Chrysler’s interpretation from the Mercedes-Benz SLK, this is a pretty coupe (a convertible is in route, too) that the company describes as “Route 66 meets the Autobahn.”

Slickly styled by Chrysler’s own people, Crossfire can be obtained with just one engine, a 3.2 litre V6. There’s, however, a range of transmissions, a six speed manual or perhaps a five speed automatic.

Softer compared to CLK, to match American market expectations, the vehicle handles well at lower speeds, but attempts at high-speed cornering, or rapid progress along country roads, will show the weaknesses in the system, the quantity of body roll being a lot more than the typical European sports vehicle buyer originates to anticipate.