Chrysler Imperial Concept **Workers decline paycut to produce model (page 3)**
#1
Moderator Alumnus
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Washington DC (NOVA)
Age: 52
Posts: 16,399
Likes: 0
Received 8 Likes
on
8 Posts
Chrysler Imperial Concept **Potential upscale model (page 3)**
Imperial Concept from Chrysler? - - Source: The Car Connection
While Chrysler has already confirmed that it will have a Dodge Challenger concept for Detroit , the company's been considerably more tight-lipped about another concept that could be on display at Cobo Hall. An anonymous tip to TCC says a Chrysler Imperial concept will be shown off in Detroit , reviving the nameplate for the most luxurious Chrysler vehicles that died away in the 1990s. Drawn off the 300C body, the stretched-wheelbase Imperial concept is said to evolve the 300C in a Rolls Phantom direction-much as the current 300C has been dubbed the "baby Bentley."
#6
Instructor
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Baltimore, Maryland
Age: 40
Posts: 248
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by gavriil
I dont think there is much of a business case for such an offering from Chrysler currently.
if priced correctly, could this sell as well as the 300c? what do you think?
Trending Topics
#8
The sizzle in the Steak
Suicide Doors
![Thumbs Up](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/thumbsup.gif)
#12
Safety Car
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: New Orleans
Posts: 4,411
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by gavriil
I dont think there is much of a business case for such an offering from Chrysler currently.
![Bandito](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/bandito.gif)
#13
Fahrvergnügen'd
Holy crap are you kidding me? That car is going to fly off the lots ... It looks like a Bentley/RR clone ... It's going to do very, very, very well if it goes to market.
Think about all the people that would buy the old Fleetwood/DeVille from Cadillac but don't because they can't afford it. Going to be a huge hit.
Think about all the people that would buy the old Fleetwood/DeVille from Cadillac but don't because they can't afford it. Going to be a huge hit.
#14
Safety Car
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: New Orleans
Posts: 4,411
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by charliemike
Think about all the people that would buy the old Fleetwood/DeVille from Cadillac but don't because they can't afford it. Going to be a huge hit.
#15
Suzuka Master
Originally Posted by charliemike
Holy crap are you kidding me? That car is going to fly off the lots ... It looks like a Bentley/RR clone ... It's going to do very, very, very well if it goes to market.
Think about all the people that would buy the old Fleetwood/DeVille from Cadillac but don't because they can't afford it. Going to be a huge hit.
Think about all the people that would buy the old Fleetwood/DeVille from Cadillac but don't because they can't afford it. Going to be a huge hit.
#17
Safety Car
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: New Orleans
Posts: 4,411
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by SpeedyV6
I think this is going to be a lot more than a DeVille. It's based on an S-class and should be priced similarly to a top of the line STS.
#19
I want to hate it because I think it's such a Bentley/RR wannabe looking car, but I have to admit it's a very nice design. if they don't price it too high, I think it's going to sell very well, and maybe move the Chrysler brand's identity into a higher market segment.
#21
Senior Moderator
Doesn't look right. A bit too tall for my tastes...
#22
Instructor
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Toronto_CA
Age: 47
Posts: 200
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by titan
It's rare, but I totally disagree with you. Chrysler has decided to strike while the iron's hot. The 300 is seen by many as a great alternative to lux makes at a great value; it's credentials are all there (E-Class derived RWD platform, available V8, a design that has sold well). The same people will will look find the same qualities in the Imperial, and it'll be half the price of an S-Class. Also, Chrysler will be alone in a market with a car positioned above the 300/Avalon/500/Max crowd. If done correctly, Chrysler won't be able to keep them on the lot. ESPECIALLY if they look like a "baby Rolls" to compliment the 300's "baby Bently" look. ![Bandito](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/bandito.gif)
![Bandito](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/bandito.gif)
The 300 has many short-comings, that were swept under a rug, by great marketing.
The E-class platform worked ok for the E-class. With the 300, it received more weight, softer suspension and the overall balance of the car disappeared.
A big engine in an outdate platform and unbalanced suspension works for the same people that buy 6L engine trucks to feel like a man, when driving to the local mall.
I get cut off by 300 drivers all the time. I'm guessing it's a result of looking through those unpractical windows.
#23
Safety Car
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: New Orleans
Posts: 4,411
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by dozorca
Imperial will be Imperial and an S-Class will be an S-Class. People that are looking to buy an S-Class will not buy the Imperial. It's simple as that.
![Bandito](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/bandito.gif)
#26
Moderator Alumnus
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Communist, NY
Posts: 9,574
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
No offense, but I think that would do very well in the U.S. as well.
People would buy a $50k (give or take) Imperial that looks more or less like a RR Phantom.
People would buy a $50k (give or take) Imperial that looks more or less like a RR Phantom.
#28
Originally Posted by Beltfed
No offense, but I think that would do very well in the U.S. as well.
People would buy a $50k (give or take) Imperial that looks more or less like a RR Phantom.
People would buy a $50k (give or take) Imperial that looks more or less like a RR Phantom.
#29
Senior Moderator
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Better Neighborhood, Arizona
Posts: 45,641
Received 2,329 Likes
on
1,309 Posts
I hate it, but that just means every wannabe "baller" out there will buy one.
#30
Moderator Alumnus
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Washington DC (NOVA)
Age: 52
Posts: 16,399
Likes: 0
Received 8 Likes
on
8 Posts
Chrysler Imperial Concept - - Source: Autoweek
Chrysler Imperial Concept
Envisioned as a “noble” yet attainable flagship positioned a cut above the 300C (“It’s a six-figure image but at a much lower price,” says Tremont), the concept designed in Chrysler’s Auburn Hills studio doesn’t mimic Imperials of the past, but it does draw on some of the styling cues from those older cars. It also carries expressive attributes from Chrysler’s long line of concept cars, from the 1953 d’Elegance to the Fire-power that premiered at last year’s Detroit show. The wide-open, B-pillar-less doors allow a panoramic view of the show car’s opulent four-seat, two-tone interior, where no expense is spared when it comes to use of leather, suede, California burl wood accents and satin-finished aluminum. Designers also paid considerable attention to handcrafted components like the sculptured instrument panel with large dual gauges, coved ceiling, and the floating oval armrests in the doors, all bathed in warm light.
Envisioned as a “noble” yet attainable flagship positioned a cut above the 300C (“It’s a six-figure image but at a much lower price,” says Tremont), the concept designed in Chrysler’s Auburn Hills studio doesn’t mimic Imperials of the past, but it does draw on some of the styling cues from those older cars. It also carries expressive attributes from Chrysler’s long line of concept cars, from the 1953 d’Elegance to the Fire-power that premiered at last year’s Detroit show. The wide-open, B-pillar-less doors allow a panoramic view of the show car’s opulent four-seat, two-tone interior, where no expense is spared when it comes to use of leather, suede, California burl wood accents and satin-finished aluminum. Designers also paid considerable attention to handcrafted components like the sculptured instrument panel with large dual gauges, coved ceiling, and the floating oval armrests in the doors, all bathed in warm light.
![](http://autoweek.com/files/specials/2006_detroit/chrysler/imperial/images/01.jpg)
![](http://autoweek.com/files/specials/2006_detroit/chrysler/imperial/images/02.jpg)
![](http://autoweek.com/files/specials/2006_detroit/chrysler/imperial/images/03.jpg)
![](http://autoweek.com/files/specials/2006_detroit/chrysler/imperial/images/04.jpg)
#31
Moderator Alumnus
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Washington DC (NOVA)
Age: 52
Posts: 16,399
Likes: 0
Received 8 Likes
on
8 Posts
Give ’Em an Inch - - By BOB GRITZINGER - - Source; Autoweek
At the opposite extreme lies the luxurious Imperial riding on a 123-inch wheelbase, a three-inch stretch over the 300C. To achieve the proper proportions for the concept, the overall length grows 17 inches to 214 inches, and the overall height is six inches taller than a 300C. The car rides on massive 22-inch turbine-finned wheels and tires, with passengers sitting nearly seven inches higher than in the 300C.
Envisioned as a “noble” yet attainable flagship positioned a cut above the 300C (“It’s a six-figure image but at a much lower price,” says Tremont), the concept designed in Chrysler’s Auburn Hills studio doesn’t mimic Imperials of the past, but it does draw on some of the styling cues from those older cars. It also carries expressive attributes from Chrysler’s long line of concept cars, from the 1953 d’Elegance to the Fire-power that premiered at last year’s Detroit show.
Among the design details incorporated into the concept: the long flowing hood and front end dominated by an upright radiator and strong horizontal grille; brushed and polished aluminum pods that evoke free-standing headlamps of Imperials from the 1930s and 1960s; circular LED taillights with floating outer rings that bring back the “gun sight” taillight look of early 1960s Imperials; and a roofline pulled rearward to enlarge the cabin and create a strong profile.
The wide-open, B-pillar-less doors allow a panoramic view of the show car’s opulent four-seat, two-tone interior, where no expense is spared when it comes to use of leather, suede, California burl wood accents and satin-finished aluminum. Designers also paid considerable attention to handcrafted components like the sculptured instrument panel with large dual gauges, coved ceiling, and the floating oval armrests in the doors, all bathed in warm light.
Dynamically, Imperial also is diametrically opposed to Challenger, with the latter adopting a full-throated roar while the former is loaded with sound-deadening insulation and is tuned for smooth and silent running. But even in its subtlety, the stately Imperial is more driver’s car than chauffeur-driven limousine, says Chrysler design chief Trevor Creed. Power for the concept comes from the standard 5.7-liter, 340-hp, 390-lb-ft Hemi V8, linked to a five-speed transmission lifted from the Mercedes E-Class.
“This is the car for somebody who has made it, who takes great pleasure in driving from place to place,” says Creed.
Though Chrysler execs won’t commit to production plans for either car, there are obvious advantages to building the concepts on the so-called LX platform that underpins the wildly successful 300C, Dodge Magnum and Charger production cars. Not only does using existing hardware help contain the astronomical cost of building show cars, but in the event one or both concepts gets the green light, Chrysler has a much easier path to building production versions, and gets even more return on its engineering and tooling investment in the rear-drive LX platform.
“These are strictly concepts, but we like to see people get excited because it might help make the case to take one or the other to production,” says Tremont. “There will be a completely different draw to these cars—the Mopar followers will have their Challenger, and the Imperial will appeal to a completely different audience. But they will both stimulate people’s thought processes about what could be a Chrysler.”
We can only hope that, given a few inches, Chrysler designers and product planners will take the whole foot—and mash it on the accelerator all the way to the showroom.
Envisioned as a “noble” yet attainable flagship positioned a cut above the 300C (“It’s a six-figure image but at a much lower price,” says Tremont), the concept designed in Chrysler’s Auburn Hills studio doesn’t mimic Imperials of the past, but it does draw on some of the styling cues from those older cars. It also carries expressive attributes from Chrysler’s long line of concept cars, from the 1953 d’Elegance to the Fire-power that premiered at last year’s Detroit show.
Among the design details incorporated into the concept: the long flowing hood and front end dominated by an upright radiator and strong horizontal grille; brushed and polished aluminum pods that evoke free-standing headlamps of Imperials from the 1930s and 1960s; circular LED taillights with floating outer rings that bring back the “gun sight” taillight look of early 1960s Imperials; and a roofline pulled rearward to enlarge the cabin and create a strong profile.
The wide-open, B-pillar-less doors allow a panoramic view of the show car’s opulent four-seat, two-tone interior, where no expense is spared when it comes to use of leather, suede, California burl wood accents and satin-finished aluminum. Designers also paid considerable attention to handcrafted components like the sculptured instrument panel with large dual gauges, coved ceiling, and the floating oval armrests in the doors, all bathed in warm light.
Dynamically, Imperial also is diametrically opposed to Challenger, with the latter adopting a full-throated roar while the former is loaded with sound-deadening insulation and is tuned for smooth and silent running. But even in its subtlety, the stately Imperial is more driver’s car than chauffeur-driven limousine, says Chrysler design chief Trevor Creed. Power for the concept comes from the standard 5.7-liter, 340-hp, 390-lb-ft Hemi V8, linked to a five-speed transmission lifted from the Mercedes E-Class.
“This is the car for somebody who has made it, who takes great pleasure in driving from place to place,” says Creed.
Though Chrysler execs won’t commit to production plans for either car, there are obvious advantages to building the concepts on the so-called LX platform that underpins the wildly successful 300C, Dodge Magnum and Charger production cars. Not only does using existing hardware help contain the astronomical cost of building show cars, but in the event one or both concepts gets the green light, Chrysler has a much easier path to building production versions, and gets even more return on its engineering and tooling investment in the rear-drive LX platform.
“These are strictly concepts, but we like to see people get excited because it might help make the case to take one or the other to production,” says Tremont. “There will be a completely different draw to these cars—the Mopar followers will have their Challenger, and the Imperial will appeal to a completely different audience. But they will both stimulate people’s thought processes about what could be a Chrysler.”
We can only hope that, given a few inches, Chrysler designers and product planners will take the whole foot—and mash it on the accelerator all the way to the showroom.
#32
Senior Moderator
That car is about the FUGLIEST car ive seen
#36
The profile is great, its rolls/bentley all in one. The front end is marginal and the rear end looks like shite. Obviously they are trying to mimick Rolls Phantom but its not cashing out this time.
![](http://www.petersen.org/images/Exhibitimages/Rolls-Royce%20Phantom%202004.jpg)
#37
Suzuka Master
Originally Posted by fsttyms1
That car is about the FUGLIEST car ive seen
#39
The Third Ball
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Los Angeles, Ca
Age: 45
Posts: 49,317
Received 4,967 Likes
on
2,645 Posts
I dont love it....but its very smart on chryslers part.
#40
Chloe @ 17mo
Originally Posted by Crazy Sellout
Great now they trying to make cheap knockoff designs like Kia does!
![Werd](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/werd.gif)
Originally Posted by fsttyms1
That car is about the FUGLIEST car ive seen
![Werd](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/werd.gif)