Re: IML: An old question - reviving the Imperial

Hello all:

I have wondered about this also. But, my husband works for Sterling truck, which is owned by Daimler Chrysler Corporation. There have been rumors floating around for a while now with the Daimler Chrysler family that Chrysler produced the 300, and that it's plans were ultimately to reproduce the Imperial if the 300 was sucessful. I would say that the 300 has been very successful, I have friends that have them, and I see them everywhere I go, and if I didn't need a larger daily driver, would own one myself. In my opinion, they are a very nice looking car for today's standards, as is the Dodge Magnum with the custom chopped top look. We are seeing an outcry for modern convenience with the look reminiscent of the old cars (like the retro styled T-bird and new mustang that Ford has brought out, as well as Chevy's retro styled truck).

I completely disagree with the fact that the 300 only appeals to persons who want to buy American versus imports that have in the past been considered more reliable, and my opinion is based on the fact that I have had three good friends who were typically die hard Toyota/Honda/Acura people who traded their cars on a 300 because it's styling and features that are so fresh for what is out on the market.

Yes, I have seen the four door Charger, and my husband and I were taken aback by this remembering the Chargers of our time, but, it makes sense to me. My neices and nephews are all young career oriented Gen-Y people, and what I found in talking to them is that young persons a good money making career aren't out there looking to buy the two door Porsche anymore to show off their youth and financial stability. They are looking for a sporty vehicle with the look that they want and the creature features that go with. Many of them have a child or two, four doors are a must. But, having a family nowadays no longer means sacrificing yourself to the Mini-van or SUV. These younger people are wanting a car that is sporty and functional (like the Dodge Magnum Hemi).

Will there be an Imperial? DMA has not said for sure yet, however Forward Magazine has suggested it and the rumors at work still fly at work. So, who nows at this point, but if they make one...I will buy it.

Just my 2 cents.

Teresa Smith

----- Original Message -----

From: Hugh & Therese

To: mailing-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Sent: Tuesday, March 01, 2005 9:53 AM

Subject: IML: An old question - reviving the Imperial

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