The BMW 1-series, available as a coupe and a convertible, seems poised to be a very exciting addition to the company’s lineup. The 1-series uses the same, highly regarded mechanicals as the benchmark 3-series, but wraps them in a smaller, lighter, and less expensive package. From a driving standpoint, one can hardly argue with the results. But what is open to debate is whether the cost and weight savings of the 1-series are significant or does the car too closely overlap to the 3-series.

Like the 3-series, the 135i convertible’s handling is sublime; the car eats up curves and begs for more. The steering – without the curse of the 3-series’ optional active steering – is pure and true. It was a pleasure threading the 135i along narrow winding parkways that can be a white-knuckle affair in other cars. And its nimble size was a source of pleasure as well. But the larger, eighteen-inch wheels mean that bumps are sometimes fairly pronounced.

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Undisguised prototypes of Porsche’s 2008 Boxster and Cayman have been seen by spy cameras undergoing final testing ahead of the car’s reveal planned for later this year. Just like the facelifted 911, also due by the end of the year, Porsche’s updated Boxster and Cayman will only receive a few subtle changes to the bodywork, namely new LED taillights, reshaped headlamps and new bumpers.

Here are some of the cars features:

VEHICLE TYPE: mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive, 2-passenger, 2-door roadster or 3-door hatchback

ENGINES: DOHC 24-valve 2.7-liter flat-6, 245 hp, 201 lb-ft; DOHC 24-valve 3.4-liter flat-6, 295 hp, 251 lb-ft

TRANSMISSIONS: 5-speed auto with manumatic shifting, 5- or 6-speed manual

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Rolls Royce’s 2008 Phantom Drophead Coupe convertible is a two-door, four-seat convertible, a less formal interpretation of classic Rolls-Royce design. Using the lightweight rigidity of an all-aluminium spaceframe, it combines modern technology to a sleek, streamlined convertible body.

The Phantom Drophead Convertible is a complete innovation of RR’s 100EX concept car, which was shown at 2004’s Geneva show. The key elements of the 100EX stays on this model: the thin LED headlamps, rear-opening “suicide” doors, brushed steel hood and A-pillar, and teak decking aft of the passenger compartment.

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