Chrysler Imperial Coupe.
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Almost 20 years ago, in 2006, Chrysler came up with a weird-looking Imperial Concept. Trying very hard to re-imagine what a high-end luxury Chrysler sedan could look like. It was a heavy-handed, clumsy attempt that never went into production, thank God.
And yet, not a bad idea. The idea of giving a boost to the old forgotten brand with a high-end model isn’t a bad one. Of course, what Chrysler needs is a popular new model like an SUV. And that is apparently coming with a new crossover based on the Jeep Wagoneer S. And we might even see a sedan later. A new Minivan is also on its way, so they say.
A new, more expensive model would not mean that Chrysler would suddenly compete against much more expensive brands. Unlike what Cadillac is trying to do with the crazy $340,000 Celestiq sedan. A more expensive new Chrysler Imperial Coupe could still be well bellow $100,000. It would have to be quite special and stand out.
One way to stand out in a crowd is to just go nuts and retro. Something that looks like nothing else on the road today. Chrysler had many “original” designs in its long history. A new large retro 2-door coupe based on the new STLA Large platform would be one way to stand out again.
I recently posted a possible new Chrysler Cordoba, but this would be a true top-of-the-line Chrysler. Something that’s really “not for everyone”. A big, super luxurious 2-door coupe.
A new Imperial would not compete with Bentley or Rolls-Royce. This would not be cheap, but would still be a Chrysler. It would have to be priced a bit below Cadillac and the foreign luxury brands. Chrysler hasn’t had anything new in many years, and people need to be reacquainted with the brand. And what better way to come up with something that will get noticed everywhere it goes? Like the VW ID.Buzz and even the Cybertruck.
The Imperial used to be the top-of-the-line Chrysler from 1926 to 1993. It was even its own brand from 1955 to 1975. The last Imperial 2-door coupe was the 1981/83 model. A rather cheesy looking car that adopted that “bustle back” design trend started by the 2nd generation Cadillac Seville, and followed by the Lincoln Continental. The name “Imperial” came back from 1990 to 1993 for a sedan, competing with the FWD Lincoln Continental and Cadillac Sedan DeVille of that era.
Of course, we all know these big-door luxurious coupes are gone, and so are the people who used to buy them.
However, there’s nothing wrong with a halo car.
It may not have made it to production, but its easy to see the influence it would have on the Chrysler 300.
Render a large unibody fwd/awd pickup for Chrysler please.