Chrysler Crossfire

But can the Americans really make a car with the looks and panache to tempt buyers away from Germany's four-wheeled style icon? We sneaked behind the wheel to bring you a preview. The Crossfire's design is far more visually aggressive than the TT, with a long bonnet and the cabin perched over the rear wheels - much like a BMW M Coupe. But where the German models have curves, the Chrysler has been given razor-sharp angles, including a central 'spine' which runs the complete length of the car.

Even the windscreen is split along the line, with the wiper parking vertically in the centre of the glass, just as on race cars. A pop-up rear spoiler electrically raises at speed to increase stability. But more of a problem day-to-day will be rear visibility. The tiny window means you could be chased by a Panzer tank and not notice.

In a country such as the UK, which is obsessed with having the biggest possible wheels crammed under the arches, the Crossfire will rule supreme. The 19-inch fronts are big enough, but the rears have huge 21-inch rims, with 35-profile tyres. Only trucks have larger rubber. However, the production cars will have more conventionally sized wheels to give a smoother ride.

Inside, two McDonald's logo-like arches in front of the driver and passenger house the instruments. Beautiful detailing includes some imaginative dials - for example the boost gauge for the supercharger is calibrated as zero, half boost or explosion!

In the second swoop of the dashboard, in front of the passenger, is a computer screen and Data Acquisition Centre. This can collate track performance information, which can then be downloaded on to a palm-top and emailed. The figures sent should be pretty impressive, too. The concept 2.7-litre supercharged V6 produces 275bhp and is mated to a five-speed manual box.

Chrysler claims a 0-60mph time of 5.8 seconds and top speed of 148mph. What the numbers can't convey is the noise. Start the engine and the ground shakes, blip the throttle and the bark bounces off buildings. On the move, you are constantly flooring it just to hear the raucous exhaust. What a shame it will have to be toned down for production versions. Let's hope the same doesn't happen to the styling.

If the Audi TT is your idea of a perfect partner, you could well be courting the Crossfire when it arrives. The wild-looking coupe is set for production, and if Chrysler's track record at making concepts a reality is anything to go by - remember the Viper and Prowler - the looks will change little. Let's hope the engine, interior and gadget count don't get toned down either.

At a glance

* Set for production in 2003, with price of around £28,000

* Powered by supercharged, 275bhp, 2.7-litre V6

* Performance computer and helmet locker for track days