A venerable name in autodom is being resurrected and it will soon grace the body of a large, rear wheel drive luxury car. After a successful “concept car” debut at a pair of recent vehicle shows, the Chrysler Imperial will be built and is going to be in U.S. showrooms in 2010. Yes, it’s going to be a long wait for the Imperial’s return but the automobile must first await extra changes inside DaimlerChrysler before it can be built. Read on to find out more on 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 automobile’s Bentley like look as well as its gaping interior and luxury appointments. Currently, the brand has nothing larger or more splendid to supply 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 decided to take on Lincoln and Packard with a luxury model all of its own. From its inception, the Imperial has always represented the head of the line vehicle for Chrysler and it has, at diverse times, been promoted as its own make. Various versions of the Imperial have shown up over time, with many of them being ultra lush versions of Chrysler’s New Yorker model.
The 2011 Chrysler Imperial will be similar in design to the concept car, but without the suicide doors. Chrysler put the special doors on the idea auto to make it easier for car show visitors to see into the vehicle. Still, reports from the company are indicating that the 22 inch wheels, Bentley grille, boxy body, and leather/wood trim would be included. Prices for the Imperial won’t be related for several more years, but it could retail for as high as $60,000 according to some reports. Currently, the apex of the line 300C maxes out at around $42,000.
So, why the hold up? Well, for one thing the Imperial program will be an additional cost for DCX. Currently, the company is in the midst of making its Mercedes line up more profitable and that involves the expense of updating several models. Based on the Mercedes “R Class” body, the coming Imperial is probably going to be built on a more modern 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 concept sits on a frame with a 123 in. wheelbase. The car measures 214 long, much longer than the 300C. Reports are showing that the concept car dimensions are likely to be retained.
For Chrysler fans, the Imperial represents further strengthening of the Chrysler-Mercedes relationship. By trying a Mercedes platform, the Imperial can be built and will give Chrysler a much required 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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