2009 Chrysler Imperial
November 16th, 2006
The 2009 Chrysler Imperial revives a much-abused nameplate from the automaker’s past. Built on a stretched Chrysler 300 platform, the Imperial is, of course, Hemi V-8 powered and rear-wheel drive.
But the chassis tuning prioritizes ride comfort over handling. Not only is the Imperial nearly a foot and a half longer than the 300, but it’s six inches taller as well, for a more upright seating package and greater interior space.
The suicide doors and the shape of the side window opening are both a rather blatant ripoff of the Rolls-Royce Phantom. More than a mere flight of fancy, we expect that if the Imperial doesn’t elicit too much giggling.
Tags: none
2006 Chrysler Pacifica
November 12th, 2006
The 2006 Pacifica blends traits of cars, SUVs, and minivans and comes in front- or all-wheel drive. It offers a base model that seats five, and the Touring and Limited versions that seat seven.
All of the vehicles use a 250-hp V6. A 4-speed automatic with manual shift gate is the only transmission. Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes and a driver knee airbag are standard. Curtain side airbags that cover all seating rows are standard on Limited, optional on base and Touring. No antiskid system is offered for this vehicle.
Tags: none
2006 Chrysler Sebring
October 31st, 2006
Until this recently, Chrysler offered three midsize cars in the Sebring category, much as Toyota offers a Camry trio—sedan, coupe, and convertible. Based on a different platform than the sedan and convertible, the coupe has been retired, reflecting the shift in the market away from two-door vehicles, among other manufacturing factors. The remaining Sebrings make incremental improvements for this year, with the standout news being the addition of a performance-oriented TSi sedan.
