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, Porsche Boxster, and Porsche Cayman.

New or significantly redesigned models include the Audi A5, Audi R8, and Audi TT.

The TT sits out the '07 model year pending the release next April of all-new 2008-model coupes. New-generation 2009 cabriolet convertibles are due in spring of '08. Though recognizably TT, the redesign features crisper lines and a "faster" coupe roofline over a wheelbase extended by 1.5 in. to 97.1. Overall length grows by 5.4 in., width by 3.1, height by a mere 0.2 inches. Axle widths are broader to aid handling stability. A new steel-and-aluminum structure shaves 100 lb. from curb weight while adding stiffness, according to Audi. Powerteams are lifted from Audi's A3 hatchbacks. The base 200-bhp turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cyl pairs with front-wheel drive and either 6-speed manual transmission or Audi's DSG "automanual" gearbox. A non-turbo 3.2 V6 spins out 250 hp through the same two transmissions and on to Audi's quattro AWD. Respective 0-60-mph claims are 6.3 and 5.6 sec. New features include a pop-up rear spoiler that automatically deploys above 75 mph and optional "magnetic ride" shock absorbers like those offered on Chevrolet Corvettes. We'll have more details soon, so keep checking back with us.