Legendary Lost Power: Chrysler's Hidden 850-HP Ferrari-Slayer Revealed!

Chrysler once conceived and developed an audacious supercar, the ME Four-Twelve, which wasn't merely a static concept but a fully drivable prototype designed to challenge the world's most elite performance vehicles, including the Ferrari Enzo. Unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show, this mid-engine, V-12-powered machine immediately garnered attention for its staggering specifications: 850 horsepower, a 0-to-60 mph time of 2.85 seconds, and a standing quarter-mile in 10.6 seconds at 136 mph. These figures were intended to decisively outperform rivals and redefine perceptions of a company known primarily for family vehicles and trucks.

Despite initial skepticism from rival auto executives who dismissed it as an extravagant corporate ego trip, Chrysler bosses Dieter Zetsche and Wolfgang Bernhard were adamant about its production potential. Bernhard stated, "If the reception is positive, we are definitely going to build this baby." This promise was swiftly realized, as a handbuilt ME Four-Twelve prototype, developed in just four months by a dedicated team under Chrysler’s SRT special-vehicles chief Dan Knott, was put to the test. Zetsche affirmed its seriousness, declaring, "This is not a fake. It is a serious car."

The prototype's interior reflected its businesslike purpose, starkly contrasting the typical concept car glamour. The tight cockpit featured hip-hugging seats with six-point harnesses, a Motec instrument pack for vital functions, and exposed carbon fiber throughout. This minimalist approach prioritized the proving of the mechanical components over elaborate aesthetics, though its basic form mirrored the original concept.

At the heart of the ME Four-Twelve was a potent 6.0-liter V-12 engine, based on the 612-horsepower twin-turbo AMG engine found in the Mercedes SL65. However, Chrysler's version boasted twice the number of turbos, pumping up to 2.5 bar boost, to achieve its prodigious 850 horsepower at 5750 rpm and 848 pound-feet of torque between 3500 and 5000 rpm. Power was channeled through a British-built six-speed double-clutch Riccardo transmission, operated by paddle shifters without a clutch pedal, facilitating left-foot braking.

During test sessions at Laguna Seca, driven by Chrysler’s Le Mans-winning Viper GTS-R racer engineer Tom O’Dell, the ME Four-Twelve demonstrated remarkable capabilities despite being a work-in-progress. It exhibited a composed demeanor at low speeds, but unleashed an "elastic lunge" under throttle, accompanied by a sonorous sonic boom. The braking performance was particularly impressive, with engineers recording 2 g under braking, thanks to massive 15.0-inch-diameter carbon/ceramic composite disc brakes (developed jointly by Mercedes and Brembo) equipped with six-piston calipers upfront and four-piston units at the rear. The steering was noted for being light and accurate, though it lacked some feedback.

However, the prototype's testing also revealed areas requiring further refinement. The transmission calibration, especially on downshifts, needed significant work. Suspension tuning was necessary to address understeer into corners and roll oversteer on exit. Engineers also admitted to deliberately dialing back the V-12’s immense torque output from 848 lb-ft to around 553 lb-ft during testing to safeguard the unique Riccardo transmission. Additionally, the prototype weighed 3200 pounds, exceeding the target of 3000 pounds or less by 200 to 300 pounds. Despite these challenges, Knott remained confident, stating, "We have achieved our objectives. We can walk the talk."

The potential for production hinged on financial viability and market acceptance, with rumored price points ranging from $250,000 to $750,000 for a car projected to hit 248 mph. Dieter Zetsche saw the ME Four-Twelve as a crucial statement for the brand, emphasizing Chrysler's engineering legacy and proving the capability of its engineers by pushing the boundaries of automotive performance. The car's sleek "stealth fighter" styling, designed by Rian Neilander, featured taut planes and sharp edges, visually linking it to the Crossfire. Its body utilized carbon-fiber composite panels on a carbon fiber/aluminum honeycomb chassis. The advanced aerodynamic package was optimized on computer, designed to generate 925 pounds of downforce at 186 mph. The suspension system utilized double-wishbones front and rear, F1-style high-strength stainless-steel pushrods, cast-aluminum control arms, and coil-over shocks with remote oil reservoirs. It ran on 19-inch front wheels with 265/35 tires and 20-inch rear wheels with 335/30 tires.

Ultimately, the Chrysler ME Four-Twelve represented a bold vision and a significant engineering achievement, demonstrating that a mainstream U.S. automaker could develop a world-class supercar. Its fate, however, remained tied to the strategic decisions of the company and the potential demand from an exclusive market segment, leaving enthusiasts to wonder what might have been.