Charged with the mission of amplifying the Chrysler brand, designer Trevor Creed and a team of designers, from Chrysler's design studio in Auburn Hills, Michigan, created the Chrysler Imperial concept car to share center stage with the Dodge Challenger on Sunday's opening day at the 2006 NAIAS. While the new Chryler concept draws on storied Imperials from the past, including models from the 30's and 50's,Creed made it clear that both concepts come from Chrysler's disciplined design philosophy of building models that are built to be driven. The carfted-for-the-21st century retro Chrysler has been engineered to offer "the ultimate in comfort and creates a new definition of luxury", although Chrysler has yet to confirm whether it will produce either model in the future.

Chrysler?s Imperial concept has been created as a rear-drive flagship model and sits on the same foundation as at the Chrysler 300, although the four-door stretches 17 inches longer and is six inches taller than the sedan. Mounted on a 123-inch wheelbase, with an overall length of 214 inches, the Chrysler Bronze model with a Birch Cream/bay Brown interior sits on bold 22-inch wheels and tires, and is powered by Chrysler?s 340-hp Hemi 5.7-liter V8 engine, with 340 hp. and 390 ft.-lbs. of torque, with a 5-speed automatic transmission.

Styling cues suggest Rolls Royce influence, with the massive upright grille, tall and circular headlights, bulging wheel wells, and vault-like glass-to-metal roof proportions. Imperial?s back doors are hinged at the quarter panels, allowing easier access to the rear seat. By integrating the front and rear door handles into one long unit, Chrysler simplifies the profile letting the rear quarter bulges and side sills to positively influence the mass.

Up front, the fender lines stay tall right to the front edges and then rapidly descend, as on the 300. Chrome accenting on the lower front fascia, grille, door handles, mirrors and window trim expose Chrysler?s intent to maintain flash. The circular taillights, however, are a departure from current DCX design.

Photos by Ron Perry