Dodge M4S

The Dodge M4S is an American high performance prototype sports coupe originally engineered, designed, and built by Dodge in 1981 as a technology demonstrator vehicle. It was designed by then chief designer of Dodge, Bob Ackerman. The designation M4S denotes "Midengine, 4 cylinder, Sport“.

It was developed in collaboration with PPG Industries in the early 1980s, including as the Indy 500 Pace Car and was used intermittently from 1984 to 1987.

From its conception, the car was intended to be built as a fully engineered running prototype rather than as a display piece. Because it was intended to be used as a pace car, it was designed to reach a top speed of 200 mph.

Chrysler designed the body and conducted extensive wind tunnel testing to achieve a drag coefficient of .236. Although the car was designed by Chrysler, actual construction of the vehicle was handled by subcontractors.

The semi monocoque race car chassis was ordered from Huffaker of California. 3-D Industries of Madison Heights, Michigan modeled the body and created molds. Special Projects, Inc. of Plymouth, Michigan cast the body panels, assembled the body and interior, and gave the car its signature “root beer brown” paint color by painting layers of pearl over a black base coat. Specialized Vehicles, Inc., of Troy, Michigan handled fabrication, final assembly, and maintenance of the completed car.

The car was made famous by its appearance in The Wraith, a 1986 supernatural film. The mid-engined car had a tested and confirmed top speed of 194.8 mph and could go from 0 to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds, with more than 440 hp under the hood coming from its relatively small displacement of 2.2L 4 cylinder forced induction engine.

The car has since gained an enthusiast cult following, prompted by the fame it gained from appearing in The Wraith.

A 1982 Dodge M4S Concept was present at the Walter P. Chrysler Museum, before it was closed down.