Subaru Project Midnight is a 670-hp tarmac-ripping beast

In 2020, Subaru introduced the Airslayer, a WRX STI-based car that figuratively set the motoring world on fire with mind-blowing stunts, including a 230-foot jump.

Now, Subaru has taken the covers off the evolution of the Airslayer known as Project Midnight. It is the fastest and quickest race car ever produced by Subaru Motorsports USA.

It is based on the current WRX but unlike the Slayer that was built to dominate Gymkhana and rallycross, Project Midnight is designed for one specific purpose: speed.

Therefore, Subaru’s first step was to reduce weight. Project Midnight utilises a carbon fiber body and a significantly lightened chassis give it a curb weight of well under 1,133 kg – nearly 136 kg lighter than the Airslayer and 453 kg lighter than the standard WRX.

For aerodynamics, the car gets ultra-wide aerodynamic bodywork and a radically enlarged version of the wing found on the team’s WRX ARA24 gravel rally car. It uses 18-inch OZ Racing Superturismo LMP wheels wrapped in sticky Yokohama Advan tyres.

Additionally, Subaru says the suspension system geometry has been retuned for better grip on the tarmac.

Under the bonnet lies a 2.0-liter turbocharged flat four-cylinder engine producing 670 hp and 921 Nm. Derived from Subaru Motorsports USA’s highly successful rallycross engine, the engine can rev up to 9,500 rpm and spits flames from its hood-exit exhaust.