THE GOLD STANDARD

Celebrating its M Division's 50th anniversary, BMW has dusted off its fabled CSL badge once more. We got behind the wheel of the new car with fond memories of its E46 predecessor

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.