Chrysler Okays New Imperial

A venerable name in autodom is being resurrected and it will shortly grace the body of a large, 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 may be in U.S. Showrooms in 2010. Yes, it will be a long wait for the Imperial’s return but the vehicle must first await extra changes inside DaimlerChrysler before it can be built. Read on to find out more about the Imperial’s impending return.

The Chrysler Imperial that has been currently making the rounds at various auto shows has been well received. Visitors have remarked positively about the automobile’s Bentley like look as well as its cave-like interior and luxury appointments. Currently, the brand has nothing larger or more splendid to supply buyers who might need to upgrade from the 300C, therefore Chrysler has been constantly losing buyers to more lush 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 top of the line car for Chrysler and it has, at various times, been promoted as its own make. Assorted versions of the Imperial have shown up over time, with a lot of them being ultra sumptuous 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 concept car in order to make it less complicated for auto show visitors to see the inside the vehicle. Still, reports from the company are meaning that the 22 inch wheels, Bentley grille, boxy body, and leather/wood trim would be included. Prices for the Imperial won’t be recounted for several more years, but it could retail for as high as $60,000 in the opinion of some reports. Currently, the head 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 method 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 approaching Imperial is certain to be built on a more modern version of the R Class platform. Both vehicles 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 auto measures 214 long, much longer than the 300C. Reports are indicating that the tenet car dimensions are likely to be retained.

For Chrysler fans, the Imperial represents further strengthening of the Chrysler-Mercedes relationship. By using 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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