Aug 28, 2004 11:49:36 AM
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Carlos from Spain
- Rennteam Moderator
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- Loc: Spain. , Spain
- Posts: 21149, Gallery
- Registered on: Feb 9, 2003
3,000 of 860HP Chrysler's ME 4-12 are going to be built?
Is it April fools yet? this article is for real? :P
Quote:
You can hear Chrysler's spectacular ME 4-12 long before you actually see it. The midnight black machine's huge exhausts emit a roar that tears through the sky over our test track, making the car's minders glance nervously at each other. No one wants to see this priceless prototype damaged.
The mid-engined supercoupé comes into view before diving into the pitlane. The test driver gets out and gives us the thumbs-up - finally, it's our turn to take the wheel for a world exclusive first drive.
It's a moment we've been waiting for since the car was unveiled at January's Detroit Motor Show. This amazing vehicle was produced to prove that one of America's most historic motor manufacturers could build supercars as well as anyone else in the world.
Unlike race-bred rivals such as the McLaren Mercedes SLR and Ferrari's Enzo, the ME 4-12's doors open conventionally. After the drama of hearing the car run, this is a bit disappointing - until you see the interior, which is cast in carbon fibre and looks incredible.
Once you're strapped into the driver's seat, the gently curving windscreen offers a fantastic view of the road. The suede-rimmed steering wheel is comfortable to hold and the six-speed sequential gearbox easy to use.
Given its 862bhp potential, the engine is surprisingly quiet. Based on the V12 that also powers Mercedes' AMG S65 , it provides no hint of the drama ahead. A switch on the steering wheel takes the transmission from neutral into drive, a dab on the throttle lifts the revs to 2,000rpm and the car eases out on to our test route. As the speed passes 50mph, the Chrysler seems to wind itself up, a coiled spring of energy ready to blast towards the horizon.
Despite the vast 20-inch 335/30-section tyres, we take things steady at first. There's no shortage of straight-line pace in this 1,306kg machine. Chrysler claims a 0-60mph time of 2.9 seconds and, with a likely 250mph top speed , the newcomer is a clear contender for the title of fastest car in the world.
As the revs pass 3,500rpm, the cabin quakes and the performance steps up a gear - but it's not until you reach 5,000rpm, and the 1,150Nm of torque is really tapped into, that the car shows its true edge. The quad-turbo V12 gives amazing acceleration, leaving the likes of the Dodge Viper and Ford GT feeling toothless. The smooth six-speed box - built by Le Mans car specialist Ricardo - fires through the ratios with pinpoint accuracy. On a straight, racing to top gear takes no effort - so thank goodness for the carbon ceramic brakes, which scrub off speed with devastating effectiveness.
But while the ME 4-12 sets new performance standards (it has four cylinders and 236bhp more than the SLR), its success is entirely down to its focus. Only the most dedicated drivers will consider this uncompromising machine.
Prices and production numbers remain secret, but Chrysler bosses have hinted that 3,000 cars could be built, costing around Pounds200,000 each. Ferrari, Porsche and Mercedes clearly have a very serious rival on their hands...
