents the fastest and most agile WRX to date. This lightweight, widebody car builds on a heritage of rallycross supremacy, now enhanced to shatter records and redefine the performance standards of the platform.

Airslayer, was derived from a 2020 Subaru WRX STI and gained fame in a 2020 Gymkhana viral video, showcasing daring maneuvers such as a 230-foot jump where its dynamic rear wing maintained stability mid-air. Emerging from the triumph of the groundbreaking “Airslayer” WRX, Project Midnight elevates ambitions with a focused goal: pure speed.

Project Midnight showcases an ultra-wide aerodynamic body and an extensively enlarged version of the wing featured on the team’s WRX ARA24 gravel rally car. With a carbon fiber body and a significantly reduced chassis weight, it boasts a curb weight of under 2,500 pounds – nearly 300 pounds lighter than the Airslayer and a staggering 1,000 pounds less than a standard WRX! Project Midnight incorporates specially tuned tarmac suspension geometry and swaps the 17-inch rallycross wheels and tires of the Airslayer for 18×11-inch OZ Racing Superturismo LMP magnesium wheels paired with 280/650R18 Yokohama ADVAN slicks.

Beneath the hood lies a turbocharged and intercooled 2.0-liter flat-four engine, generating an impressive 670 horsepower and 680 lb-ft of torque. It revs up to 9,500 rpm and emits flames through its hood-exit exhaust. This powertrain represents the latest and most potent iteration of Subaru Motorsports USA’s acclaimed rallycross engine, pivotal in securing the Nitro Rallycross Teams Championship for Subaru in 2021 with Scott Speed at the helm.

Project Midnight is set to make its first public appearance at the 2024 Goodwood Festival of Speed on July 11. Subaru Motorsports USA driver Scott Speed will be behind the wheel for its debut. “Subaru Motorsports USA and the team at Vermont SportsCar have delivered an absolute beast. 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,” said Speed. Just as he did in rallycross, Speed will play a pivotal role in the development of Project Midnight, as they tackle fresh challenges and aim to establish new records together.

Sources

Subaru Media.