The Dodge M4S is an American high-performance prototype sports coupe originally engineered, designed, and built by Dodge in 1981 as a technology demonstrator vehicle. It was designed by the chief designer of Dodge, Bob Ackerman. The designation M4S denotes "Mid-engine, 4 cylinder, Sport. " The car was intended to be built as a fully engineered running prototype rather than a display piece from its conception. Because it was intended to be used as a pace car, it was designed to reach a top speed of 200 mph (322 km/h).
The semi-monocoque race car chassis was ordered from Huffaker of California. Chrysler designed the body and conducted extensive wind tunnel testing to achieve a drag coefficient of .236. Although Chrysler designed the car, actual construction of the vehicle was handled by subcontractors. 3-D Industries of Madison Heights, Michigan, modeled the body and created molds. Special Projects, Inc. of Plymouth, Michigan, cast the body panels, assembled the body and interior, and gave the car its signature "root beer brown" paint color by painting layers of pearl over a black base coat. Specialized Vehicles, Inc., of Troy, Michigan, handled fabrication, final assembly, and maintenance of the completed car.
The car was made famous in The Wraith, a 1986 supernatural film. The mid-engined car had a tested and confirmed top speed of 194.8 mph (313.5 km/h) and could go from 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) in 4.1 seconds, with more than 440 hp (328 kW) under the hood coming from its relatively small displacement of 2.2L 4 cylinder forced induction engine.
The car has since gained an enthusiast cult following, prompted by its fame from appearing in The Wraith.
Source: Dodge M4S - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dodge_M4S
Images: Dodge; www.cardomain.com; www.thewraithcar.com
