The headlight might have been inspired by the 1976-1977 Pontiac LeMans. It is based on the classic fifth generation Cadillac Sedan de Ville and the Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham. In GTA IV, the Emperor has become a boxy 1980s American luxury sedan, while its previous contemporary Japanese look is given to the Intruder. The vehicle spawns in a variety of single colors. It also looks like the Sentinel, but sleeker and more profiled.
In GTA San Andreas, the Emperor, based on an 1990-1993 Infiniti Q45, represents a then contemporary full-sized luxury sedan, with a lean design and somewhat rounded profile.
The car has varied significantly since its first appearance in the 3D Universe.
