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2007 BMW Z4 Coupe

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We’ve listed the models that register the quickest 0-60 mph times based on information provided by the automaker or, in two cases, gleaned from trusted sources. Each vehicle on the list gets an EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of at least 20 mpg around town and 22 mpg in combined city/highway driving for the 2007 model year. All information regarding fuel economy, consumption, costs and emissions is provided by the EPA.

• Fuel economy ratings (MPG) are the highest mileage estimates quoted by the EPA for each model line, and are expressed in city/highway/combined figures, with the latter based on a factor of 55 percent city driving and 45 percent highway driving. Your mileage will vary: by the agency’s own admission most fuel economy ratings are already overstated by about nine to 12 percent due to discrepancies between the lab conditions under which the EPA tests vehicles and the real-world conditions most drivers face. The EPA also warns that “aggressive” driving — for which these cars are built — can further reduce gas mileage by as much as 33 percent at highway speeds and by 5 percent in the city.

• Annual fuel cost is based on combined city/highway mileage estimates at an assumed industry average of 15,000 miles driven per year, with the cost of premium fuel set at $3.00 per gallon (the Lotus Elise/Exige can run on regular fuel, the cost of which is set at $2.80 per gallon).

• Annual oil consumption is based on the EPA’s formula of one barrel of crude oil yielding 42 gallons of refined gasoline.

• Annual Emissions include the three major greenhouse gases emitted by motor vehicles: carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, and methane. They’re “full fuel-cycle estimates,” which consider all steps in the use of a fuel, from production and refining to distribution and final use. The vehicle manufacturing process is excluded, however.