The M4S was different from the typical muscle cars of its time. Instead of using eight or 12-cylinder engines, it had a compact 2.2-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that would later become a defining feature of Chrysler muscle cars and hot hatches in the 1980s. Some examples of these cars include the Dodge Omni GLHS and Shelby Charger. In the M4S, this engine was tuned to produce around 440 horsepower, allowing the car to go from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.1 seconds.
In addition to its powerful engine, the M4S had impressive aerodynamics thanks to extensive wind tunnel testing. Its sleek design resulted in a remarkably low drag coefficient of 0.236, which contributed to its top speed of 194.8 mph. For comparison, a brand new Corvette at the time had a drag coefficient of 0.34.
After being showcased at the Detroit Auto Show in early 1986, the M4S was sent to Arizona for the filming of a movie called “The Wraith.” There is some debate about whether the real M4S actually appeared in the film or if it only appeared in promotional materials. It is known, however, that the film crew had multiple replicas of the M4S. These replicas were essentially fiberglass bodies placed on a basic frame that resembled a dune buggy. They were used for dangerous stunts and racing scenes. Some sources suggest that the real M4S was used for close-up shots and one non-risky driving scene, but the truth may never be fully confirmed.
