Underneath the Chrysler Imperial Concept lives a modified 300C sedan. Powered by the seemingly ubiquitous 5.7-liter Hemi V8, the Imperial is rated to make 340 horsepower and 390 lb.-ft. of torque. Power flows to the rear wheels through a five-speed automatic transmission, but a production version of this car would certainly upgrade to the seven-speed automatic sitting in the DaimlerChrysler parts box to avoid negative press. Despite its certain obesity on the scales, Chrysler says the Imperial Concept could theoretically accelerate to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds and achieve a top speed of 160 mph, which is like saying that I could theoretically land a smoking hot date with Jessica Alba after completing the Ironman triathlon in record time. We doubt this car would be able to make those numbers with the Street and Racing Technology team’s fire-breathing 425-horse 6.1-liter engine, let alone this 5.7-liter unit, but then we were English majors and not engineers.

One thing is for sure, though. We doubt many Imperial buyers would want to swap out the gorgeous double-dubs wearing P245/45R22 tires. Damn baby, those rims are fly. They’re hooked to a four-wheel-independent suspension, short- and long-arm up front with a five-link arrangement in the back. Brake specifications weren’t provided by Chrysler, so we’d guess the Imperial would get binders at least as stout as those on the 300 SRT-8, and that this luxury sedan would benefit from standard brake assist and stability control systems.

What’s the real viability of a Chrysler Imperial? Since most of the hardware is off the shelf, and with the recent debut of the 300 Long Wheelbase, it’s not inconceivable that the Imperial could land in showrooms as a budget ultra-luxury sedan in the mid-$50,000 range. If Chrysler can crack the livery business and steal sales from Cadillac and Lincoln on that front; supply enough quality, style, and performance to sway all 25 buyers of the Acura RL and Infiniti Q45; and inject enough performance and prestige to make BMW and Benz buyers do a double-take; the Imperial’s business case should be a solid one. At the very least, this car should replace the aged Lincoln Town Car as the airport shuttle of choice, don’t you think?