His name is Jarryd and he's a nice guy. Dressed in chinos and a crisp, white golf shirt, his role is to oversee the smooth running of BMW's so-called Test Fest. Hosted in Palm Springs, California, this annual event invites predominantly North America-based motoring journalists to sample a broad selection of the brand's newest products, including offerings from Mini, Rolls-Royce and Motorrad, the company's motorcycle division.
As for a child let loose in a sweet shop, the choice was almost overwhelming. In one corner of the venue's parking area was an M3 Edition 50 Jahre BMW M finished in anniversary Fire Orange paint while opposite was a Rolls-Royce Phantom, each with its ignition keys poised. The main reason for my previous night's restless sleep, however, had just arrived and Jarryd secured my hour-long test-drive slot.
As I dropped unceremoniously into a deep, carbon-reinforced bucket seat and felt around for the manual fore- and aft adjustment, my host's parting words were a friendly reminder the car is fitted as standard with still cold, Michelin-branded semi-slick tyres. Of the 1 000 units that will ever be produced, this was one of only two cars currently on US soil... Thanks, Jarryd.
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