80S MOVIES CARS WERE WILD, LIKE WRAITH, THE 1982 DODGE M4S CONCEPT.
The 80s was a special time, there was weird fashion, absolutely amazing music and some properly weird cars. Both TV and movies featured some epic and iconic cars, one that will always come to mind is the super-sleek creation that was the star car in The Wraith, a 1986 sci-fi movie starring Charlie Sheen when he was still a puppy.. This cult classic action/sci-fi film combines supernatural elements with high-octane car chases and an unforgettable performance by the Dodge M4S Turbo Interceptor. In case you missed it, and you probably did if you’re under 40 years old now, here’s a breakdown of the movie. The Wraith is set in the small desert town of Brooks, Arizona, where a ruthless gang led by the sadistic Packard Walsh terrorizes the streets with illegal street races and extortion - an old-school The Fast & The Furious vibe. Packard and his gang; Rughead, Gutterboy, and Skank, rule the town's roadways, forcing others to race for their cars or face violent consequences. Things kick off with a series of bright lights and an unearthly roar heralding the arrival of a mysterious figure, clad in black racing gear and a helmet, driving the Turbo Interceptor. The driver happens to be a Wraith, a spirit of vengeance with a personal vendetta against Packard and his gang. Around the same time, a new kid, Jake Kesey (Charlie Sheen), arrives in town, catching the attention of Keri Johnson (Sherilyn Fenn), Packard's girlfriend. The Wraith's first victim is Oggie, a gang member after he challenges him to a race, resulting in Oggie's death and the destruction of his car. The supernatural element of the car and its driver becomes evident as the car remains in mint condition even after explosive crashes. The Wraith then systematically targets each gang member, with their deaths marked by the disappearance of mysterious metal braces that appear on the Wraith's suit. By the time the Wraith completes its mission, Jake (Sheen) reveals his true identity to Keri, giving her the Turbo Interceptor as a parting gift. He then rides off into the night, his mission of vengeance and redemption complete. Keri, now free from Packard's oppression, is left with the enigmatic, powerful car and the memory of Jake/Jamie.
The Dodge M4S Turbo Interceptor, also known as the Dodge PPG M4S Turbo Interceptor, was a futuristic concept car developed by Dodge in collaboration with PPG Industries. It was originally created as a pace car for the PPG Indy Car World Series in the mid-1980s. The Turbo Interceptor was equipped with a mid-mounted, turbocharged 2.2-litre Cosworth engine that produced an impressive 324 kW, enabling the car to reach speeds of more than 310 km/h and it could accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just over 4.1 seconds, making it a true performance machine of its era. It featured a 5-speed manual transmission, providing the driver with precise control over its immense power, and it was built on a tube-frame chassis, with a lightweight, aerodynamic body made from a combination of carbon fibre and Kevlar. This construction contributed to its high-speed capabilities and futuristic appearance. The car's sleek, low-slung design, characterized by sharp angles and an aggressive stance, made it the perfect vehicle for "The Wraith." Its appearance in the film added to the vehicle's mystique, with its dark, almost otherworldly presence symbolizing the Wraith's supernatural nature. The car's unique features, such as the flip-up headlights and distinctive gull-wing doors, contributed to its futuristic aesthetic. The Dodge M4S Turbo Interceptor became an icon of 1980s car culture, despite its limited real-world production, the car left a lasting impression on audiences and car enthusiasts alike. Its combination of cutting-edge technology, striking design, and high performance captured the imagination of a generation, cementing its status as a legendary movie car. The Dodge M4S Turbo Interceptor is remembered as one of the most iconic cars in film history, it stands alongside other legendary movie cars, like the DeLorean from Back to the Future and the car's influence extends beyond the film, inspiring custom car builds and continuing to captivate fans of both movies and high-performance vehicles. For the first time in many years, the car returns to the spotlight as Jay Leno and Jeff Dunham give us an awesome in-depth review. Yeah, it’s still cool AF!
Take a look at the YouTube video that shows off the car from the 1986 movie, The Wraith, which is actually a 1982 Dodge M4S Concept. Were you around when this movie hit the big screen? Go on, show your age!: Jay Leno & Jeff Dunham Unveil The Wraith: The Most Mysterious Movie Car! | Jay Leno's Garage
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