Chrysler to put ME Four-Twelve Supercar into Production

Chryslers Return to Financial Health seen behind Decision to Consider Production ME

According to an article in a recent issue of the Detroit News, Chrysler will "more likely than not" produce its stunning ME Four-Twelve, an outlandish 12-cylinder, mid-engined supercar that it stunned the automotive press with during Januarys Detroit Motor Show.

Dieter Zetsche, CEO of Chrysler Group told the newspaper that, "We are in talks with partners who are interested in building it." The company is currently considering the economic implications. The biggest problems on the table right now concern the number of vehicles to produce, and a pricing strategy. The Chrysler CEO hopes to have these details completely sorted by the end of this year.

Names such as Roush, Pagani and Metalcrafters are among the companies on the list to build the auto giants supercar, each bringing their own reputation for building high-quality, low volume vehicles to the equation.

Before Chrysler is a decision whether to opt for sophisticated high-tech/low manual labor production methods or a more hands-on manufacturing approach.

Regardless of the assembly method, the optimal price tag appears to be one of two cases; either seven per year with a purchase price of one million dollars per unit, or a production run of 1,000 cars per year with a more reasonable cost. So far, Chrysler is leaning towards the latter; following in the tracks of Fords new GT40 "replicar," the GT.

Although the idea of a Chrysler branded supercar sounds odd, it makes a great deal of sense from an economic standpoint. Although Mercedes-Benz, sister company to Chrysler already offers the McLaren engineered and designed SLR, the ME is a completely different type of vehicle. Still, building the ME would make use of DaimlerChryslers AMG division, which recently worked hand-in-hand with Chrysler to develop the 330 horsepower supercharged Crossfire SRT 6.

Not only would the V12-powered ME shed a bright halo over the Chrysler brand, which is steadily moving its image upmarket to compete more closely with GMs Cadillac, Ford Motors Lincoln and various import brands with its new 300C, Crossfire coupe and roadster, and Pacifica crossover SUV, but if priced closer to Fords GT, at around $150,000, the new mid-engined, turbocharged supercar would stretch the options available to luxury buyers, allowing a choice between it and the front-engined supercharged V8-powered SLR. Another attributing factor is the interest for American badged supercars which recently surfaced after the introduction of the retro-shaped Ford GT and revised Saleen S7.

Not surprisingly, like Dodge did with its all-powerful RAM SRT-10 pickup truck, Chrysler is aiming to tear down the competition and set quite a few records with the ME. Its AMG-sourced 6.0-liter quad-turbo V12 packs a powerful punch, enough to deliver 850 rocketing horsepower and 850 lb-ft of torque - only overshadowed by the on again off again 987 horsepower Bugatti Veyron. While the quad-turbo motor is slightly shy on grunt, it pulls ahead of the French machine in many other categories including the all-important power to weight ratio which stands at a towering 648 horsepower per ton as compared to the Veyrons 506 horsepower per ton, and a devastating 142 horsepower per liter rating compared to the Veyrons milder 125.1 horses per liter. The lightweight design of the Four-Twelve is also expected to trump the Bugattis handling and braking stats.

Chryslers supercar has another distinct advantage; it could make it to production before the Veyron, which incidentally had a three-year head start. Chrysler and its elite engineering group has already began lapping a prototype ME at Chryslers Chelsea, Michigan proving grounds, and are reportedly ahead of the development schedule. Should the vehicle go into production, it very well could be the worlds fastest-accelerating vehicle, taking an estimated 2.8 seconds to reach 60 mph and about 6.0 seconds to attain 100 mph. Top speed would be an unchallenged 250 mph. The Bugatti, which claims a top speed of 252 mph, might never see the light of day as a street legal vehicle due to a rapidly swelling budget and cooling issues with its complex W16 quad-turbo motor. Bugattis parent company, Volkswagen, is also experiencing financial difficulties. The advantage seems to be in the domestic automakers favor.

What permitted DaimlerChrysler to give the provisional green light to the ME is its improving financial situation. The recently reported second quarter of this year showed an increase of sales by fivefold, with vehicle sales profits greater than General Motors and Ford Motor. Chrysler Groups strength within the United States is escalating at such a rate that it outweighed Mercedes-Benzs 18 percent decrease in operating profits. During the same timeframe, DaimlerChrysler saw a $628 million profit in comparison to the $1.1 billion loss seen last year at this time. Sales in North America are also up three percent, helped by the 300 luxury sedan which in turn boosted Chryslers total market share to 13.5 percent, definitely pleasing to company execs.

While all looks rosy for Chrysler and its ME Four-Twelve, a great deal of caution must be taken when entering the supercar segment. Such vehicles are prone to market fluctuations, and top-tier buyers can be fickle about what brands they spend their play money on. Its important for enthusiasts not to get too excited either. A variety of automakers have attempted to bring mid-engine sports cars to market with stillborn results, the Bugatti being a prime example. Volkswagens Nardo/W12 supercar and the stunningly beautiful Audi Avus were hoped for but never materialized, although Audi is still promising a mid-engine model based on the Le Mans concept that shared general architecture with Lamborghinis new Gallardo - Lamborghini is also owned by VW AG. Cadillacs V12-powered mid-engine Cien was kyboshed after much speculation too, but rumor has it the "art meets science" sports car could become reality if Chrysler goes ahead with its ME, just to save face. Some auto market analysts are saying part of the reason Chrysler wants to build its ME Four-Twelve is merely to thumb its nose at Cadillac.

All enthusiasts can do now is cross their collective fingers and hope for Chrysler to vote yes in building the ME Four-Twelve, as there are still about five months left before officially announcing the decision. A lot can happen in five months, but being that Chrysler Group is continuing its launch of new models, the most recent being the Dodge Magnum, a sport wagon version of the Chrysler 300, with a new 4-door LX-based Charger in the wings for next year, plus a completely redesigned Jeep Grand Cherokee and revised Jeep Liberty entering the picture this fall, profits should continue to climb.

The new models will only increase sales and profitability, being that much of last years losses were directly due to the development of the cars coming to market now. Flush pockets usually promote a little risk-taking, which should prove to be a positive force behind the new ME Four-Twelve going from prototype to production.