The Chrysler Imperial Could Be Chrysler’s Perfect Halo Car.

We now know a new Chrysler sedan might be a long way off. What we’ll see first, from the new “Chrysler rebirth,” are two models called the Airflow and Arrow. And of course, there are not sedans, but boxy crossovers. It also seems Chrysler is being repositioned as a producer of very affordable cars since the cheapest Arrow models will be rebadged version of the Fiat Grizzly. I have posted some ideas for new Chrysler sedans in the past, like a new 300. But what about a new Imperial? Which of course seems to be the opposite of where Chrysler is going right now. 

Sedans seem to be on the verge of a comeback. That’s what “they” say… And a really large American luxury sedan might not be out of place for long.  The new Dodge Charger EV is over 206 inches long. Which is about the same as a Mercedes S-Class. Just adding a few inches would produce one impressive-looking sedan. One that could still be much more affordable than its competition from Germany. A large luxury STLA-based premium sedan competing with the Mercedes S-Class/EQS, BMW 7 series/i7, Lucid Air.

I’ve posted a few illustrations showing future large Cadillac and Lincoln sedans, but a Chrysler would have to be less expensive, just like Chryslers are supposed to be. The brand does have quite a glorious past and I think it’s time to use some of it for inspiration for a few future models. 

The last truly big Chrysler Imperial was that cheesy one form the early 1980s. (They tried again with a K-Car based Imperial sedan in the 1990s) It tried very hard to appeal to older buyers who still drove cars from the 1970s. It was also not that weird compared to what Cadillac or Lincoln were offering at the time. However, in true Chrysler fashion, the last Imperial wasn’t that reliable. But, it was quite a statement. It was priced at a bit over $18,000, back in 1981. Or about $5000 less than a Cadillac Seville. That’s about $65,000 in today’s money. A $65,000 new Chrysler Imperial would still be a pretty good deal today.

Chrysler will need some kind of a hallow car if they want to sell their cheapest models. An Imperial revival would be the best way to stand out. Cadillac is working on a next generation CT5, and maybe still considering an EV sedan. Buick is also bringing back a large sedan. Chrysler already has the STLA large platform used for the Dodge Charger. It can even use multiple powertrains like pure EV, an inline 6 cylinder and even a V8. Which is what Dodge is working on for the Charger. 

While the new Cadillac will probably be gas only, a possible new Lincoln sedan might be a luxury EV. Chrysler could offer a choice no one else can.

Just imagine. An Imperial return could even be more popular than the last one. That last generation never sold 5000 units in its best year of 1981. I guess word got out about the car not being that reliable and sale numbers tanked for the next 2 years. 

This is of course something we will probably never see, but it’s good to imagine what could be. Isn’t it…