The automotive world is filled with legendary vehicles that have left an indestructible mark on history. Known for manufacturing some of the coolest retro-styled powerful machines that not only drive insane but also leave a commendable aura, Dodge has always been one of the pioneers of eye-catching cars that we can use as our daily drivers. In 1986, an action movie The Wraith was released. The plot was good, with Charlie Sheen as the protagonist. But what was better was the presence of the M4S, a remarkable machine that had never been to full-fledged production.
The Birth of an Icon
More like the Mercedes-Benz Maybach Exelero, the Dodge M4S was also born to serve once for the PPG IndyCar World Series, the 15th national championship season of American open-wheel racing sanctioned by CART under the name IndyCar. In the early 80s, PPG Industries, a renowned glass and paint company, collaborated with Dodge to manufacture a high-performance pace car to be used in the IndyCar Series, and the result was the M4S.
Design and Aerodynamics
Designed by Bob Ackerman, the M4S, which is also known as Turbo Interceptor PPG, was definitely a car from the future, at least the design made us think so. Look at today’s Dodge cars; all of them look modern, but with a touch of vintage, be it the Challenger or Charger. The 80s Dodge was of a similar breed too. Then suddenly the M4S pops up, with significant similarities with the Lamborghinis, at least from the front, and the doors also remind of the same. If the M4S was not built, it was hard to imagine that Dodge could take a step like this.
The sleek, streamlined profile coming with aggressive curves, and a distinctive wedge shape, was crafted with lightweight materials, not only to enhance its performance but also to optimize its aerodynamics. This resulted in reducing drag and maximizing efficiency, with a drag coefficient of only 0.23. Featuring a long sloping roof, with scoops and ducts on the hood, at the rear end, and on the doors, coupled with the wired wheels, the Turbo Interceptor PPG was coated with aerodynamics at every single step.
What’s under the hood?
Launched in 1992, the Dodge Viper was the first mid-engine car from the automaker. But enthusiasts don’t wait for anyone when it comes to modification. Even before the official launch, the enthusiasts built some of the coolest mid-engine machines, and all those which were built post-1980 probably were inspired by the Turbo Interceptor PPG.
The Dodge M4S was a mid-engine pace car that was powered by a dual turbo 2.2-liter 4-cylinder engine, with Cosworth 16-valve twin-cam head, and Bosch fuel injection, crunching 440 HP to propel the rear wheels, allowing the machine to reach a top speed of 194.8 mph, and sprinting to 60 miles per hour in just 4.1 seconds, quite blistering, considering the era of manufacturing. To control the beast, a 5-speed manual had been installed, and the suspension setup provided quite a comfy ride and handling. The combined mechanism provided the driver with an adrenaline-fueled experience
Legacy and Limited Production
Whatever the vehicle it is, it can only be acclaimed as a legend if it’s insanely powerful that it shook the whole industry. Although built to serve as a pace car, the production of the M4S was limited to only 4 units, making it one of the rarest cars of all time. In fact, the Turbo Interceptor PPG was one of those that never visit the full-fledged production line.
Although manufactured as a one-off high-performance car, the Dodge M4S was featured in the young Charlie Sheen starred 1986 action film The Wraith where a teen mysteriously returned from the dead as a supernatural street racer driving an indestructible supercar, and it’s needless to say that the M4S did it best to portray the character; it is mysterious, even today. The Dodge M4S was also featured in the famous Jay Leno’s Garage. Post the release of the movie, the Dodge M4S gained a cult following, however, if compared to other movie cars such as that of the Fast and Furious, or Transformers, it’s way behind.
Current Abode and the Value
As mentioned, the M4S was only limited to 4 units of which two were driveable. The original one is kept in the Walter P. Chrysler Museum in intact condition. The second M4S was with its creator Gene Winfield until he sold it off to Bob Butts at the Fantasy Car Ranch, who later sold it to a kit car maker named John Watson who named the modified one Wraith II. Later on, we came to know about its home from the Facebook page of Jay Leno’s Garage where the M4S is spending its retirement. It took $1.5 million to build the M4S, and if inflation is calculated, today the M4S would cost no less than $4.3 million.
