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 Chevrolet Corvette. Our Recommended picks include BMW Z4 and Mercedes-Benz CLK.

As expected, BMW updates the 3-Series coupe to the current "E90" sedan/wagon design. It arrives this fall in two 6-cyl models: a 230-hp 328i and a new twin-turbo 335i with 300 hp. Both seat four and offer BMW's all-wheel xDrive as a first-time option. BMW's computer-managed Active Steering is also available. Standard equipment includes steering-linked headlamps and 17-inch alloy wheels with run-flat tires. Claimed 0-60 mph acceleration is 6.2 sec for the 328Ci, 5.3 for the turbocharged 335Ci. Expected sometime in 2007 are redesigned "E92" convertibles with the same two engines and a first-ever power-retractable hard top instead of a cloth roof. Like the coupes, the new convertibles have unique outer sheetmetal, but maintain a 3-Series family look. A new high-performance M3 coupe and convertible should surface for 2008. They switch from 6-cyl power to a new 4.0-liter V8 with a rumored 400 hp.

BMW will reportedly reinstate an M3 sedan, perhaps for 2007, more likely for '08. Mainstream sedans and wagons should offer the new 230- and 300-hp engines sometime soon.

Meantime, BMW is readying a 3-Series-based 5-seat crossover wagon known to insiders as V3. It's expected in Europe by 2009 and could come stateside if BMW sees fit.

Finally, BMW's entry-level 1-Series compact car is expected to launch in America during 2007. Available in Europe since late 2004, the baby Bimmer uses many 3-Series underskin components in a smaller 4-dr hatchback package. BMW is reportedly looking to add 2-dr hatch, coupe, and convertible versions, plus a 4-dr sedan and wagon. Sources believe the coupe and/or sedan would come here first, with other body styles possible later on. The likely engine is a 3.0-liter 6-cyl with some 215 hp.