This is the surreal 1984 Dodge M4S PPG Pace Car (also known as the Turbo Interceptor), a one-of-a-kind American high-performance prototype sports coupe that was originally built, engineered & designed in the early 80s for Dodge as a technology demonstrator vehicle with intentions of being utilized as a PPG Indycar Series pace car. The design of this vehicle was styled by Bob Ackerman, chief designer of Dodge at the time. The construction of the M4S is credited to three shops located in the Detroit area, Specialized Vehicles Inc (body/powertrain assembly, engine construction, roll cage), 3-D Industries Inc (clay modeling, body part molding), and Special Projects (casting, interior, paint). The name ‘M4S’ means ‘Mid-engined 4-cylinder Sport’. The Dodge M4s was commissioned and sponsored by ‘PPG Industries’ as part of their deal with ‘CART racing’. The nearly-completed M4S was sent to a wind tunnel owned by aircraft constructor Lockheed Martin, where it achieved an impressive coefficient of drag of just 0.236. The ‘Root Beer Brown’ (originally painted black by Richard Cornell) M4S did eventually go on to become the 1985 PPG Indycar World Series pace car. It has since been repainted to the color shown here. Chrysler’s executives donated the M4S to the deserts of Arizona to participate in the 1986 supernatural film “The Wraith”. Approximately six molds (two drivable and four non-drivable) for the M4S bodyshell were permitted for use, which became Volkswagen-powered stunt cars that were built by a company called Code One. The original car (shown here) spent some time previously in the now closed Walter P. Chrysler museum.
How many made? 1 original car with up to 6 total additional movie cars. Many other privately-built (unofficial) kit cars/replicas also exist.
Engine: a 2.2L Cosworth-headed 16-valve I4 cylinder twin-cam w/dual Garrett T25 turbochargers - 440hp.
Debut: test track in Mid-Ohio 1985
Top Speed: On the 7½-mile oval at the Transportation Research Center in Ohio, a record 194.8mph was recorded (believed to have been tested in 1986.)
0-60: 4.1 seconds
Photo Credit: @lambolog
Research: @rarecarsonly