There's something magical about the Goodwood Festival of Speed. Every year, automotive enthusiasts from around the world gather in Chichester, England, to witness a parade of incredible machines, celebrating speed, innovation, and engineering excellence from vintage classics to cutting-edge racing vehicles. This year, Subaru's Project Midnight WRX turned heads with former Formula 1 racer Scott Speed, finishing as the highest-placed internal combustion engine vehicle.
The Goodwood Festival of Speed
The Goodwood Festival of Speed is no ordinary automotive event. Held annually on the estate of the Duke of Richmond in West Sussex, England, it's a haven for motorheads and adrenaline junkies alike. The highlight of the festival is the Hillclimb—an iconic 1.16-mile course that challenges drivers with its tight corners and steep gradients. This year, Romain Dumas and Ford's Supervan 4.2 took the top spot with its 1400 electric horses, leaving many competitors in its dust. But Subaru had something special up its sleeve, and it made sure everyone knew it.
At first glance, Project Midnight might have seemed like just another WRX with some added flair. But as soon as Scott Speed fired up the engine and sent it hurtling towards Turn 1, it was clear that this was no ordinary car.
Key Features
Engine and Performance:
- The heart of Project Midnight is a turbocharged 2.0-liter flat-four engine producing 670 horsepower and 680 lb-ft of torque. It revs up to a staggering 9500 rpm.
- The engine, pushed far back in the bay, is derived from Subaru Motorsports’ rallycross car with increased block and cylinder strength and an unrestricted turbo intake for maximum performance.
Aerodynamics and Weight:
- The ultra-wide carbon-fiber body boasts wild aerodynamics designed for pure Tarmac speed.
- At 2500 pounds, Project Midnight is 300 pounds lighter than its predecessor, the Airslayer. This substantial weight saving is achieved through extensive use of carbon fiber and other lightweight materials.
Cooling System:
- The car features a massive intercooler for the turbocharger and an oversized rear-mounted radiator, ensuring optimal cooling even under extreme conditions.
Exhaust System:
- The exhaust exits through the hood, reducing weight and travel distance for gases. This setup not only boosts performance but also produces spectacular bursts of flame with every downshift.
Suspension and Brakes:
- Originally intended for rallying, the suspension was modified for the Hillclimb, offering minimal travel for better handling.
- The brakes are custom-designed by Alcon, with 350mm front and 320mm rear discs and Endless brake pads for maximum stopping power.
Interior and Steering:
- The interior is stripped down to the essentials, with a custom steering rack offering an 11:1 ratio and a high-flow power steering pump for precise control.
Subaru's Performance at Goodwood
From Thursday morning, when Project Midnight was first wheeled out of the paddock, it was clear that Subaru had brought something special to Goodwood. Scott Speed's skillful driving turned heads for four days straight, culminating in a second-place finish only behind Ford's electric powerhouse.
Scott Speed demonstrated not just the car's raw power but also its incredible handling, leading a race-trim Porsche 992 GT3 Cup car and countless others in its wake. The car’s performance was a testament to the engineering prowess of Lance Smith’s team at Vermont SportsCar (VSC) and Subaru Motorsports USA.
The Impact of Subaru’s Achievement
Subaru's success at Goodwood underscores the brand's commitment to pushing the boundaries of what's possible with internal combustion engines. While electric vehicles are undoubtedly the future, Project Midnight shows that there is still plenty of life left in gas-powered performance cars.
Satisfy your need for speed today at New Motors. Our superpowered Subaru vehicles can put you at the center of the action like you’re in Goodwood yourself. Visit our dealership today and test drive the 2023 Subaru Legacy Touring XT pumping out turbocharged 260-hp and 0-60 in 6.1 seconds without breaking the bank! Already a member of the Subaru family? We offer top-notch service and parts to keep your ride running smoothly from day to day or at the track. Our team looks forward to seeing you and helping you love your Subaru!