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.

As things look now, the Z4 line won't be redesigned until early next decade. Changes should be minimal until then, though one or two engine swaps are possible. These would involve the 300-hp twin-turbo 6-cyl from the 3-Series and '08-model 5-Series passenger cars, and/or the new 4.0-liter V8 from the redesigned 2008 M3 performance models. Stay tuned.

Meanwhile, sources say BMW is readying a larger sports car for launch in 2009, perhaps as a 2010 model in the U.S. This so-called "Z9" is a spiritual successor to the retro-look turn-of-millenium Z8, but will have contemporary-BMW styling. No word yet on engines, but one or more are possible, all borrowed from existing BMWs. These include a 300-hp twin-turbo six, the 4.0-liter V8 from the upcoming new M3, and the 500-hp V10 from the M5 sedan and M6 coupe and convertible. There's also talk of a 600-hp V12. Pricing is anybody's guess, but the "Z9" should start well below the Z8's $130,000 level. Still, BMW will be gunning for the new Audi R8 and other big-buck "exotics," plus expected newcomers like a redesigned Acura RSX and a high-power Lexus sports car.