The luxury flagship that never was.
This is mainly due to the Rolls-Royce-esque styling of the Phantom-like suicidal doors. However, the Chrysler Imperial explored the intriguing idea of a larger and more luxurious 300C.
The Chrysler Imperial, a concept flagship that was introduced at the end of the defunct DaimlerChrysler era and drew inspiration from the classic Imperial models of 1930s and 1950s, was launched in late 2005. According to a company official, the Chrysler Imperial wanted to show “a six-figure image at a lower price”, and it did so with massive 22-inch wheels that will make you think of a Bentley. The Imperial was fully functional because it was based upon a 300C production car. Some members of the media were able to drive the car at very low speeds, but they did get the chance to ride in it. It was a rear-wheel-drive LX platform with a stretched configuration and a punchy HEMI V8. All this wrapped up in a heavy package must have made it a unique car to drive.
It was designed to be a luxurious barge with plenty of legroom for the rear passengers. However, Chrysler called the Imperial concept a “driver’s car.” The dashboard featured very few buttons and knobs as these could have caused distractions. The interior was packed with technology. There were wireless headsets, ambient LED lighting and rear-seat entertainment systems with dual screens. Rear headrests could also be electrically retractable. The large, full-size, posh sedan featured LED lights front and back. This was quite a novelty 13 years ago. Although it doesn’t seem like a great idea to have a Chrysler sedan range topper, it was feasible in 2006. However, it never saw production as an eighth-generation Imperial.