Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Offering more power and style than typical Sporty/Performance vehicles, Premium Sporty/Performance Cars usually cost much more and have more comfort and convenience equipment. Two-passenger convertibles and 4-seat coupes rule the roost in this class.

Our Best Buy is the Chevrolet Corvette. Our Recommended picks include the BMW Z4, Chrysler Crossfire, and Mercedes-Benz CLK.

A high-power M6 coupe for 2007 is the main near-term news for BMW's grand-luxe 2-dr series. The related M5 sedan donates a racing-inspired 5.0-liter, 40-valve V10 engine with some 500 hp, plus a new 7-speed version of BMW's SMG sequential manual gearbox. A 6-speed manual has been confirmed for the M5 and so will likely be offered for its coupe cousin. To get all its power to the road, the M6 employs a speed-sensing variable-limited-slip differential and big 19-inch wheels with massive high-speed tires sized at 255/40 in front and 285/35 in back. Also included are high-performance all-disc brakes with ABS and pad-wear monitor. To keep weight down, M6 uses more aluminum in its suspension components than does M5, as well as more lightweight body panels, including a roof section made of exotic carbon fiber. With all this, the M6 is expected to run 0-60 mph in only 4.5 sec, maybe less. A convertible version has been spied testing in Europe, but can't be confirmed yet. Either way, costly parts, extensive hand labor and high prices insure any M6 will be a rare sight. BMW hasn't set U.S. pricing yet, but most sources say you'll need at least $95,000.

The M6 creates a big price/power gap with the V8 645Ci, hence ongoing talk of a turbocharged 6-Series, possibly a 6-cyl model. BMW admits it's working on a new range of turbo engines for release over the next few years, but hasn't talked specifics or which models might get them. Stay tuned.