Chrysler to put ME Four-Twelve Supercar into Production

Although the idea of a Chrysler branded supercar sounds odd, it makes a great deal of sense from an economic standpoint. Although

With DaimlerChrysler's AMG division on hand to help power it, the ME would shed a bright halo over the Chrysler brand. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler)

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 DaimlerChrysler's 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 GM's Cadillac, Ford Motor's Lincoln and various import brands with its new 300C, Crossfire coupe and roadster, and Pacifica crossover SUV, but if priced closer to Ford's 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

An 850-hp 6.0-liter quad-turbo V12 American-badged supercar for around $150,000? (Photo: DaimlerChrysler)

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 Veyron's 506 horsepower per ton, and a devastating 142 horsepower per liter rating compared to the Veyron's milder 125.1 horses per liter. The lightweight design of the Four-Twelve is also expected to trump the Bugatti's handling and braking stats.