Stock Cars Review

The ME Four-Twelve is a concept car produced by DaimlerChrysler under the Chrysler brand in 2004. There were two ME Four-Twelve vehicles produced. The first, strictly an auto show property with very limited operational capabilities, was designed in great secrecy during 2003, by a very small team led by project manager, Lou Rhodes. The auto show vehicle, unveiled at the 2004 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, took less than one year for design and development. The design styling was done 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 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 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.

[248]MPH

The engine in the ME 412 is a super light, aluminum engine. This V12, coupled with the four turbochargers, is one of the lightest engines in any production car, as well as one of the most powerful, with 850 horsepower. The engine produces 142 horsepower per liter of displacement, among the highest in the world. All this power propels the car from 0-60 mph in 2.9 seconds, 0-100 mph in 6.2 seconds, and through a quarter mile in 10.6 seconds at a trap speed of 136 mph (219 km/h). These numbers result in an estimated top speed of 248 mph (399 km/h), in the league with the Bugatti Veyron.

The ME 412s transmission has a seven-speed sequential dual-clutch semi-automatic with the capability of shifting gears in 200 miliseconds.

With 265/35ZR19 tires in the front, and 335/30ZR20 tires in the rear, the car produces ample amounts of grip. 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.

The ME 412s 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 412s 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 chassis tub of the ME 412 is carbon-fiber and aluminum honeycomb, with a 4130 steel rear subframe and aluminum castings