BMW's big news this model year will be the BMW 1 Series, a smaller, entry-level BMW that already has writers raving about its performance.

It's being considered BMW's return to its roots as the maker of high-performance, reasonably affordable sports coupes, a genre most easily recalled by the much-loved BMW 2002 of years ago.

The BMW 1 Series that we will get is a two-door coupe powered by a 230-horsepower 3.0-liter six for the 328i model, or the 300-horsepower, 3.0-liter twin turbo six.

Interior room will be somewhat limited, I'm told, but the car more than makes up for it in a driver-oriented cockpit and strong performance. I expect prices to start just below $30,000 when the car hits the road next spring.

The BMW 3 Series will be largely unchanged in 2008 save for one big exception -- and it's a fast one: the arrival of the all-new M3 Coupe.

This is the car that everybody in the automotive press has been swooning over since I don't know when, and early in the coming year we finally get to see it. Power will come from a 414-horsepower 4.0-liter V-8, and as a result, I do expect this rear-wheel driver to really move when it hits the road. Other than the engine, it's the roof of this car I can't wait to see. It's made out of lightweight carbon fiber, and looks really cool.

I don't have any more details on this car yet, but by the time you see the next buyer's guide, I should have lots more to tell you.

Meanwhile, the 5 Series, to be priced between $45,075 and $86,675, hits the road, with new front end and smoothed out looks all around. Engine choices include a the base 3.0-liter, 230-horsepower I-6, a 300 horsepower 3.0 liter I-6, a 4.8-liter, 360-horsepower V-8, and a 5. 0 liter Depending on the engine, 5 Series fuel economy ranges from 10 to 21 for city and 16 to 28 for highway driving.

The 6 Series comes in for more than its share of change, with a new front air dam and rear fascia, a larger rear spoiler, and a new shift lever similar to X5. That last change is not one that I'm crazy about; the X5 shift lever is needlessly complicated and confusing to use.

For power you have your pick of the 4.8-liter, 360-horsepower V-8 or the 5.0-liter, 500-horsepower V-8. Prices range from $75,500 to $109,000. Look for an mileage rating of 10 to 15 for city driving and 16 to 23 for long road trips.