Detroit show: Ford Interceptor

Americans love Mustangs. A lot. In fact, most Yanks will view any attempt to mess with their definitive automotive icon in much the same light as an illicit moonlit tryst with their younger sister.

So Ford's decision to demonstrate its Interceptor concept, a saloon based on the Mustang platform, is a brave move indeed.

The Interceptor is powered by a 5.0-litre V8, an upgraded variant of the 4.6-litre block from the Mustang GT, and Ford reckons it will produce 400bhp running on E-85 ethanol.

With a six-speed manual 'box - no nancy-boy paddles here - driving the rear wheels, the Interceptor takes its styling cues from the straight, muscular lines of the 60s sedans.

But those blingtastic 22-inch alloys - bolted onto a solid rear axle for serious road performance - are straight out the 21st century.

Sadly, Ford isn't certain whether the Interceptor will even see production, let alone make it to the UK. But, then again, the Chrysler 300C made it across the Atlantic, so there's always hope...