Chrysler ME four-twelve

April 1, 2004
In an obvious attempt to compete, or perhaps surpass Ford's GT, the ME Four-Twelve is a midengine, rear-wheel-drive super car carrying an aluminum 6.0-liter V12 that puts out a healthy 850 hp and 850 lb-ft of torque.

It is said to get from 0 to 60 in a mere 2.6 sec with a top speed of 248 mph. A seven-speed Ricardo double-clutch transmission features double wet-clutch technology and electronic-control, as well as delivering torque to rear wheels with 200-msec shift times.

Carbon-fiber body panels mate to a carbon-fiber and aluminum honeycomb monocoque tub. 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 antiroll bar makes up the ME Four-Twelve's suspension. Fifteen-inch ventilated carbon ceramic-composite disc brake rotors carry six-piston aluminum monoblock calipers. The composite discs are said to weigh 65% less than comparable cast-iron rotors, reducing unsprung mass and improving shock-damping response. The wheels are cast aluminum 19-in. front and 20-in. rear wrapped with Michelin high-performance tires.

A computer-controlled rear spoiler moves back 100 mm to increase downforce to 925 lb at 186 mph for a Cd of 0.358. Body openings are tweaked for aerodynamics including a front-fascia splitter for increased frontal downforce; a fully developed underbody with integral rear diffuser to reduce lift and provide additional rear downforce; and a large grille in the rear fascia to vent air through the engine compartment.

This street-legal racer is said to have taken less than a year to complete. And, Chrysler stresses the ME Four-Twelve is not a concept, but will be put in production by this summer.

 
Click the car below to view the article
 
Ford Shelby Concept
Saturn Curve
Volkswagen concept T
Chevy Nomad
Dodge Sling Shot
Lincoln Mark X
Hyundai HCD8
Mitsubishi Eclipse Concept-E
Chrysler ME Four-Twelve
Subaru B9SC
 

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