Auto Shows

Chrysler Imperial Concept Auto Show Photo

There's a new name for massive excess: Imperial. Chrysler conjured up the historic name for its Cadillac/Lincoln rival on a 300 chassis that has been blown up and out. Wheelbase is three inches longer at 123, overall height is a step-in 64 inches, and the Rolls-Royce Phantom wannabe is about 15 inches shorter than a '56 Imperial, at 214 inches. Chrysler's standard 5.7-liter Hemi provides 340 horsepower to the rear wheels - it's authoritive power, not that of a muscle car. The ride has been tuned for comfort. It's a 2+2, with a front and rear console and a floor-mounted automatic gearshift. Despite the cushmobile hired-driver image, though, Chrysler says it's a driver's car. Chrysler says the car would cost about $50,000 if produced, and that means the suicide doors with no center b-pillar would probably have to go. But should Chrysler build it? Detroit show reaction can be most charitably described as lukewarm, with one wag describing it as a cross between the Rolls Phantom and Checker Marathon.

234 Featured Auto Show Vehicles
2005 Scion tC 1.0	2005 Scion xB 2.0	2006 Aston Martin V8 Vantage
2006 Audi A4 Cabriolet	2006 Audi RS 4	2006 Audi TT Coupe Sport
2006 BMW 130i	2006 BMW 130i	2006 BMW 3 Series
	1 - 9 of the 234 Auto Show Photos	Next 9 Photos >>