Chyrsler ME Four-Twelve Concept
AMG Powertrain and Ricardo Clutch Transmission for Unmatched 0-60 Performance
The heart of the ME Four-Twelve is its
all-aluminum, quad-turbo, 6.0-liter V-12 engine. With electronic
sequential multipoint fuel injection and a 9.0:1 compression ratio, the
ME Four-Twelve’s AMG-developed engine delivers 850 bhp @ 5750 rpm, with
850 lb-ft. (1150 N-m) of torque between 2500 and 4500 rpm on premium
unleaded fuel. The specific power output translates to 142 bhp/liter,
and with a curb weight of just 2880 lbs. (1310 kg), the ME Four-Twelve
has the weight-to-power ratio of 3.4 lbs/bhp – each of these sets new
performance records and new benchmarks in the super car category.
And, befitting a machine that will play comfortably in the super car
league, the performance of the ME Four-Twelve is stunning. In our
projections and modeling, the ME Four-Twelve goes from 0-60 mph in 2.9
seconds, 0-100 mph in 6.2 seconds and it will blister through the
quarter mile in 10.6 seconds at 142.0 mph. The estimated top speed of
the ME Four-Twelve is 248 mph (400 km/h). The vehicle is designed and
packaged to achieve outstanding thermal performance under extreme
operating conditions. Its large capacity, high-efficiency engine-cooling
system allows this engine to retain optimum thermal performance – a key
advantage in the super car arena.
The 7-speed Ricardo Double Clutch Transmission was developed
specifically for this vehicle and features the latest double wet-clutch
technology and electronic control strategy. The exclusive ME Four-Twelve
transmission delivers uninterrupted torque to the rear wheels with 200
millisecond shift times.
Advanced Composite Structure, Cat-Quick Agility
The ME Four-Twelve’s advanced, carbon
fiber bodywork was designed to mate to a carbon fiber and aluminum
honeycomb monocoque tub. Aluminum crush structures and chrome-moly
sub-frames complete the ME Four-Twelve’s rigid support structure. Taking
advantage of its impressive racecar-like structural rigidity, the ME
Four-Twelve’s suspension, steering and brakes are engineered for super
car performance. Overall, the vehicle’s structure – consisting of
multiple materials - achieves an ultra lightweight design with
outstanding vehicle rigidity and complies with all US federal
regulations related to impact testing.
The suspension is comprised of double wishbones, aluminum control arms,
horizontally-opposed coil-over dampers with electronically controlled
compression and rebound tuning, stainless-steel push rods and a blade
configured anti-roll bar.
The power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering has an overall ratio of 16:1
with 2.4 turns lock-to-lock and a turning circle of 36.0 feet.
The ME Four-Twelve braking system features massive 15.0-inch (381 mm)
ventilated carbon ceramic composite disc brake rotors with six-piston
aluminum mono block calipers for superior braking performance during all
driving conditions. The composite discs are sixty-five percent lower in
weight than comparable cast iron rotors. This results in significantly
reducing unsprung mass and improving shock damping response.
ME Four-Twelve wheels are cast aluminum: 19x10-inch front and
20x12.5-inch rear. Michelin high-performance radials are 265/35ZR19 in
the front and 335/30ZR20 in the rear.
Ultimate Chrysler Engineering and Design Statement – to the Last Aerodynamic Detail
At just 44.9 inches tall, 78.7 inches
wide and 178.8-inches long, the two-seat, mid-engine ME Four-Twelve has
a striking presence – poised as if ready to pounce. The ME Four-Twelve
carbon fiber body work has that “chiseled all from one piece” look,
honed from hours of development in the Chrysler Group wind tunnel in
Auburn Hills, Mich.
The computer controlled active rear spoiler articulates rearward 100 mm
to increase down-force to a total of 925 lbs. (421 kg) at 186 mph (300
km/h), while achieving a competitive coefficient of drag (Cd) of 0.358.
This results in unwavering stability at the ultra-high speeds of which
ME Four-Twelve is capable. All body openings have been optimized to
achieve maximum thermal performance. In addition, large vented front and
rear wheel houses reduce lift as well as active and passive aerodynamic
devices that have been implemented to provide stable vehicle performance
at all speeds. Those devices include:
A front fascia splitter for increased frontal down-force
A fully developed underbody with integral rear diffuser to reduce lift
and provide additional rear down-force
Formations in the belly pan forward of each wheel to aid in reducing
lift
The decklid rear “ski-slope” formation improves rear down-force
Large rear grille integrated into the fascia helps ventilate air through
the engine compartment
Cubic section at the leading edge of the front fascia helps air attach
to the underbody and reduces lift
A Tasteful and Purposeful Interior Environment