Chrysler ME Four-Twelve
 
 
 
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400x267, 21 KB
 
 
 
 

Concept car introduced at the 2004 Detroit Motor Show.
Country of origin: USA

The spectacular quad-turbo, V-12 powered, mid-engine Chrysler ME Four-Twelve super car has roared onto the scene to shine as the most advanced Chrysler ever built.

The ultimate engineering and design statement, and a brilliant example of the Chrysler Group’s capabilities, the ME Four-Twelve will establish a real-world performance record for a rear-wheel drive, mid-engine super car and may also set a record for lightening-quick vehicle development. Taking less than one year to complete from start to finish, the Chrysler Group partnered with some of the best in the business to assist in its development.

The heart of the ME Four-Twelve is its all-aluminum, quad-turbo, 6.0-liter V-12 engine. With electronic sequential multipoint fuel injection and a 9.0:1 compression ratio, the ME Four-Twelve’s AMG-developed engine delivers 850 bhp @ 5750 rpm, with 850 lb-ft. (1150 N-m) of torque between 2500 and 4500 rpm on premium unleaded fuel. The specific power output translates to 142 bhp/liter, and with a curb weight of just 2880 lbs. (1310 kg), the ME Four-Twelve has the weight-to-power ratio of 3.4 lbs/bhp – each of these sets new performance records and new benchmarks in the super car category.

The 7-speed Ricardo Double Clutch Transmission was developed specifically for this vehicle and features the latest double wet-clutch technology and electronic control strategy. The exclusive ME Four-Twelve transmission delivers uninterrupted torque to the rear wheels with 200 millisecond shift times.

The ME Four-Twelve’s advanced, carbon fiber bodywork was designed to mate to a carbon fiber and aluminum honeycomb monocoque tub. Aluminum crush structures and chrome-moly sub-frames complete the ME Four-Twelve’s rigid support structure. Taking advantage of its impressive racecar-like structural rigidity, the ME Four-Twelve’s suspension, steering and brakes are engineered for super car performance.

The suspension is comprised of double wishbones, aluminum control arms, horizontally-opposed coil-over dampers with electronically controlled compression and rebound tuning, stainless-steel push rods and a blade configured anti-roll bar.

The computer controlled active rear spoiler articulates rearward 100 mm to increase down-force to a total of 925 lbs. (421 kg) at 186 mph (300 km/h), while achieving a competitive coefficient of drag (Cd) of 0.358. This results in unwavering stability at the ultra-high speeds of which ME Four-Twelve is capable. All body openings have been optimized to achieve maximum thermal performance. In addition, large vented front and rear wheel houses reduce lift as well as active and passive aerodynamic devices that have been implemented to provide stable vehicle performance at all speeds.

This vehicle breaks the mold of the super car genre because its packaging can easily accommodate drivers in a wide range of heights. Ease of access to driving controls was a primary focus. For example, there are steering wheel mounted controls, including a column mounted F-1 racing style paddle shifter with aluminum shift paddles and centrally mounted driver controls.

 
 
Performance
  Acceleration - 0-97 km/h: 2.9 s (expected)
Acceleration - 0-161 km/h: 6.2 s (expected)
Quarter mile: 10.6 s at 229 (expected)
Top speed: 400 km/h (expected)
 
 
Engine
  Type: V12
Displacement: 6.0 L
Max horsepower: 850 BHP at 5750 rpm
Max torque: 1150 Nm at 2500 rpm
Compression ratio: 9.0:1
Fuel system: Electronic fuel injection, quad turbocharged
 
 
Dimensions
  Overall length: 454 cm
Width: 200 cm
Height: 114 cm
 
 
Weight
  Curb weight: 1310 kg  
 
Chassis
  Brakes, front: Ventilated discs
Brakes, rear: Ventilated discs
Transmission: 7-speed
Steering: Rack and pinion, power assisted
Tyres: 265/35 ZR19 / 335/30 ZR20
Wheelwidth: 10" / 12.5"
 
 
Others
  Engine placement: Mid, longitudinally mounted
Drive wheels: Rear wheel drive
Drag Coefficient: 0.358