Chrysler's supercar has another distinct advantage; it could make it to production before the Veyron, which incidentally had a
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| Chrysler and its elite engineering group has already began lapping a prototype ME at the automaker's Chelsea, Michigan proving grounds. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler) |
three-year head start. Chrysler and its elite engineering group has already began lapping a prototype ME at Chrysler's Chelsea, Michigan proving grounds, and are reportedly ahead of the development schedule. Should the vehicle go into production, it very well could be the world's 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. Bugatti's parent company, Volkswagen, is also experiencing financial difficulties. The advantage seems to be in the domestic automaker's 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 Group's strength within the United States is escalating at such a rate that it outweighed Mercedes-Benz's 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 Chrysler's 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.
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| While everything looks positive for the ME Four-Twelve at the moment, the supercar market is extremely fickle and a number of great cars from a number of makers never made it all the way to production. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler) |
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. Volkswagen's 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 Lamborghini's new Gallardo - Lamborghini is also owned by VW AG. Cadillac's 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.
