http://car-reviews.automobile.com/Chrysler/review/2006-chrysler-imperial-concept/1649/1
Normally we’d lament the loss of a future rear-wheel-drive, large-engine sedan, but in the case of the Chrysler Imperial we’re not so sad to hear it won’t make it to production. Chrysler is saying that with new federal guidelines demanding much higher fuel economy than we have today, the thirsty Imperial won’t fit into its lineup.
The concepts most awkward design element is its grille, seemingly like a Rolls-Royce waterfall slapped on sideways and capped off with a heavy looking chrome-finished "exposed radiator" top featuring a large winged logo across the front. Sure it spells out luxury, but it comes across
I overheard comments from some journalists that felt the Imperials rear end looks like it should be its front, an interesting comment. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler)
more like one of those Rolls-Royce hood and grille kits put out for Volkswagen Beetles back in the 70s than anything designed by a top-tier carmaker looking to woo potential luxury buyers. Sure Snoop Dogg will like the car overall, especially if Chrysler pays him to do another TV ad, but I doubt even the outrageous rapper would let himself be seen in the Imperial in stock trim, despite its Bugatti-like turbine-finned 22-inch rims and P245/45R22 performance rubber.
The leading curves of the concepts front fenders appear more Bentley than Rolls, especially similar to the recently updated Arnage in the way they crest over their front edges before melding into the fascia, although they dive much deeper than do those on the British luxury car. This element helps to imply greater frontal force, at least visually, contrasted by the almost delicate application of wire thin fog lamps, in the lower section, and turn signals up above under the unique head lamps.
The individual headlight pods, or at least theyre mildly designed to look like freestanding head lamps of yore, invoke those used on the late great 1926 Imperial 80, and others that followed, but are more similar, in context at least, to those applied to the 1961 through 63 Imperial. I like the exposed
The Imperials 5.7-liter HEMI V8 is the obvious engine choice, the 6.1 too raucous a mill for something as refined as this luxury sedan is trying to be. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler)
freestanding headlight idea in general, but the new concepts lamps are hidden away too much to notice much detail, at least compared to the 1961 models lights. Maybe this is better, as trying to mimic something done when tailfins were popular might be a bit over the top this day and age.
Following the design rearwards, Ive already mentioned how disappointed I am with Chryslers designers at modeling the Imperial after Rolls-Royces Phantom. Even if done by accident, which I cant see as being possible with only four ultra-luxury marques to choose from, Rolls-Royce, Bentley, Maybach, and to some extent, Maserati, the styling is too similar for this scribe.
From the rear, its boat tail-shaped deck lid is nothing like the 61. Not that its missing the sculpted spare tire cover integrated into the trunk lid that came as part of the 1960 car, but rather there arent any high-flying fins, which wouldnt pass modern safety regulations anyway, and its rectangular taillights are large and flush with the rear panels, rather than similar to the classic "gun sight" lamps that were smaller and hung underneath the same said fins. This said the Chrysler design team tried to stir some memories of the past by integrating circular, chromed and floating outer ring rimmed LEDs in behind the clear lenses, but like the
The Imperials clamshell doors and resultant wide-open space between A- and C-pillars offers a generous view to the interior. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler)
headlamps the details are harder to notice than they were on the 60s car.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/10728020@N02/1360179461
Mercedes’ F700 Concept is an interesting look at how fuel efficiency will impact this auto show season. Sure, lots of companies are bringing out small little hybrids, plug-ins and other gas-sipping concepts, but Mercedes thinks there’s also a market for affluent greenies. The F700 isn’t a hybrid, though — it uses a super-efficient four-cylinder engine with a prototype powertrain that moves like a V-6 but gets a dreamy 44.3 mpg.
Remember this is a concept, so those numbers aren’t even close to being real yet. The F700 also features an active suspension that predicts road conditions to mute bumps as much as possible. That’s one of those concept ideas we like. What we don’t understand is a seating configuration that allows passengers to face backward. Perhaps that would facilitate a face-to-face business meeting in the backseat — or high-speed nausea, depending on your travel habits. More photos below.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/10728020@N02/2189445581
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