1	DRIVER’S SEAT For times when image is everything, columnist Russ Heaps gives you the Jaguar XKR and the BMW 335i. read more...
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4	SPICE At Southern California’s Chuao, more an artisan shop than a chocolate store–it’s all about pushing flavors to their outermost limits. read more...
5	ESCAPE Let paradise in Nicaragua, the land of lakes, volcanoes and archeological treasures nurture the explorer in you. read more...
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driver’s seat

Top Rides

Some drivers wear their automobiles like Hermes neckwear—an unabashed display of self-expression. To these people the automobile they drive is often a key component in defining their image. Coupes and roadsters serve this purpose well because they are simply more personal than sedans, minivans or SUVs. Completely redesigned for 2007, the Jaguar XKR and the BMW 335i are everything an image coupe should be.
Separated by a $45,000 sticker gap, they are united by a sporty attitude, luxury pedigree and a forced-air punch in performance. Whoever said “getting there is half the fun” could have had these coupes in mind.

bmw335i

While the BMW 3-series sedan received its makeover last year, the coupe’s release dallied until the 2007 model year. Sharing very little sheetmetal with the sedan, the coupe is longer, lower and narrower than the four-door. The top-of-the-line coupe is the 335i. Generating its power is a twin turbocharged derivation of the 230-horsepower 3-liter inline six found in the other 3-series coupes. In this application it makes 300 horsepower and 300 lb.-ft. of torque. A ZF six-speed manual is the standard transmission; however, a six-speed Steptronic automatic transmission with steering wheel-mounted shift paddles is a $1,275 option. From stop to 60 mph is in the five-second range.
Although providing M3-like acceleration, this coupe has superior ride quality. Its sport-tuned suspension, however, still delivers superb handling and control. Opting for the $1,000 sport package turns up the heat to include 18-inch alloy wheels, sports seats and a 155 mph speed limiter to replace the stock 3-series 130 mph limiter.
Aggressive and nicely appointed, the 335i is tough to beat among entry-level luxury cars for performance and curb appeal. How do you put a price on love? At BMW it’s $41,295 for the 335i.

JAGUAR xkr

Tapping a supercharger for its extra bounce, the XKR version of the XK’s 4.2-liter V8 delivers 420 horsepower to the XK’s 300. The difference in torque is equally impressive at 420 lb.-ft. versus 310 lb.-ft. A driver-shiftable six-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel-mounted shift paddles hustles output to the rear wheels. This powertrain catapults the XKR to 60 mph from a standstill in less than five seconds. Spring rates have been increased and the steering recalibrated to accommodate the extra power.
XKR styling builds on the exquisite lines of the XK. The major exterior changes are the unique front bumper and wheel design, but there are a number of other, more subtle enhancements as well. Inside the XKR gets sportier seats than the XK with “R” badging applied to the seatbacks and gauges.
The XKR’s $86,500 sticker triggers great expectations for superior performance, comfort and luxury. It delivers on all counts. It gives as good an account of itself on the winding twisties as it does in the valet line. Not only does the new XKR carry on the great traditions of the D-Types and E-Types, it will earn its own place in the Jaguar legend.