300C-based Chrysler Imperial concept set for Detroit
An anonymous tipper has told The Car Connection that Chrysler's other concept at the Detroit show besides the Challenger will be a stretched-wheelbase version of the 300C that revives the Imperial name last used by the company back in the 1990s. The aggressive and hunky looks of the 300C will be evolved even further for the Imperial concept, which hopefully won't be overshadowed too much by the Challenger Concept spinning on the turntable next to it.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Eric L. 11:07PM (12/18/2005)
Great. Another mediocre domestic nameplate revived.
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jamie 11:07PM (12/18/2005)
You couldn't find a better picture of a Chrysler Imperial. Yech. That one is so ancient history!
Seriously though, I wish GM could emulate the product that is coming out of DaimlerChrysler. Oh, excuse me, they are...PT "me too" HHR.
Now, if we could only get GM to drop the rest of their line-up for Chryco products, they just might pull out of their tailspin.
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Geotpf 11:07PM (12/18/2005)
I don't know why everybody compares the HHR to the PT Cruiser. It reminds me more of a Scion xB than anything else. The PT Cruiser is rounded; the HHR is more square.
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Mike Homeniuk 11:07PM (12/18/2005)
Will it come with Corinthian leather? ;-)
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jwhite 11:07PM (12/18/2005)
[quote]Great. Another mediocre domestic nameplate revived.[/quote]
You really need to learn about the history of the Imperial if that is what you think. Yes in the 80's and 90's it was a shell of it's former self. but back in the day, they were the top of the line large American luxury car (and actualy a seperate division of Chrysler). If Chrysler does the model right and makes it more than just a stretched 300 (meaning it gets it's own sheet metal and interior) then they could truly be bringing the name back to the glory it's heritage deserves.
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Edsel 11:07PM (12/18/2005)
That is NOT a real Imperial - it's a 1980's K-Car posing as an Imperial. The real Imperial of the 1960's was bigger than a Dodge Ram 3500 Magnum King Cab Dually.
Feast you eyes on this beauty! http://www.imperialclub.com/Yr/1960/Ads/Mauve2.jpg
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Jon F. 11:07PM (12/18/2005)
LOL you have to be kidding.... They are making a concept of a dressed up K-car that existed in 1987.
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Rocket Punch 11:07PM (12/18/2005)
GOOD DECISIONS DCX!!! I am anxiously awaiting the news of your bankruptcy, at least I know why.
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Bob Schindler 11:07PM (12/18/2005)
Why do so many people like the styling of the 300C? It looks as if it was inspired by a chrome plated brick. The engine and drive train may be fine but the appearance is not commensurate. Even the customizers don't know what to do with it. Bigger wheels and more unsprung weight isn't an improvement.
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Eric L. 11:07PM (12/18/2005)
[quote]You really need to learn about the history of the Imperial if that is what you think. Yes in the 80's and 90's it was a shell of it's former self. but back in the day, they were the top of the line large American luxury car (and actualy a seperate division of Chrysler). If Chrysler does the model right and makes it more than just a stretched 300 (meaning it gets it's own sheet metal and interior) then they could truly be bringing the name back to the glory it's heritage deserves.[/quote]
It doesn't matter how good the car once was. It was as you correctly state, ruined in the 1980's when Chrysler bombed in their attempt to build a competitive luxury car. Once a nameplate is ruined like that, there will always be the stigma of the "bad years" and this does affect consumer perception. About the only car I can think of that had some terrible times but ultimately recovered is the Ford Mustang.
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Matt Keegan 11:07PM (12/18/2005)
#5 has it right. In days way past, the Imperial successfully competed against Cadillac and Lincoln. Later renditions were poor imitations and most are not familiar with the line's history.
Think Chrysler New Yorker and take it one step further. If a stretched 300C becomes an Imperial it will be a nice up market push by DCX for the brand.
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Matt Keegan 11:07PM (12/18/2005)
#5 has it right. In days way past, the Imperial successfully competed against Cadillac and Lincoln. Later renditions were poor imitations and most are not familiar with the line's history.
Think Chrysler New Yorker and take it one step further. If a stretched 300C becomes an Imperial it will be a nice up market push by DCX for the brand.
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Bernie 11:07PM (12/18/2005)
The Imperial in the photo is the poster for how to ruin a brand. The good news is that Americans have short memories. Audi and Cadillac made some of the worst automobiles in history (remember the Cimarron, the diesel Sevilles and the 100LS?) and they've both come back strong. I think the Imperial brand can rise again if DCX takes the time to do it right. (as opposed to the recent ruinations of Thunderbird and Impala brands)
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G. Snyder 11:07PM (12/18/2005)
#9 - "About the only car I can think of that had some terrible times but ultimately recovered is the Ford Mustang."
Uh, the Corvette (shell of it's former self in the late 70's early 80's) comes to mind. Pretty much anything with the Cadillac nameplate. Within Chrysler, the last '300' was nothing special.
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Bill 11:07PM (12/18/2005)
I say bring back the K cars!!
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JZeke 11:07PM (12/18/2005)
DUDE!
Check out #6's link. If any car says "Imperial" that baby is it! If DCX had some serious brass ones, theyd revist THAT.
"Thats hot..."
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J T 11:07PM (12/18/2005)
Well at least they're not going to call it LeBaron...
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dumpsterdiver 11:07PM (12/18/2005)
Didn't the new Imperial already come out? I believe it's called the '07 Cadillac DTS. at least from the backside...
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agent864 11:07PM (12/18/2005)
Its just wrong. Imperial is so pre-20th century. It should be called the Project for a New American Century.
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Koba 11:07PM (12/18/2005)
I'm eager to see this one. Chrysler has definitely pushed hard w/ the 300. A modern, REAL luxury car from Chrysler would be welcome, anything to up the ante on the DTS/Town Car.
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