2004 Chrysler ME Four-Twelve Concept

The 2004 Chrysler ME Four-Twelve Concept was a striking high-performance prototype that showcased Chrysler's ambitions in the supercar arena. Designed and developed in less than a year, it was introduced at the 2004 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, representing a collaborative effort with Daimler that leveraged advanced engineering and design capabilities.

The ME Four-Twelve's name reflects its engineering prowess: "Mid-Engine" with "Four" turbochargers on a "Twelve" cylinder engine. Only two units of the ME Four-Twelve were produced, with the first serving primarily as a test vehicle. The concept was designed by a small team led by Brian Nielander, highlighting Chrysler's commitment to performance and innovation.

Key personnel from Chrysler's Street & Racing Technology (SRT) group, including Dan Knott, pushed the project to create a fully engineered prototype that could meet high-performance benchmarks. This included capabilities for media evaluation on racetracks, emphasizing Chrysler's ambition to compete with established supercar manufacturers.

The ME Four-Twelve featured a lightweight carbon-fiber body mounted on a carbon-fiber and aluminum honeycomb chassis, reinforced with a 4130 steel rear subframe. The aerodynamic design was enhanced by multiple air intakes and a low profile, contributing to its performance-oriented aesthetics.

Under the hood, the ME Four-Twelve was powered by a modified 6.0-liter aluminum Mercedes-Benz M120 V12 engine, equipped with a newly developed cylinder head and special intake and exhaust manifolds. This engine configuration, complemented by four turbochargers, delivered an astonishing 850 horsepower (634 kW) and 1,155 Nm of torque. It was paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission capable of rapid gear shifts in just 200 milliseconds. Performance figures were impressive: 0-60 mph in 2.9 seconds, 0-100 mph in 6.2 seconds, and a quarter-mile time of 10.6 seconds at a trap speed of 136 mph (219 km/h). The estimated top speed was a staggering 248 mph (399 km/h).

The interior of the ME Four-Twelve featured leather seating, a carbon-fiber dashboard, and a chrome-covered center console. Advanced features included dual-zone climate control, a premium audio system, keyless access, and a glass roof that added to the cabin's spacious feel.

Despite the impressive engineering and design, the ME Four-Twelve faced challenges in moving from concept to production. As Chrysler underwent restructuring and financial difficulties in the mid-2000s, the project was ultimately shelved. The departure of Daimler from Chrysler in 2007 further cemented the ME Four-Twelve's fate, as the resources and partnership that had supported its development were no longer in place.

Although the ME Four-Twelve never made it to production, it remains a testament to Chrysler's capability to innovate and compete in the supercar market during a transformative period in the automotive industry. The concept encapsulated a blend of American muscle and advanced German engineering, reflecting a bold vision that, unfortunately, was not realized in the marketplace.