The Chrysler ME Four-Twelve is an American supercar that never made it to manufacture, sometimes termed a concept car. The vehicle was first shown at the North American International Auto Show in 2004 and its high level performance, coupled with streamlined racy appearance, caused major interest and sparked popularity.
In 2005 the plans to put the Chrysler ME Four-Twelve into production were shelved by Chrysler and its Daimler-Benz ownership. Some critics feel the vehicle was not put into production because it was such an impressive car, in some ways superior to the SLR McLaren which was top of the Mercedes sports car range.The fact the vehicle only took a year for a small Chrysler team to design and produce highlighted inadequacies within the Daimler-Benz structure. It’s probably more significant to note, though, that this supercar would have cost hundreds pf millions to put into full production, with sale costs of $250,000 to $750,000 per vehicle. If the car had been produced, the purchase cost may well have limited sales irrespective of its beauty, performance and the seductive appeal of an American-built supercar to rival all the European sports models.
When prototypes of the Chrysler ME Four-Twelve were tested they gave top speeds of around 240 miles per hour, with accelation from 0 to 60 miles in just 2.9 seconds and a fantastic power to weight ratio. The excellent power assisted steering and braking system on the car made it easy to manoeuvre in any driving situation. The car’s appearance was also incredibly sporty, with a hint of aggression, and definitely oozing hints of its power and excellence in performance.
The Chrysler ME 412 is a two seater sports vehicle with an aggressive, streamlined appearance which hints at top speeds. The vehicle was aerodynamically designed inside and out, with a carbon fibre body and light aluminium engine, to reduce weight. It also featured a glass roof. The car had four turbochargers, increasing its power and acceleration rates. The clever suspension on the car ensured the vehicle gave a comfortable ride to drivers and passengers. Chrysler developed the seven speed Ricardo double clutch transmission for the vehicle, giving reliability and 200 millisecond gear shift times.
Inside the Chrysler ME412 the leather seats, carbon fibre dashboard and chrome console combine to give a look of sporty excellence and practicality. The car featured a leather steering wheel and gun metal accents, adding to its exclusivity.
It was only ever planned to produce the Chrysler ME Four-Twelve in two door version, no other models were planned or anticipated. The Chrysler ME Four-Twelve only took one year to design and complete a prototype to display at the North American International Auto Show. The car was a successful collaboration between American Chrysler and its Daimler-Benz owners and featured the Mercedes engine. Only 11 people worked on the design and production of the prototype, alongside a number of suppliers. In this respect the Chrysler ME Four-Twelve has to be considered one of the most successful and groundbreaking American car designs of recent years and it’s a pity the car never made it to full production.
