2004 Chrysler ME Four Twelve Concept
By Lorenzo Bianchi September 22, 2004
The mid-engine ME Four Twelve used an AMG-developed 6.0-liter quad-turbo V12 producing 850 bhp and 850 lb-ft of torque.
Chrysler projected 0–60 mph in 2.9 seconds, a 10.6-second quarter-mile and a 248 mph top speed.
Carbon-fiber bodywork and a carbon-fiber/aluminum honeycomb monocoque helped limit curb weight to 2,880 lb.
The 2004 Chrysler ME Four Twelve Concept was considerably more than an exercise in dramatic proportions. Revealed in January 2004 as Chrysler's first mid-engine supercar, it combined an AMG-developed quad-turbo V12, carbon-intensive construction and active aerodynamics with performance projections that were extraordinary for the period.
Chrysler also moved quickly. The company said development from start to finish took less than a year, with outside specialists assisting on the project.
Carbon Fiber Shapes A Low Mid Engine Body
At only 44.9 inches tall, the two-seat ME Four Twelve sits exceptionally low. It measures 178.8 inches long and 78.7 inches wide, with carbon-fiber bodywork developed through wind-tunnel testing.
Aerodynamics were functional throughout. A front splitter, developed underbody, rear diffuser and vented wheel housings manage airflow, while a computer-controlled rear spoiler extends 100 mm. Chrysler quoted up to 925 lb of total downforce at 186 mph and a drag coefficient of 0.358.
Staggered Wheels Cover Carbon Ceramic Brakes
The chassis uses a carbon-fiber and aluminum honeycomb monocoque with aluminum crush structures and chrome-moly subframes. Double-wishbone suspension incorporates aluminum control arms, horizontally opposed coil-over dampers and electronically controlled compression and rebound adjustment.
Cast-aluminum wheels measure 19x10 inches at the front and 20x12.5 inches at the rear. Behind them sit 15-inch ventilated carbon-ceramic discs with six-piston aluminum monoblock calipers. Michelin tires measure 265/35ZR19 front and 335/30ZR20 rear.
Quad Turbo V12 Targets 248 MPH
The centerpiece is a 6.0-liter all-aluminum V12 with four turbochargers. Developed by AMG, it produces 850 bhp at 5,750 rpm and 850 lb-ft between 2,500 and 4,500 rpm. At 2,880 lb, Chrysler calculated a weight-to-power ratio of 3.4 lb per bhp.
A bespoke seven-speed Ricardo dual-clutch transmission sends power to the rear wheels, with claimed 200-millisecond shifts. Chrysler projected 0–100 mph in 6.2 seconds alongside the 2.9-second 0–60 mph figure.
Exposed Carbon Continues Inside
The cabin leaves sections of the carbon-fiber tub visible and combines them with leather-covered sport seats. Equipment includes automatic climate control, premium audio and a large glass roof extending from the windshield to the rear header.
Each carbon-fiber seat structure weighs just 27 lb. Paddle shifters, steering-wheel controls and centrally positioned driver controls reinforce the performance-focused layout.
Chrysler described the ME Four Twelve as a prototype rather than simply a concept and said in 2004 that it would be road-ready by summer. The supplied material does not confirm subsequent production plans.