Bio
Name Sohaib Israr
Job Sales manager
From Pakistan
Wheels 2008 Nissan 350Z
In the UAE One year
So, what brought you to the UAE?
The cars. It's as simple as that. I have only been in the UAE for a year and it really was the amazing range of cars that attracted me.
You've got a nice looking 350Z there. Tell us about it…
It's a 2008 model with a custom bodykit, bespoke interior and a Bose sound system. It's equipped with 20in alloys and has had some minor modifications such as custom headers, a Borla exhaust system, a racing clutch and a cold air intake. It used to belong to an Emirati gentleman who was selling it because he needed something more practical as he had a wife and kid. I went to check the car out and it was in superb condition with just 18,000km on the clock. Naturally, I didn't think twice before buying it. It's been mine for just over three months.
That paint job doesn't look stock…
No, it's a special three-tone paint called Sunset Orange, making it possibly the only 350Z of its kind in the UAE. You usually get this colour on a Porsche GT3 RS and some of the Gemballa editions. I make sure my car gets washed on a daily basis while on the weekends it gets a full check-up when I top up all the fluids. I usually take it to a friend's garage and I'm satisfied with his work.
With all the mods on the car, it must be pretty quick?
It has a 3.5-litre V6 with a six-speed manual, which in its original form has 306bhp, but mine is pushing out 360 horses at the wheels and the handling is amazing. It'll hunt down V8 Mustangs and Camaros with ease. I drive it daily and I especially enjoy taking it on the Emirates Road or the Dubai-Al Ain Highway. I'm also planning a trip to Jebel Hafeet.
It must get a lot of attention...
With its custom wheels, bodykit and paint it is a head turner. People usually take photos when I am waiting at the traffic lights. It's popular with the youth and they usually come and ask me details about it and I often find a note on my windshield asking if I want to sell it. I remember once I was coming out of my parking lot and was pulled over by a police officer literally yards from my apartment. I thought I was about to receive my first fine but surprisingly, the officer asked me if he could get a closer look at the car. He revved the engine and told me it's an amazing car and that I should take good care of it.
Do you have a dream car?
I would like a 2010 Dodge Challenger SRT8 but if I hit the big time, I'd love a Rolls-Royce Phantom with a custom Ferrari red paint job and 22in chrome wheels. And failing that, a Lamborghini Murciélago LP670-4 SV.
