The name is rooted in the Mid-Engine with Four turbochargers on a Twelve-cylinder engine.
Chrysler announced to the world media at the 2004 NAIAS that the ME Four-Twelve was a full running prototype intended to lead to serial production. At the time of the announcement in January, 2004, key personnel within the Street & Racing Technology group at Chrysler directed by Dan Knott (also responsible for the Dodge Viper, SRT production adaptations such as the Dodge Neon SRT-4 and Dodge Ram SRT-10, Dodge Motorsports, and Mopar performance parts) were alerted that another secret project was being considered; to design and build a fully engineered and functional prototype demonstration vehicle capable of achieving the published performance claims and being available for media track evaluation by the summer of 2004.
The engine in the ME 412 is a very light, aluminum engine. This V12, coupled with the four turbochargers, is one of the lightest V12 engines in any production car, as well as one of the most powerful, with 850 horsepower. The car can accelerate from 0 - 100 km/h in 2.9 seconds, and 0 - 100 mph in 6.2 seconds. It can cover a quarter mile in 10.6 seconds, with a trap speed of 219 km/h. These numbers result in an estimated top speed of 380km/h. The ME 412's transmission has a seven-speed sequential dual-clutch semi-automatic with the capability of shifting gears in 200 milliseconds.
The ME 412's interior features leather seats, a carbon fiber dashboard, and a chrome covered center console with a leather tilt steering wheel, and gunmetal gauges. The ME 412's cabin features dual-zone climate control, a premium audio system, keyless access, and a push button start system. The roof is made of glass.
The body of the ME 412 is ultra-lightweight due to the predominance of carbon fiber. The low profile of the vehicle and low roof ensure that the car is aerodynamic, while multiple air-intakes keep the engine and all working parts cool. The computer controlled active rear spoiler articulates rearward 100 mm to increase down-force to a total of 925 lbs (421 kg) at 300 km/h, while achieving a competitive coefficient of drag (Cd) of 0.358. This results in unwavering stability at the ultra-high speeds of which ME Four-Twelve is capable.
Specs:
- Chrysler ME Four-Twelve '04 specs.png (5.75 KiB) Viewed 1687 times
