In response to Army Air Corps 1939 interest in a high performance V-type pursuit aircraft engine, a 1941 contract was given to Chrysler for the development of the IV-2220 (later designated XI-2220). To achieve the goals of 1,491 kW (2,000 shp), extremely low frontal area, and minimum vibration characteristics, Chrysler conceived of two inverted V-8s, back-to-back with mid-drive to the front gearbox. The engine was turbo-supercharged, and incorporated Chrysler's first hemispherical combustion chamber with the spark plug in the center.

Single-cylinder tests began in May 1941, and the first engine was tested at the end of 1942. With the Republic P-47D-15 aircraft selected as the testbed, the first flight took place in July 1945.

This very rare XI-2220-11 engine (serial number 6) was flight tested in August, and the program terminated in November when a propeller shaft broke. The war was over and so was any requirement for such an engine.