AMERICAN Dream or American Gigolo, seductive or sleazy, a Motown classic or one hit wonder? Fact is, few cars polarise opinion quite like the Chrysler Crossfire.
Some call it drop dead gorgeous, others a grotesque parody of fast food on wheels - a laughing hyena was even mentioned. Either way, there's no middle ground; it's a case of love or loathe.
I'm in the former camp. That long-ribbed front end, air-extractor louvres behind the front wheels and seamlessly elegant profile - even if the beetleback rear looks sawn-off - sets the Crossfire apart from everything else on the market.
Hop behind the wheel, slam some Calexico in the CD slot and then you could be cruising a desert highway towards the Mexican border.
Well who says we can't dream? Unfortunately the truth is that, exterior design apart, there's not very much Americana in the Crossfire.
It's actually a Mercedes SLK in disguise - some 39 per cent of the components are adapted from existing DaimlerChrysler technology - and the car is even built in Germany, albeit in collaboration with Michigan.
That's not necessarily a bad thing. For instance the Benz-sourced 3.2-litre V6 engine is terrific and short-shift six-speed gearbox very slick.
And the instant you hit 62mph the neat rear spoiler automatically rises. Press the little silver button on the dash and it retracts again, whirring away like part of an automotive submarine.
It's a Godsend for the gadget freaks, yet serves a very real purpose by increasing downforce.
The cabin layout features a simple yet effective mix of soft leather, plastic and vinyl. Definite scope for looking tacky, yet Chrysler has achieved a quality finish with solid build to boot.
Hop behind the wheel, sink into the deep but multi-adjustable seat, fire up the V6 and listen for the sound of the underground, courtesy of the car's twin tailpipes.
On the downside, rear visibility is poor due to the angled back windscreen, there's minimal storage space - just nets for door pockets - and the steering wheel is too big.
And while there's practical space in the boot, the narrow opening makes it resemble a lobster pot.
Open roads bring out the best in the Crossfire and the tested six-speed manual version - there's also a five-speed automatic costing an extra £1,240 - drives beautifully.
Official figures reveal a 0-60mph time of 6.5 seconds, but the real delight is in the easy, fluid manner of the car's overall performance.
The Chrysler's wheels and tyres are staggered in size, like those of a racing car, narrower at the front for crisp steering and wider at the rear to transmit more power to the road surface.
And safety systems like ABS, traction control, ESP and brake assist are all standard kit, along with front and side airbags, CD sound system with six Infinity speakers, electric windows, leather trimmed seats, alarm, immobiliser, central locking and tinted glass.
FAST FACTS
Chrysler Crossfire
Price: £27,280
Mechanical: 215bhp, 3,199cc, 6cyl petrol engine driving rear wheels via 6-spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 155mph
0-62mph: 6.5 secs
Combined mpg: 27.2
Insurance group: 18
CO2 emissions: 256g/km
BiK rating: 35%
Warranty: 3yrs/ unlimited miles; 7yrs anti-rust.