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A venerable name in autodom is being resurrected and it will shortly grace the body of a huge, rear wheel drive top end car. After a successful “concept car” debut at a pair of recent vehicle shows, the Chrysler Imperial will be built and should 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 further changes within DaimlerChrysler before it can be built. Read on to find out more on the Imperial’s impending return.

The Chrysler Imperial that has been now making the rounds at various auto shows has been well received. Visitors have remarked positively about the car’s Bentley like look as well as its cave-like interior and luxury appointments. Now , the brand has nothing larger or more lush to supply buyers who might need to upgrade from the 300C, thus Chrysler has been frequently losing buyers to more luxurious brands, something parent DaimlerChrysler [DCX] wants to stem.

The Imperial name can be traced all the way back to 1926 when Walter P. Chrysler made a decision 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 car for Chrysler and it has, at diverse times, been promoted as its own make. Numerous versions of the Imperial have shown up over time, with many of them being ultra opulent versions of Chrysler’s New Yorker model.

The 2011 Chrysler Imperial will be similar in design to the idea automobile, but without the suicide doors. Chrysler put the special doors on the concept car to to make it easier for auto show visitors to see into the car. Still, reports from the company are implying that the 22 inch wheels, Bentley grille, boxy body, and leather/wood trim would be included. Costs for the Imperial may not be related for many more years, but it might retail for as high as $60,000 according to 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 added expense for DCX. Now , the company is in the middle of making its Mercedes line up more profitable and that involves the cost of updating several models. Based on the Mercedes “R Class” body, the coming Imperial is likely to be built on a later version of the R Class platform. Both vehicles 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 idea vehicle dimensions are likely 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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