Imperial Permitted By Chrysler

A venerable name in autodom is being resurrected and it will soon grace the body of a massive, rear wheel drive expensive car. After a successful “concept car” debut at a pair of recent vehicle shows, the Chrysler Imperial will be built and should be in U.S. showrooms in 2010. Yes, it will be a long wait for the Imperial’s return but the automobile must first await additional 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 currently making the rounds at various auto shows has been well received. Visitors have remarked favorably about the car’s Bentley like look as well as its cave-like interior and luxury appointments. Currently, the brand has nothing larger or more lush to offer buyers who might wish to upgrade from the 300C, therefore Chrysler has been frequently losing buyers to more plush 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 head of the line car for Chrysler and it has, at numerous times, been sold as its own make. Assorted versions of the Imperial have shown up over time, with a lot of them being ultra luxurious versions of Chrysler’s New Yorker model.

The 2011 Chrysler Imperial will be similar in design to the idea car, but without the suicide doors. Chrysler put the special doors on the idea auto to make it easier for auto show visitors to see inside the vehicle. Still, reports from the company are meaning that the twenty-two in. wheels, Bentley grille, boxy body, and leather/wood trim would be included. Prices for the Imperial will not be related for many 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 at around $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 process of making its Mercedes line up more profitable and that involves the cost of updating many models. Based on the Mercedes “R Class” body, the coming Imperial is probably going 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, therefore the long lead time.

The Imperial idea sits on a frame with a 123 inch wheelbase. The auto measures 214 long, much longer than the 300C. Reports are showing that the idea vehicle dimensions are likely to be retained.

For Chrysler fans, the Imperial represents further reinforcing of the Chrysler-Mercedes relationship. By employing a Mercedes platform, the Imperial can be built and will give Chrysler a desirable 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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