Chrysler Gives Its Okay To The Imperial

A venerable name in autodom is being resurrected and it will shortly grace the body of a large, rear wheel drive top end car. After a successful “concept car” debut at a pair of recent auto shows, the Chrysler Imperial will be built and may be in U.S. Showrooms in 2010. Yes, it’s going to be a long wait for the Imperial’s return but the vehicle must first await further changes within DaimlerChrysler before it can be built. Read on to find out more about the Imperial’s impending return.

The Chrysler Imperial which has been now making the rounds at various vehicle shows has been well received. Visitors have remarked favorably about the car’s Bentley like look as well as its gaping interior and luxury appointments. Now , the brand has nothing larger or more luxurious to offer buyers who might want to upgrade from the 300C, therefore Chrysler has been frequently losing buyers to more luxurious brands, something parent DaimlerChrysler [DCX] wants to stem.

The Imperial name can be traced all the way back to 1926 when Walter P. Chrysler made a decision to take on Lincoln and Packard with a luxury model all of its own. From its inception, the Imperial has always represented the top of the line vehicle for Chrysler and it has, at numerous times, been sold as its own make. Various versions of the Imperial have shown up over the years, with many of them being ultra luxurious versions of Chrysler’s New Yorker model.

The 2011 Chrysler Imperial will be similar in design to the idea automobile, but without the suicide doors. Chrysler put the special doors on the concept car in order to make it less complicated for car show visitors to see inside the car. Still, reports from the company are indicating that the twenty-two in. Wheels, Bentley grille, boxy body, and leather/wood trim would be included. Costs for the Imperial may not be recounted for several more years, but it might retail for as high as $60,000 according to some reports. Now , the apex of the line 300C maxes out about $42,000.

So, why the hold up? Well, for one thing the Imperial program will be an additional cost for DCX. Now , the company is in the midst of making its Mercedes line up more profitable and that involves the cost of updating several models. Based on the Mercedes “R Class” body, the coming Imperial is certain to be built on an updated version of the R Class platform. Both cars would arrive in dealer showrooms at the same time as 2011 models, hence the long lead time.

The Imperial idea sits on a frame with a 123 in. Wheelbase. The vehicle measures 214 long, much longer than the 300C. Reports are meaning that the tenet car dimensions are probably going to be retained.

For Chrysler fans, the Imperial represents further reinforcing of the Chrysler-Mercedes relationship. By using a Mercedes platform, the Imperial can be built and will give Chrysler a much needed product. With a standard V8 mated to a five or six speed automatic the car will certainly not be on the fuel efficient side. However, my best guess is that the car will also come optionally equipped with a thrifty Mercedes built turbo diesel, a first for any Chrysler car.

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