Charged with the mission of amplifying the Chrysler brand, designer Trevor Creed and a team of stylists from Chrysler's design studio in Auburn Hills, Michigan, created the Chrysler Imperial concept car to share center stage with the Dodge Challenger on the opening day of the 2006 NAIAS. While the new Chryler Imperial Concept draws on storied Imperials from the past, including models from the 1930s and 1950s, Creed made it clear that both concepts come from Chrysler's disciplined design philosophy of building vehicles that are made to be driven. The crafted-for-the-21st century retro Chrysler Imperial 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 the Imperial in the future.

Chrysler's Imperial Concept is a rear-drive flagship model and sits on the same foundation as the Chrysler 300, although this new four-door stretches 17 inches longer and is six inches taller than the car on which it is based. Mounted on a 123-inch wheelbase, with an overall length of 214 inches, the Chrysler Bronze Imperial with a Birch Cream/Bay Brown interior sits on bold 22-inch wheels and tires, and is powered by Chrysler's 340-hp, 390 lb.-ft. Hemi 5.7-liter V8 engine with a five-speed automatic transmission driving the rear rims.

Styling cues suggest a strong Rolls Royce Phantom influence, with the massive upright grille, tall and circular headlights, bulging wheel wells, and vault-like glass-to-metal roof proportions. The Chrysler 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 positively influence the mass.

Up front, the Chrysler Imperial's fender lines stay tall right to the front corners of the car 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 Chrysler design.

Photos by Ron Perry