Subaru’s 670-HP Monster WRX Is Even Wilder Than We Thought

Remember the Subaru WRX Project Midnight that debuted at the Goodwood Festival of Speed? Well, the automaker has revealed more details about the incredible build, giving us an idea of what went into making this incredibly rapid machine. Designed to be as fast as possible on tarmac, Project Midnight set a blistering time on the famed hillclimb, crossing the line in 46.07 seconds.

As we know, Project Midnight is powered by a 2.0-liter flat-four engine that delivers 670 hp and 680 lb-ft of torque. Plenty of work has been done to extract these figures from the motor. For a start, there’s a dry sump oil system, a large Garrett turbocharger, a twin-belt timing system, an upgraded inlet manifold, and an anti-lag system from Vermont SportsCar (VSC), which co-developed the vehicle with Subaru. There are also DLC-coated (diamond-like coating) camshafts and sodium-cooled valves.

Not Just Big Power, But Razor-Sharp Handling Too

VSC also fitted Project Midnight with a custom Inconel exhaust manifold and a stainless steel four-inch exhaust system. It’s worth noting that the exhaust is routed through the hood, which looks remarkable when spitting out flames. As for the transmission, Project Midnight channels power to all four wheels via a SADEV-sourced six-speed sequential transmission, which has a triple-plate carbon racing clutch.

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Project Midnight’s success can be attributed to its razor-sharp handling. The three-way adjustable suspension keeps the Subaru planted on the road, with the setup comprising VSC suspension arms/links, competition hubs/uprights, and tubular front/rear cross members. Stopping power comes courtesy of Alcon front and rear brakes with Endless brake pads. A VSC hydraulic handbrake allows for fast and agile maneuvers. 18-inch OZ Superturismo wheels, wrapped in 280/650 Yokohama Advan A005 rubber ensure the Subaru sticks to the road like glue.

Lightweight Performer Has Race-Ready Cabin

Weighing in at just 2,469 lbs – nearly as light as an MX-5 Miata – Project Midnight is made up of lightweight components, such as a widebody and under-floor protection fashioned out of a featherweight composite. Carbon fiber has been used for the diff guard and sump, as well as the rear wing. Polycarbonate has been used in place of heavy glass.

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Inside, VSC has made the dashboard, footplate, and door cards out of carbon fiber. The occupants sit in Recaro Spa Pro Racer seats with Sparco six-point competition harnesses. If that doesn’t keep you safe, then the FIA-spec T45 roll cage certainly will. While a road-going version of Project Midnight is highly unlikely, Subaru may implement lessons learned here into future WRX models, or even a more hardcore version of the WRX, that could be positioned above the WRX tS.