PERFORMANCE-CAR NEWS 01.10.2006
Chrysler Imperial Concept brings supersizing to Detroit

Chrysler showed its Imperial concept this week at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The big four-door sedan is based on the corporation's rear-wheel-drive LX platform, which is the foundation of the Chrysler 300C sedan.

Compared to the 300, the Imperial concept is six inches taller and 17 inches longer overall. Among the Imperial's unusual features is its lack of B-pillars impeding cabin entry, an arrangement allowed by the car's suicide-style doors.

According to insiders, Chrysler is indeed planning to build an LX-based ultra-luxury car, although not necessarily the Imperial design. Plans to offer the new flagship machine are not final, but the resulting car would likely debut sometime around 2009.