Chrysler to build ME Four-Twelve supercar
30 Jul 04 16:01
Chrysler is "more likely than not" to build the ME Four-Twelve supercar it showed in concept form at January's Detroit Motor Show, reports Detroit News. Chrysler CEO Dieter Zetsche told the paper that a final decision would be made at the end of this year, and that they were still considering what volume, and pricing, would be appropriate. It would not be built in one of Chrysler's own factories: "We are in talks with partners who are interested in building it", said Zetsche. "But it must make sense."
The ME Four-Twelve (mid-engined, four turbos, 12-cylinder engine) develops 850 bhp, and the working prototype has been doing the rounds of Chrysler's test track. Should it go into production, it could be the world's fastest accelerating road-legal car: Chrysler claims it can do 0-60 in less than three seconds and 240 mph.
The case for building the ME Four-Twelve may well be helped by DaimlerChrysler's improving finances: in the second quarter this year, it recorded a fivefold increase in net profit and higher profits than either Ford or GM, despite slipping earnings at Mercedes-Benz (operating profits down 18 percent). It returned a $628million profit, compared to losses of $1.1billion this time last year. Sales are up three percent, helped by the launch of the popular 300 C saloon, and US market share has risen to 13.5 percent.
(Detroit News).
30 Jul 04 16:01
Chrysler is "more likely than not" to build the ME Four-Twelve supercar it showed in concept form at January's Detroit Motor Show, reports Detroit News. Chrysler CEO Dieter Zetsche told the paper that a final decision would be made at the end of this year, and that they were still considering what volume, and pricing, would be appropriate. It would not be built in one of Chrysler's own factories: "We are in talks with partners who are interested in building it", said Zetsche. "But it must make sense."
The ME Four-Twelve (mid-engined, four turbos, 12-cylinder engine) develops 850 bhp, and the working prototype has been doing the rounds of Chrysler's test track. Should it go into production, it could be the world's fastest accelerating road-legal car: Chrysler claims it can do 0-60 in less than three seconds and 240 mph.
The case for building the ME Four-Twelve may well be helped by DaimlerChrysler's improving finances: in the second quarter this year, it recorded a fivefold increase in net profit and higher profits than either Ford or GM, despite slipping earnings at Mercedes-Benz (operating profits down 18 percent). It returned a $628million profit, compared to losses of $1.1billion this time last year. Sales are up three percent, helped by the launch of the popular 300 C saloon, and US market share has risen to 13.5 percent.
(Detroit News).
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