I DON'T know about Crossfire - I'd have made less impact if I had pulled on to the drive in a World War II Spitfire. Chrysler's baby has that Concorde-quality ... people just stop whatever they're doing and stare.
If a Great White Shark swam down the High Street it would have less impact - and with a design incorporating gill slits down the sides it does a reasonable impression of that deadly predator.
Front to back this car is a looker. From the American-style grille and ribbed bonnet to the cute rear end with its in-your-face twin chrome exhausts, it doesn't miss a visual trick.
This is an American beauty - so stop reading now if the Land of the Free leaves you yearning for France. The Chrysler Crossfire also has a pedigree a Derby winner would be proud of as it is based on the Mercedes SLK.
But before I go totally overboard there are a couple things you need to know before shelling out your hard-earned cash.
Chrysler's average fuel economy figure of 28 miles per gallon may have been achieved by my granny in her prime as a 'never travel above 25mph' gal, but there's no way this car, driven as it's meant to be, gets much above 20mpg.
The view from the cockpit is - how can I put this - like staring out of a concrete bunker on the Normandy coast. In fact the word 'view' gives totally the wrong impression when it comes to trying to park.
And not content with the already restricted rear view, Chrysler has installed a spoiler that is activated when the car breaks the 60mph barrier, so basically you can't see anything behind. I almost pulled over when it first happened as I thought the boot had sprung open.
Now for the good bits. Well, the best good bit is that none of the bad bits matter!
This is a fabulous sports coupe that gives everything a driver could wish for at just a shade over £26,000 - yes that's £26,000 ladies and gentlemen.
A Lexus SC430 is half as expensive again while the Mercedes SLK the Crossfire is based on is Premiership-class compared to its Chrysler cousin's place in the Nationwide Conference in terms of price.
The muscle-bound two seater's 3.2-litre V6 engine makes a sound normally the preserve of an angry animal that's just had its tail trodden on. The 215bhp beast growls ferociously as the automatic gearbox seamlessly shifts the car from 0-62mph in an eye-popping 6.5 seconds on its way to a top speed of 155mph.
With the acceleration of a cheetah, overtaking is not only desirable - it's mandatory. The handling is superb, while the 19-inch tyres and excellent suspension allow corners to be taken as if on rails.
Some of the interior trim leaves a bit to be desired but the Crossfire's equipment is exhaustive. It is fitted with zonal air conditioning, cruise control, leather, electrically adjustable seats, anti-lock brakes plus other electronic traction control gizmos designed to keep you on the black stuff.
It also has airbags all round, electric windows and door mirrors, the smoothest central locking I've seen, plus an alarm and an immobiliser.
With this Chrysler you won't mind getting caught in the Crossfire.
FAST FACTS
Chrysler Crossfire 3.2 V6 Auto
Price: £26,235
Mechanical: 215bhp, 3199cc, 6cyl petrol engine driving rear wheels via 5spd automatic gearbox
Max speed: 155mph
0-62mph: 6.5 secs
Combined mpg: 28
Insurance group: 18
CO2 emissions: 240g/km
BiK rating: 35%
Warranty: 3yrs/ unlimited mileage; 7yrs paint; 7yrs anti-rust