Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 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 four-seat coupes rule the roost in this class.

Our Best Buys are the BMW Z4 and Chevrolet Corvette. Our Recommended picks are the Jaguar XK Series and Porsche Boxster, and Porsche Cayman.

New or significantly redesigned models include the Jaguar XK Series and Volkswagen Eos.

A clean-sheet 2008 SC is reportedly on for a mid-2007 debut. A 4.6-liter V8 will change badges to SC 460. The platform is a 2-dr adaptation of the IS/GS sedan architecture. A hideaway hardtop continues, but styling is said to mimic the stance and proportions of a BMW 6-Series--though not its odd body surfaces, we hope. Look for a standard 8-speed automatic transmission that, like the V8, comes from Lexus' redesigned LS 460 flagship.