Chrysler ME Four-Twelve

Manufacturer	Chrysler
Parent company	DaimlerChrysler
Class	Sports car
Body style(s)	2-door coupé
Layout	Mid-engine, rear-wheel drive
Engine(s)	6.0 L / 365 ci quad-turbocharged V12
Transmission(s)	7-speed Ricardo-built semi-automatic
Wheelbase	2794 mm (110 in)
Length	4542 mm (178.8 in)
Width	1999 mm (78.7 in)
Height	1140 mm (44.9 in)
Curb weight	1310 kg (2888.1 lb)

The ME Four-Twelve is a concept car produced by DaimlerChrysler under the Chrysler brand in 2004. The vehicle took less than one year for design and development. It was designed by Brian Nielander (exterior) and Mark Walters (interior).

The name is rooted in the Mid-Engine with Four turbochargers on a Twelve-cylinder engine.

Chrysler initially stated that the ME Four-Twelve was a prototype intended to lead to production. They later put a temporary stop to the project after several protests from the SLR division of Mercedes-Benz. However, as of fall of 2005, Chrysler announced that the project was again "under active consideration" for continued development.

Contents 1 Performance Overview 2 Specs 3 Body 4 Engine 5 Transmission 6 Handling 7 Design 7.1 Interior 7.1.1 Features 7.2 Exterior 7.2.1 Body 7.2.2 Chassis 8 Body Styles 9 References

[edit] Performance Overview

The ME 412 has the makings of a legendary American super car that has performance to rival that of cars such as the Bugatti Veyron, Koenigsegg CCX, and Saleen S7.

[edit] Specs

• Engine: 6.0 L / 365 ci quad-turbocharged V12
• Horsepower: 1,252 hp (934 kW) @ 5750 rpm
• Torque: 950 ft·lbf (1,290 N·m) @ 2500 RPM
• Top Speed 250 mph (400 km/h)
• Drivetrain: Seven speed sequential automatic gearbox, RWD
• Curb Weight: 2,880 LBS
• MSRP: 400,000-600,000

[edit] Body

The ME 412 has an ultra light carbon-fiber body, which is the reason this is one of the lightest super cars in the world. The vehicle’s cockpit is somewhat dome shaped (a low dome) to increase aerodynamics.

[edit] Engine

The engine in the ME 412 is a super light, aluminum engine. This V12, coupled with the four turbochargers makes this one of the lightest engines in any production car, as well as one of the most powerful with 1,252 horsepower. The engine’s output is 142 horsepower per liter of displacement, one of the best in the world. All the power lets the car accelerate from 0-60 mph in 2.9 seconds, the fifth fastest time in a production car, 0-100 mph in 6.2 seconds, and through a quarter mile in 10.6 seconds at a trap speed of 136 mph. These numbers result in a top speed of 270 mph, well in the league of the Bugatti Veyron.

[edit] Transmission

The ME 412's transmission has a seven speed sequential, double clutch automatic with the capability of shifting gears in 200 miliseconds.

[edit] Handling

The ME 412’s handling is rumored to be one of the best than that of similar cars such as the Bugatti Veyron. With 265/35ZR19 tires in the front, and 335/30ZR20 tires in the rear, the car has traction issues, especially in wet weather.^{[citation needed]} The brakes on the ME 412 are 16” oiled brakes using six-piston-calipers, on 19” cast aluminum rims in the front, and 20” rims in the rear.

[edit] Design

[edit] Interior

The ME 412's interior features leather-clad seats, a carbon-fiber dash, and a chrome covered center console with a leather tilt steering wheel, and gunmetal gauges.

[edit] Features

The ME 412's cabin features dual-zone climate control, a premium audio system, keyless access, and a push button start system. The cockpit also has a glass roof that lets in the sun.

[edit] Exterior

[edit] Body

The exterior body of the ME 412 is ultra light weight due to the predominance of carbon-fiber. The low profile of the vehicle and low roof ensure that the car is aerodynamic, while plenty of air-intakes keep the engine and all working parts cool.

[edit] Chassis

The lightweight chassis of the ME 412 is super light with carbon-fiber and aluminum work, while still remaining stiff and strong to support the weight of the engine and body.

[edit] Body Styles

The ME 412 would only be featured in the 2 door coupe style. No roadster version is ever expected.

[edit] References

• Ultra Cool Rides Book by Martin Padgett
• http://www.universalauto.com/worldsfastestcars/fastestcars.html