Stunt cars have emerged as the fresh face of concept vehicles, and that’s perfectly fine. While the charm of far-flung, exotic designs that “run” on plutonium might still linger, it’s essential to recognize that automakers like Ford and Subaru continue to produce exceptional performance vehicles that actually operate—something that many concept cars cannot boast. The latest innovation from Subaru is the Project Midnight WRX, a formidable 670-horsepower speed machine crafted for former F1 and rallycross driver Scott Speed. It takes inspiration from classic Gymkhana vehicles, evident in its striking rear wing.
From a front-three-quarter perspective, the design presents a familiar, streamlined form that’s optimized for speed. When viewed from the rear, you’ll notice that the towering spoiler is part of a double-decker setup, firmly connected to the trunk and anchored at the bottom to withstand the substantial downforce it generates. But the wing isn’t the only feature worth noting.
The vehicle features dive planes at the front that manage airflow around the extended front fenders and direct it to the rear structure, which is expertly sculpted. You can spot the aerodynamic lip on each rear door extending into the fender and towards the wing. Additionally, air is channeled through door vents, supplying cool air to the high-output Boxer engine located inside the cabin.
According to Subaru, the 2.0-liter, horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine is revving at an impressive 670 hp—an increase of 399 hp compared to a standard WRX. The engine can reach a maximum of 9,500 rpm, making it easy to envision its swift performance:
There’s also a hood-exit exhaust, which is both expected and thrilling.
Thanks to lightweight carbon body panels, Project Midnight weighs in at 2,469 pounds—a remarkable achievement given its all-wheel-drive system and safety features. For comparison, a conventional WRX tips the scales at approximately 1,000 pounds more. Achieving such a weight reduction would be challenging if attempting to strip a standard car of its audio and seating systems. To optimize the upgrades, consider fitting 18- by 11-inch OZ magnesium wheels paired with 280/650R18 Yokohama Advan slicks, like those found on Project Midnight.
It’s refreshing to see companies produce performance vehicles that aren’t just for display—instead, these machines can hit the road. In fact, Scott Speed will showcase his impressive speedster at the Goodwood Festival of Speed this weekend.
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