Debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed 2024: A New Kind of WRX
At the 2024 Goodwood Festival of Speed (July 11–14), Subaru Motorsports USA unveiled the most extreme WRX in its history—Project Midnight. Born as a spiritual successor to the “Airslayer” Gymkhana car, Project Midnight is a no-compromise, speed-focused tarmac weapon, engineered solely to dominate asphalt.
While Airslayer was a jack-of-all-trades designed for stunts and jumps, Project Midnight was reimagined to push the WRX platform into new territory with precision, grip, and outright speed as its only goals. The car is the product of extensive collaboration between Subaru and Vermont SportsCar.
Brutal Power, Sharpened for Tarmac
At the heart of Project Midnight lies a 2.0-liter turbocharged flat-four BOXER engine, producing 670 horsepower and 680 lb-ft of torque, revving to an astonishing 9,500 rpm. The custom exhaust exits through the hood, sending flames with every shift—an aggressive statement of performance.
Unlike the rally-tuned Airslayer, Project Midnight rides on 18×11-inch OZ Racing magnesium wheels, paired with 280/650R18 Yokohama ADVAN slicks and a fully redesigned suspension system made exclusively for tarmac use.
Featherweight Chassis, Aerodynamic Mastery
With a full carbon fiber widebody and a drastically reduced chassis, Project Midnight weighs just 2,469 pounds (1,120 kg). That’s 300 pounds lighter than Airslayer and a massive 1,000 pounds lighter than the standard WRX.
A massive rear wing—based on the WRX ARA24 rally car and expanded for greater downforce—helps stabilize the car at extreme speeds. Combined with widened tracks and optimized geometry, the grip and balance are on par with dedicated race cars.
Scott Speed on Driving Project Midnight
Former F1 and rallycross champion Scott Speed returns to the wheel for this project. His verdict?
“This car has deep rallycross roots, but the wider track and tires give it a whole new feel. It’s half RX, half sports car—the ultimate driving machine.”
In 2024, Speed and Project Midnight made headlines by setting the fastest internal combustion engine time at Goodwood, going toe-to-toe with electric hypercars that boasted triple the power.
Back to Goodwood in 2025: Aiming Even Higher
In 2025, Subaru Motorsports USA brings Project Midnight back to the hill, with Scott Speed once again behind the wheel. The goal? Beat last year’s record and cement the car’s legacy as one of Goodwood’s most iconic modern machines.
“Goodwood is such a special event,” said Speed. “I can’t wait to attack that hill again. Project Midnight is just insane.”
Amid the roaring sounds, fire-spitting exhaust, and near-10,000 rpm redline, Project Midnight remains one of the loudest, most spectacular sights of the Festival.
Celebrating Colin McRae’s Legacy at 30 Years
2025 marks 30 years since Colin McRae’s title-winning season, and Subaru’s presence at Goodwood carries emotional weight. Several of McRae’s own race cars will appear alongside Project Midnight and WRX ARA25, celebrating a legacy that shaped generations of rally fans.
Subaru continues to blend tradition with innovation—loud, fast, and unforgettable. Project Midnight isn’t just a car. It’s a statement. And at Goodwood, it’s rewriting what WRX performance truly means.