2008 BMW 6-Series

Under the hood, the 4.8-liter V-8 -- rated at 360 horsepower and 360 lb-ft of torque -- is a carryover from the 2007 model, and 0-60 mph times remain at 5.3 seconds for the coupe and 5.6 seconds for the convertible. The six-speed manual also stays as the base transmission.

Sport Automatic is designed to match rpms during downshifts and also comes with a Sport button that BMW says delivers even quicker, more dynamic shift action.

The 6-series remains available in coupe and convertible form as a 650i, with a 360-hp 4.8-liter V-8, or M6, with a 500-hp, 5.0-liter V-10.

Buyers purchasing automatic-transmission 6-series can now specify BMW's Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go, which can bring the car to a complete halt, decelerating at up to 0.5g. BMW's lane departure warning system, familiar from the 5-series, is also newly available, and will vibrate the steering wheel if sensors determine that the car is drifting out of its lane.