Chrysler ME Four-Twelve

Chrysler ME Four-Twelve

Manufacturer	Chrysler
Class	concept car
Body style	2-door coupé
Layout	Mid-engine, rear-wheel drive
Engine	6.0 L / 366 ci quad-turbocharged V12
Transmission	7-speed Recaro-built semi-automatic
Wheelbase	2,794 mm (110.0 in)
Length	4,542 mm (178.8 in)
Width	1,999 mm (78.7 in)
Height	1,140 mm (44.9 in)
Curb weight	1,310 kg (2,888 lb)

The ME Four-Twelve is a concept car produced by Chrysler under the Chrysler brand in 2004. It was based on a Mercedes chassis. There were two ME Four-Twelve vehicles produced. The first, strictly an auto show property with very limited operational capabilities, was designed in great secrecy during 2003. It was to use performance expertise from Daimler, and was built by a very small team led by project manager, Lou Rhodes. The auto show vehicle, unveiled at the 2004 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, took less than one year for design and development. The design styling was done by Brian Nielander (exterior) and Mark Walters (interior). ChrOne of these vehicles is reported to have been purchased by American rapper Ludacris.

The name is rooted in the Mid-Engine with Four turbochargers on a Twelve-cylinder engine.

Chrysler announced to the world media at the 2004 NAIAS that the ME Four-Twelve was a full running prototype intended to lead to serial production. At the time of the announcement in January, 2004, key personnel within the Street & Racing Technology group at Chrysler directed by Dan Knott (also responsible for the Dodge Viper, SRT production adaptations such as Dodge Neon SRT-4 and Dodge Ram SRT-10, Dodge Motorsports, and Mopar performance parts) were alerted that another secret project was being considered; to design and build a fully engineered and functional prototype demonstration vehicle capable of achieving the published performance claims and being available for media track evaluation by the summer of 2004.

Engine

The engine in the ME 412 is a super light, aluminum engine. This V12, coupled with the four turbochargers, is one of the lightest engines in any production car^{[citation needed]}, as well as one of the most powerful, with 850 horsepower. All this power propels the car from 0-60 mph in 2.9 seconds, 0-100 mph in 6.2 seconds, and through a quarter mile in 10.6 seconds at a trap speed of 136 mph (219 km/h). These numbers result in an estimated top speed of 248 mph (399 km/h), in the league with the Bugatti Veyron.

Transmission

The ME 412's transmission has a seven-speed sequential dual-clutch semi-automatic with the capability of shifting gears in 20 milleseconds.

Handling

With 265/35ZR19 tires in the front, and 335/30ZR20 tires in the rear, the car produces ample amounts of grip. The brakes on the ME 412 are 16” oiled brakes using six-piston-calipers, on 19” cast aluminum rims in the front, and 20” rims in the rear.

Design

Interior

The ME 412's interior features leather seats, a carbon fiber dashboard, and a chrome covered center console with a leather tilt steering wheel, and gunmetal gauges. The ME 412's cabin features dual-zone climate control, a premium audio system, keyless access, and a push button start system. The roof is made of glass.

Exterior

Body

The body of the ME 412 is ultra-lightweight due to the predominance of carbon fiber. The low profile of the vehicle and low roof ensure that the car is aerodynamic, while multiple air-intakes keep the engine and all working parts cool.

Chassis

The chassis tub of the ME 412 is carbon-fiber and aluminum honeycomb, with a 4130 steel rear subframe and aluminum castings

Body Styles

The ME 412 would only be featured in the two-door coupe style. No roadster version was ever expected.

References

• Ultra Cool Rides Book by Martin Padgett
• http://www.universalauto.com/worldsfastestcars/fastestcars.html