What are its best features?
The list is long, but first, and most impressive and head-turning is the exterior styling of both models. Each model has its own unique look, and yet, they are clearly fraternal twins. Glass and light play an important part in each, as the coupe has a wonderfully wide, panoramic moonroof with tilting glass, while the drop-top sports a fin-shaped soft top, with an industry-first, electric-opening glass rear window, that operates as a wind blocker when the top is retracted. Interior styling is also up to par with BMW luxury and impressive is the list of state-of-the-art driving technologies that help to make your drive spirited, but far safer than ever.

What are its state-of-the-art technologies?
Start its award-winning 4.4-liter aluminum engine, that gets 325 hp. and 330 lb.-ft. of torque, and has "stepless variability" in timing, which improves fuel economy. It is matched to a standard 6-speed manual; optional is a 6-speed automatic with STEPTRONIC and a 6-speed manual SMG. While primarily an automatic, the STEPTRONIC unit allows for some manual control, as well. The SMG, however, is a clutchless manual that shifts according to paddles behind the steering wheel. It also includes an automated mode. Standard are 4-wheel disc brakes, with ABS and Dynamic Brake Control. Dynamic Stability Control, and traction control, with optional Active Roll Stabilization and Active Steering. The interior is laden with safety technology, such as two-stage Smart airbags, door-mounted side-impact airbags, an Impact Sensor that unlocks the doors, turns on the hazard lights, and illuminates the interior in the event of a collision and an Intelligent Safety and Information System that coordinates the activation of all safety features.

How does it handle?
We drove each of the new models out of the Beverly Hills city traffic to the hills and dales of Malibu Canyon and the Ojai backcountry, on a course of more than 200 miles, where there was ample opportunity to dart in and out of congestion, apply power, scrub the velocity of forward momentum, steer along zig-zagging pavement, and cruise the freeway. It handles just the way you'd expect a luxury sportscar to handle. It moves quickly when power is needed, stops in a graduated and effortless way, takes corners with ease (we'd like a little more off-center feel to the steering) and a minimal amount of body roll, and sounds grrreat, with just the right amount of throaty throttle.

Any complaints?
We are still not sold on BMW's iDrive system, even though we have tried it out in the 7-Series and 5-Series models. Even with practice, we were not able to operate it with ease and, until this system is integrated into the driver's knowledge base, for us, is perceived as a driver distraction to engage it while driving. Bring a passenger and your manual along!