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The Crossfire has German DNA. It is a rebodied CLK. The original Crossfire concept had a slightly shorter wheelbase and a supercharged 2.7L Chrysler V6. I’m not a fan of the coupe version, but the convertible isn’t bad looking. I do like the style of the frontal area.
Will a new Imperial come out? I’ve wondered this myself. I agree that I can’t see it as a new division of DC, but I do see it being possible in a similar vein to the ’81-83 era. However, I don’t see it as a sporty coupe. I see it as a long wheelbase 300C. They already have a longer wheelbase 300C as a prototype. The rear doors are longer, and the extra wheelbase is in the rear seat area. It is intended to target the limo market. I could easily see this longer body being badged Imperial. Trade in the 300C’s egg crate grill for a waterfall, and a couple other minor styling changes and I can see it happen. And in my opinion, I don’t think it would be a bad use of the name.
Rob McCall ’67 LeBaron
-----Original Message-----
Dennis asked:
DO YOU THINK THEY WILL BRING BACK THE IMPERIAL NAME???
In a word, no. Mercedes does not need any more rivals. The Chrysler is stealing from Ford and Chevy. Toyota and Honda are unaffected by its success. The 300 appeals to folks who want to buy an American car. The market for large American luxury cars is limited. At this level, folks are very name conscious. If you want to thumb your nose at the Jones, would having an Imperial have the same snob value as a Lexus, or a BMW, or a Mercedes?
The way that DCA is going, the German content of all its cars is increasing. I recently saw an advert for the Chrysler Crossfire that actually called it flat out a German product. The Pacifica, a fine vehicle, has a lot of German content, too. Any new Imperial would be almost a rebadged Mercedes anyway, and I wonder if we purists would like that? You think DCA is not capable of that? Count the doors on the new so called Charger and sit still awhile.
Me, I like the fact that the Imperial is gone. I don't want to see Imperial SUVs and pick up trucks. That's how they sell Cadillac's these days.
Hugh |
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