Letter From Europe: Super Cars Make A Super Summer

By Andrew Frankl
European Bureau Chief
The Auto Channel

Hello from Budapest scene of the Hungarian Grand Prix. Many years ago I helped to build the circuit which this year will hold its 39th consecutive race.

This is just about the last stop on a Summer of travel, fun, food and driving. As The Auto Channel is essentially about cars I will stick to the subject.

First stop was at Ferrari where they very kindly gave me the keys of a Roma Spider. It looks a bit girly, looks as though it was designed for the ladies who do lunch on Worth Avenue in West Palm Beach but looks are deceiving.

It may look tame in the light green test car that I’ve had but underneath it all it is a very quick, very competent automobile. Not as exciting as its stable mate the 296GTS but then nothing is.

I am sure there is waiting list a mile long for both. There is a very good Ferrari dealer in Menlo Park, go and see them. These cars are worth waiting for.

As for the astonishing 12cilindri I doubt that you will see one in the States for a very long time. Would you believe that these 12 cylinder V12 800 horsepower engines are built by young ladies? Single handedly. And of course they sign the engines afterwards! I saw this at the factory but you will have to take my word for it as photography was strictly forbidden inside the plant.

Next stop Lamborghini. Their Urus, a much-coveted SUV is in a class of its own. The color you could argue about but at 120 miles per hour it is just getting into its stride.

We took it to visit the hotel where that great Brazilian Ayrton Senna spent his last night. The room is now a shine and the guest book is full of Brazilian names. A very moving experience.

Next stop was Budapest where a BMW X2 M35i was waiting for us outside our regular haunt, the Intercontinental where they have been looking after us for the best part of 40 years.

The car, as you can see is not exactly subtle, consequently people stopped, stared and took pictures, many of them selfies next to the Bimmer. It is exceptionally well equipped and provided perfect transport to the Ring.

With 250 thousand people there were plenty of jams but the X2 behaved perfectly. I would not call it a rocket as 0-60 in 5.4 seconds is not exceptional but for 99 percent of the customers it is more than sufficient. The “M” Of course symbolizes superb handling with exceptional brakes and in this department the X2 passes the test with flying colors.

BMW Hungary are a highly successful outfit and judging by the numbers on the streets they are one of the most successful premium brands. Funnily enough they are not into Grand Prix racing like Mercedes and Ferrari but are still doing very well.

My test cars from BMW have been a very happy feature of my visits to Budapest and I am looking forward very much indeed for it continue for many years to come.