Subaru’s WRX Project Midnight Reveals The New STI Isn’t Even Close

The next STI?

It's not even close. Unfortunately, the WRX Project Midnight that debuted at the Goodwood Festival of Speed is not the next coming of the Subaru STI. It has too much power to drive on the street, at least without clearing the entire city of moving objects. The WRX Project Midnight was created for one purpose only. 

A single goal: outright speed. 

Subaru doesn't do anything halfway when it comes to showcasing its Boxer engine potential. They have a deep affection for the Boxer flat-four and enjoy pushing its limits. The WRX Project Midnight is the epitome of this extravagance. 

It's not designed for the average driver; it's simply too extreme. But for those who appreciate the art of automotive engineering, it's a privilege to even hear about it. 

Subaru says, "A black shape emerged from the darkness, barreling through the English countryside and howling the whole way - Subaru Motorsports USA's "WRX: Project Midnight" made its debut at this year's Goodwood Festival of Speed."

Subaru's WRX Project Midnight was an instant sensation with spectators at the prestigious Goodwood Festival of Speed. The flat black WRX set the fastest Shootout time for an internal combustion engine vehicle, with racing legend Scott Speed behind the wheel. This performance underscores the car's exceptional speed and power. 

How fast was it? We don't know because Subaru didn't say, leaving us all in awe of its potential. 

Scott Speed, I want to be you.

Scott Speed is in an enviable position and gets to drive Subaru's fastest cars. He had this to say.

"It's one of the most unique things I've ever driven," said Speed of Project Midnight after its showing in the Shootout. 

Unique is putting it mildly.

Project Midnight's  2.0-liter turbocharged Boxer four-cylinder engine pumps a massive 670 horsepower and 680 lb-ft of torque—too much power for the next STI. The turbocharged Boxer engine evolved from the one that helped Speed earn Subaru the Nitro Rallycross Teams Championship in 2021. It's only for pure entertainment. 

Don't look for this engine in any WRX production model. Combined with its aerodynamic bodywork, Project Midnight is a purpose-built asphalt carving machine, not the second coming of the STI. 

You will see it again. 

We haven't seen the last of the 670-horsepower WRX PM, but Subaru and Subaru Motorsports USA like to keep secrets.

Ok, Subaru, what's next for the smokin' hot WRX?

Subaru says, "Events like the Goodwood Shootout are what Project Midnight was built for, but it wasn't made solely for the Festival of Speed."

Where will Project Midnight turn up in the future? I would say it will be in the U.S. this time, so stay tuned. I guess it will appear at SubieFest California on August 4, 2024, and possibly at other high-profile automotive events. 

What about the new STI?

The next-generation Subaru WRX STI is also a secret project like Project Midnight. Subaru has not announced when it will return, but we know it will in some form. There are speculations that it could be an all-electric performance car, a move that would mark a significant shift in Subaru's performance car lineup. This potential development is certainly worth keeping an eye on. 

The WRX Project Midnight reveals a critical fact about Subaru's performance cars. The car did not have electric propulsion; it was an internal combustion engine project. This tells me Subaru is taking its time on the STe electric model. 

If they were close to a production model, they would bring a new electric model for testing to Goodwood before they bring a production model. It's what Subaru does. They use their motorsports division to test new engine upgrades. If they can stand the rigors of racing, they will be reliable in a lesser horsepower production model.

It's years away. 

The WRX Project Midnight reveals that the new Subaru STe could be years away from launching. Stay tuned. 

But this is not the end of the road for the WRX Project Midnight. We will see it again, and the anticipation is already building. Stay tuned for its next appearance.

What do you think of the WRX Project Midnight? Are you ready for an electric STI? Click the red Add New Comment link below and share your thoughts.

I am Denis Flierl, a top Torque News reporter since 2012. I’ve invested over 13 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role, working with every major car brand. I am an experienced Rocky Mountain Automotive Press member. You'll find my expert Subaru analysis here. Follow me on my X SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.

Photo credit: Subaru