The Imperial's new engine was slightly larger than the company's standard straight 6. It was a six-cylinder with seven bearing blocks and pressure lubrication of . Springs were semi-elliptic in the front. The car set a transcontinental speed record in the year it was introduced, driving more than in the week. The car was chosen as the pace car for the 1926 Indianapolis 500. The model was designated E-80, the 80 being after the "guaranteed" all-day cruising speed. Acceleration was also brisk, breaking 20 seconds to . Four-speed transmission was added in 1930. The attention to luxury and multiple bodystyles was a similar approach to one Mr. Chrysler used as president of the Buick Motor Company, his employer from 1911 to 1919.