A man who stole a $230,000 Audi R8 sports car during a test drive is on the run after stealing the vehicle at gunpoint and leading officers on a disastrous chase across Sydney.
The 30-year-old owner of the vehicle met a potential buyer outside a service station at Balgowlah last night to organise a "test drive".
During the meeting however, the man was threatened with a gun and hit in the face with it, suffering injuries as a result.
The gunman then forced the owner from his car and sped away, police said.
The owner quickly alerted authorities and a search ensued, leading to the discovery of the car on Military Road in Mosman.
A pursuit was initiated, with police following the vehicle into the Sydney Harbour Tunnel, around the Woolloomooloo area then back north through the Harbour Tunnel.
Police were forced to terminate the chase several times after a number of minor collisions, including the ramming of a police car.
The gunman remains at large. Police have described him as being of Mediterranean or Middle Eastern in appearance with a thin build, possibly aged in his 20s.
His hair is shaved at the sides and is long on the top. The man was last seen wearing a long, black leather jacket, black shirt and pants and white sneakers.
Police have urged the public to contact them if they happen to see a white Audi with NSW registration DCL86X, but have advised witnesses to not approach the driver.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.