2011 Chryser Imperial Without Suicide Doors
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 is going to be a long wait for the Imperial’s return but the vehicle must first await extra changes within DaimlerChrysler before it can be built. Read on to learn more about the Imperial’s upcoming return.
The Chrysler Imperial that has been now making the rounds at various auto 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. Now , the brand has nothing bigger or more lush to offer buyers who might wish to upgrade from the 300C, therefore Chrysler has been regularly 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 head of the line auto 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 opulent 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 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. Costs for the Imperial may not be announced for many more years, but it could retail for as high as $60,000 according to reports. Now , the top 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 process 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 likely 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, thus the long lead time.
The Imperial idea sits on a frame with a 123 in. Wheelbase. The auto measures 214 long, much longer than the 300C. Reports are showing that the concept car dimensions are probably going 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 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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