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Chrysler Imperial Redux Runs Out Of Gas

Citing pending legislation in Washington that would dramatically increase Corporate Average Fuel Economy standards, Chrysler is scuttling plans to revive the Imperial. Unveiled as a concept at Detroit's 2006 auto show, the Imperial was to be a V-8-powered luxury model positioned above the 300C. It was set to go into production in 2009.

Legislation is moving through Congress that calls for raising CAFE standards 40% to 35 miles per gallon for cars and trucks combined by 2020. The Senate has already approved the measure, and the fuel debate is heating up in the House.

Consumer tastes are changing as gas prices soar and concerns mount about global warming. Domestic and foreign automakers are heavily investing in gasoline-electric hybrids, hydrogen fuel cells and other alternative power trains. They're also adding fuel-saving technologies, such as cylinder deactivation, and ramping up development of smaller cars and crossovers.

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