Detroit Auto Show: Chrysler Imperial concept premiere

Erin reports that reaction to Chrysler's Imperial, which debuted Sunday, has been mixed, with people either loving or hating the big boulevard cruiser. A few highlights:
- 5.7L HEMI V8 with 340 hp/390 lb./ft. torque
- based on a 300C platform
- RWD with a 5-speed automatic
- wheels are 22-inchers
- projector-beam free-standing headlamps
- LED gunsight taillamps
More pictures after the jump.


















Reader Comments (Page 1 of 12)
PHILLIP H. 9:46PM (2/06/2006)
Yes i think you should come out with this new design I have a 300C In i would like to get a imperial Whever it come out so please come out. In outers Please STOP HATEING on that car.
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Doug J 1:05PM (2/07/2006)
Beautiful car. I own a limo business and if they put this into production, everyone in the business will be buying at least one for their fleet. The 300 was almost big enough for us but the trunk just didn't have enough space.
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Slymm 3:17PM (2/07/2006)
The ride is HOT!!! Yeah it looks like a Rolls Royce Phantom, but it's giving American cars a good look. Let's face it. Most American Vehicles suck as far as looks and style go. Who was the clown that said not everyone can afford Bentley's and Double R's. That's true. This clown won't be able to afford one of these either. I've heard the sticker will start around 41k.
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henry jones 6:15PM (2/07/2006)
I love the fact that chrysler is resurrecing the Imperial. When the 300 came out I fell in love with that car. I was saving a every penny I could muster to purchase that car. Now that I see the Imperial concept, you know what im thinking!!!!! This car will blow any sedan Chevy and Cadillac has out of the Ocean, which is the way it should be. I'll definitly take one..
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voice of reason 8:36PM (1/08/2006)
Um . . . I'll take two, please. Add the 6.1L Hemi, and I'll take three.
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wyatt 8:38PM (1/08/2006)
what is this jump that has been referred to in multiple posts?
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Dennis 8:51PM (1/08/2006)
I think its disgusting. I lost a lot of respect for the designers over at chrysler for this thing. Before, one could make the argument that they werent trying to rip off Bentlys' design for the 300, but now, its painfully obvious. Ofcourse, I understand not all people can own Bently's and Rolls Royces', but I also don't like the fact that there will be a bunch of people on the streets with these things thinking they are the sh*t and are "ballers". I think designing cars should retain a certain amount of integrity and originality; something that the designers at chrysler obviousy disagree with. Thats just my personal opinion though.
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CJ 9:10PM (1/08/2006)
It looks better than the previous pics for some reason. Although it has that odd "backwards-car" syndrome. You know, where the back end looks like its a front end of another car.
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other 9:15PM (1/08/2006)
Good luck cleaning those headlight sockets!
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2Suave 10:26PM (1/08/2006)
Perfect timing to steal customers from Ford whose Lincoln Town Car is an antique.
The Imperial will be purchased by limo sevices and corporations to schlep corporate executives to their 3 Martini lunches. Such a car should be at least somewhat ostentatious and the Imperial certainly is.
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Alonzo 10:35PM (1/08/2006)
I'd take it. I mean, come on. You're complaining that an (almost) affordable luxury car looks like a cross between a Bentley and a Rolls? Yes, I like originality too but look at what's been coming out of this hemisphere lately. With the PT Cruiser, HHR, SSR, Mustang, and the new Charger, I'm just glad that a (semi) American company has finally made a rip-off that I actually like.
It's like when Mazda stole from a Lotus to make the Miata. Yeah it was pretty despicable but there's no arguing with the results. Hell, I'm just glad that they've stopped trying to build a cross between a Hyundai and a Kia.
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Rich 11:19PM (1/08/2006)
Change the name, please! Why must Chrysler (or DaimlerChrysler) resurrect a division name to slap on a model? You don't see De Soto, Eagle, or Plymouth resurfacing. Can't TPTB be more creative?
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mike 12:05AM (1/09/2006)
Reminds me of what I always thought a Japanese gangster car should look like.
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Jay 12:38AM (1/09/2006)
The car is sensational, except for that awful front end. Redesign that, and this thing's a winner...
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Jose Mervich 1:00AM (1/09/2006)
This car is a shame! Its ugly! rear end looks like the Lebaron of the late 70s front end looks similar to Sinatras Imperial.
After the 300 C this Imperial is a perfect example of how a company could go so far and then fall after big hits
They should remove the car from the show!
We better see the next Sebring and Stratus replacements at the show.
The Imperial looks like a Continental with steroids, there are no words to describe the kind of ugliness
Just my opinion, and hope many more will join me.
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ManOfMorehouse 1:28AM (1/09/2006)
I love it. The design cues are definitely "stolen," but I think they were uniquely "recycled" into this large, near-luxury sedan. I love seeing these kinds of cars coming from American companies, because they are what American vehicles used to be about. Size, power, and design (plus suicide doors)? It screams, "I'm American. It doesn't get any better than this!" ;)
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DCX85 2:05AM (1/09/2006)
Still not me flavor but would certainly replace the TC once lincoln stops production. Its looks better in the photos than those computer rendered though. I know it weights at least 4500lbs not cool.
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Glenn Laycock 2:31AM (1/09/2006)
I like it. Looks like a Bentley. Very cool.
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Yaroukh 3:09AM (1/09/2006)
reminds me of the car designed by Homer Simpson
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Phillip Pessar 8:13AM (1/09/2006)
Love the design and love the fact they resurrected the Imperial nameplate. I predict this will be another winner for Chrysler.
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