Chrysler Imperial concept a poor man's Phantom

Here is the first official pic of Chrysler's Imperial Concept that will debut next week at the Detroit auto show. Pics of the Imperial lifted from the current issue of Motor Trend have already surfaced elsewhere on the net, and reaction has been unanimous in that the new Imperial looks like a poor man's Rolls, especially with its pedestrian-flattening grille.

Autoweek reports that the Imperial rides on a 123-inch wheelbase, which is three ticks longer than the 300C's wheelbase. Overall the concept is 17-inches longer at 214 inches and six inches taller. Those wheels are twenty-twos, so it's a good thing Chrysler is using the monster 5.7L Hemi with 340 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque to rotate them.

Entrance into the large sedan is achieved through b-pillar-less doors that welcome occupants into an interior orgy of leather, California burl wood and satin-finished aluminum. Many of the components inside are handcrafted, as well, and set off by a bath of warm interior accent lights.

Based on first impressions we'd venture to guess the Imperial Concept has less of a chance to see the inside of an assembly plant than does its concept cousin, the Challenger. If produced the Imperial would occupy the top slot in Chrysler's sedan lineup above the 300C.