New Delhi, Jan 6 (IANS) For once, the product overshadowded the star as Bollywood actor Vivek Oberoi launched automotive designer Dilip Chhabria’s awecome Imperator sedan at the AutoExpo 2010 here Wednesday.
“This is a car that personifies the future. It’s a most amazing design,” Oberoi said at the chaotic launch of the vehicle, based on an Audi chassis and with world-record 48-inch wheels.

“I drive a Mercedes but I sure would like to own this,” Oberoi, dressed in blue jeans, a white T-shirt and a blue jacket, added.

Chhabria best described the vehicle, which dispenses with the conventional four front-opening doors for two wings that rise overhead.

“This is an audacious concept meant to generate a new segment where a SUV need not be boxy and rugged but sexy and sensual. It’s a visual treat whose goal is to spawn a new design and direction segment,” he said outlining the Imperator as only he could.

Speaking on the occasion, Chhabria, an internationally acclaimed auto designer, announced the launch, in association with the DY Patil Group, of the DYP-DC Centre for Automotive Research and Studies.

“Like love, design is a matter of the heart,” Chhabria explained of the new institute, adding: “We aim to develop skills that embody this, coupled with business and manufacturing dynamics.”