Dodge M4S Makes An Appearance On Jay Leno’s Garage

In the latest episode of Jay Leno’s Garage, Jay Leno and comedian Jeff Dunham take viewers on a fascinating journey through automotive history with the Dodge M4S Turbo Interceptor, famously known as the Wraith from the cult classic movie “The Wraith” starring Charlie Sheen.

The Dodge M4S, short for “Midengine, 4 Cylinder, Sport,” was engineered and designed by Dodge in 1981. Initially built as a technology demonstrator vehicle, this prototype was developed in collaboration with PPG Industries in 1986. Designed by Bob Ackerman, the M4S was crafted to be a fully functional prototype rather than just a showpiece, aiming for a top speed of 200 mph.

Chrysler designed the aerodynamic body and conducted extensive wind tunnel testing to achieve a drag coefficient of just 0.236. Huffaker of California produced the vehicle’s semi-monocoque race car chassis, while 3-D Industries of Madison Heights, Michigan, modeled the body and created the molds. Special Projects, Inc., from Plymouth, Michigan, cast the body panels, assembled the body and interior, and applied the car’s signature “root beer brown” paint, achieved by layering pearl over a black base coat. Specialized Vehicles, Inc., of Troy, Michigan, handled the final assembly and maintenance.

Under the hood, the M4S was equipped with a 2.2-liter 4-cylinder forced-induction engine capable of producing over 440 horsepower. This small but powerful engine allowed the car to reach a top speed of 194.8 mph and accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.1 seconds.

The M4S gained a cult following thanks to its prominent role in The Wraith. The car’s futuristic design and incredible performance captivated audiences, cementing its status as a legendary movie car.

In the latest episode of Jay Leno’s Garage, Jay Leno and Jeff Dunham explored the history, unique features, and restoration of the Dodge M4S. The episode combined hilarious banter with in-depth discussions on automotive engineering, making it a must-watch for car enthusiasts and movie fans.

Jay and Jeff delved into the M4S’s behind-the-scenes stories, highlighting its development, engineering challenges, and journey to becoming a Hollywood icon. The episode also featured a test drive, showcasing the car’s impressive performance and handling.