AMERICAN cars have not normally fared well in Britain - but there is a waiting list for the latest one.
Which is probably not surprising as the 3.2-litre Chrysler Crossfire is one of those cars which just captures the imagination.
This is the first two-seater car from Chrysler for more than 10 years - but it has been well worth the wait.
The long bonnet and short back is a design which evokes memories of some classic cars of yesteryear, but is nonetheless eye-catching today.
Chrysler has managed to produce a car which bridges the Pan-European divide, both in looks and driving qualities.
At first glance the Crossfire, which is built in Germany, looks large, like a typical Motown car. But you soon realise that it's all a bit of an illusion and it's not even as long as a Rover 45.
The large wheels - 18 inch on the front and 19 inch on the rear - add to the car's imposing appearance.
Inside the strictly two-seater, the cockpit is snug yet there is plenty of head and leg room.
The first thing that strikes you is the brushed aluminium centre console, which contrasts starkly with the black leather seats and trim but makes the car look decidedly up-market.
The deep leather seats are supremely comfortable yet give plenty of support for fast motoring. Thankfully - as leather seats are pretty cold in winter - they are heated and electrically adjustable.
Turn the key in the ignition and the V6 comes to life with a decidedly throaty roar from the twin, centre-mounted exhausts.
That lingering note continues as you power the Crossfire along the road and realise just how responsive this engine is.
The automatic/ tiptronic gearbox set up works well, with both providing lively performance. The automatic side of the box works seamlessly yet never lags when you need to use the kick-down facility on the accelerator for instant response.
On bends and through tight corners the Crossfire feels superbly taut, like a sports car ought to be but often isn't.
It has a distinct Mercedes feel about it, which is probably not that surprising when you realise that some 39 per cent of its running gear - including the engine and gearbox - are taken from the ever-popular SLK.
As you reach 60 miles per hour you see the rear spoiler automatically rising in your rear view mirror, as if to tell following motorists just what power is under the bonnet. And this is no gimmick. With the spoiler raised the downforce adds to the stability of the Crossfire.
Roadholding and ride are excellent and this is one car which is ideal for long journeys.
For a two-seater there is a large amount of luggage space, although the hatchback opening is somewhat narrow and my test car had no form of cover to hide away anything stored in the boot area.
I also found the Crossfire a little lacking in the lighting department for such a powerful car. Even on full beam on unlit roads the illumination could have been better.
These niggles apart, however, this is one sportscar I would be happy to have in my garage.
There is little doubt that when the convertible model is available the waiting list for this American beauty will get even longer.
FAST FACTS
Chrysler Crossfire 3.2 V6
Price: £28,520
Mechanical: 215 bhp, 3,199cc 6cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 5-spd automatic/ tiptronic gearbox
Max Speed: 155mph
0-62mph: 6.5 secs
Combined mpg: 27.2
Insurance Group: 18
CO2 emissions: 240g/km
BiK rating: 32%
Warranty: 3yrs/ unlimited miles; 7yrs anti-rust