FYI: Vermont SportsCar (VSC) showcases their engineering prowess with Project Midnight, a modern-day Group B rally car, at the 2024 Goodwood Festival of Speed.

Vermont SportsCar’s Project Midnight Shines at Goodwood

Vermont SportsCar (VSC) has long played a crucial role in the rally and rallycross success of Subaru Motorsports USA. Known for their remarkable engineering within the boundaries of strict event regulations, VSC has also demonstrated what they can achieve when given creative freedom.

Innovative Creations and Gymkhana Veterans

Two standout examples of VSC’s ingenuity are the Airslayer (a 2020 Subaru WRX STI) and the Family Huckster (a 1982 Subaru GL). Built to endure the high-octane demands of Gymkhana stunts, these vehicles were expertly driven by Travis Pastrana in the respective years of 2020 and 2022. Their repeated performances at the Goodwood Festival of Speed have made them synonymous with thrilling speed and spectacle.

Introducing Project Midnight

The 2024 Goodwood Festival of Speed brought a new competitor into the ring: Project Midnight, a rally-spec 2024 WRX-based monster reminiscent of the legendary Group B cars. Leading up to the event, VSC engaged renowned rallycross driver Scott Speed to pilot their latest creation.

Preparation and Execution

Kicking off on Thursday morning at the Goodwood Estate, the Subaru Motorsports USA pits buzzed with activity akin to a rally competition. With each team member focused on their tasks, Dan Farley, Powertrain Division Manager, conducted essential warm-up procedures on Project Midnight. These routines are critical to identify drivetrain issues early and ensure top performance.

Caution: Standing too close during these checks risks hearing damage or burns.

Design and Features

Project Midnight’s menacing, all-black exterior draws inspiration from Lockheed Skunk Works projects like the U2, SR-71, and F-117. Unlike the colorful Family Huckster, Project Midnight’s exposed carbon fiber and satin black paint exudes an aura of speed, stealth, and aggression.

Building upon the foundation of the AirSlayer, VSC incorporated numerous enhancements into Project Midnight:

• Wider Stance: The 2024 WRX body shell features carbon-composite wheel arches 100mm wider than standard.
• Optimized Traction: 18×11-inch magnesium wheels fitted with Yokohama Advan slicks provide maximum grip.
• Enhanced Braking: Alcon brake calipers with 350mm front and 320mm rear discs, paired with Endless pads.
• Advanced Suspension: Three-way adjustable dampers, custom arms, and hubs.
• Aerodynamic Excellence: A massive carbon fiber rear wing, front splitter, and canards complemented by a flat underside.

These modifications reduce Project Midnight’s weight to under 2,500 pounds (1,120 kilograms), making it approximately 300 pounds lighter than the AirSlayer and a full 1,000 pounds lighter than a standard WRX.

Power and Performance

The heart of Project Midnight is a Vermont Sports Car-designed 2.0L boxer engine, set to deliver an astonishing 670 horsepower and 680 pound-feet of torque, with revs up to 9,500 rpm. Ventilation is facilitated by a PWR heat exchanger system, which incorporates an engine bay intercooler and a rear-mounted radiator, ensuring optimal cooling even under intense conditions.

Goodwood Festival of Speed Recap

Over the Goodwood Festival of Speed weekend, Scott Speed and the team fine-tuned Project Midnight’s setup, analyzing footage and adjusting the car as necessary. The event crescendoed with the Sunday Shootout, the ultimate test for the fastest cars.

First up, Travis Pastrana in the Family Huckster hit the course hard but clipped a hay bale at Mallcombe. With a compelling apology, he admitted to pushing the limits.

Then came Scott Speed’s turn with Project Midnight. Despite a small slip, his strategic and sharp driving reflected his extensive experience, clocking an impressive 46.09 seconds. Although this wasn’t enough to surpass Romain Dumas’ electric Ford Supervan 4.2 at 43.98 seconds, Project Midnight took the honor of being the fastest internal combustion vehicle up the hill—a significant feat given its limited development timeframe and budget.

Looking Ahead

While Subaru Motorsports USA didn’t claim the overall victory, their performance has fueled their determination. The team is already gearing up for a return to the Goodwood Festival of Speed in 2025, ready to push the boundaries of automotive innovation even further.

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Donald Smith, Editor of Automotive.fyi