Chrysler ME Four-Twelve Concept Quad-Turbo V12
The Chrysler ME Four-Twelve is one of the most tantalizing 'what-ifs' in automotive history. Unveiled at the 2004 Detroit Auto Show, this mid-engined supercar concept demonstrated that Chrysler — a company more associated with minivans than supercars — could conceive and engineer a vehicle that stood toe-to-toe with the most exotic machinery from Porsche, Ferrari, and McLaren.
The name decoded the specification: ME (Mid-Engine), Four (four turbochargers), Twelve (twelve cylinders). The powertrain was based on Mercedes-AMG's M120 6.0-liter V12 — available through the DaimlerChrysler partnership — fitted with four Garrett turbochargers producing an astounding 850 horsepower and 850 lb-ft of torque. The engine was mated to a Ricardo-developed seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, one of the first DCT applications in a concept of this nature.
The chassis was a carbon fiber monocoque with aluminum subframes, borrowing heavily from Formula One and Le Mans prototype construction. The double-wishbone suspension front and rear used pushrod-actuated inboard dampers — another racing-derived technology. Carbon-ceramic brakes provided stopping power, and the body was finished in a striking silver paint over sculpted aerodynamic surfaces.
Performance figures were staggering. Chrysler claimed 0-60 mph in 2.9 seconds, 0-100 mph in 6.2 seconds, a quarter mile in 10.6 seconds, and a top speed of 248 mph. These numbers would have made the ME Four-Twelve one of the fastest production cars in the world had it reached production — competitive with the Porsche Carrera GT and Bugatti Veyron.
Chrysler reportedly came very close to approving the ME Four-Twelve for limited production at a target price of approximately $250,000. DaimlerChrysler CEO Dieter Zetsche was said to be supportive, and a production run of 100 cars per year was discussed. However, the deteriorating DaimlerChrysler partnership, financial pressures, and eventually the 2007 sale of Chrysler to Cerberus Capital Management killed the project.
The single concept car remains one of the most impressive American automotive engineering achievements of the 21st century. It proved that given the resources and ambition, an American manufacturer could compete at the very highest level of supercar engineering. The ME Four-Twelve stands as a monument to unfulfilled potential and the consequences of corporate instability on automotive dreams.
The ME Four-Twelve is a one-off concept car owned by Stellantis (successor to Chrysler). It is not available for private purchase. If it were ever to be sold at auction, it would command millions of dollars as one of the most significant American automotive concepts of the 21st century.
A single concept/prototype was built. Chrysler reportedly came close to approving limited production of approximately 100 units per year at around $250,000 each. The DaimlerChrysler split and subsequent financial difficulties killed the project. The concept car survives and has been displayed at various shows. The car was a fully functional running prototype, not just a styling exercise.