You're into modified cars, right? What do you like about them?
I like them because every effort has been made to get the most performance out of them.
I love the fact you can increase the full potential on any standard car with a few tweaks here and there.
What's your favourite modification that you've done to a car?
It was probably on my Vauxhall Nova where I put 18in alloys on and had to have the wheel arches shaved down as the tyres were too big and were rubbing against them.
Also, on my Honda S2000, I had a full exhaust system where I also removed the catalytic converter.
You've mentioned before you also had a 1993 Toyota MR2 Turbo in the UK. Was it tricked out, as well?
It was in amazing condition when I bought it and had very low mileage. I was only 23 years old and the insurance was very expensive. However, it was my first taste of a real sportscar and its performance was awesome.
I put an induction kit, full exhaust system and a blow-off valve on it.
On to your current cars, tell us about your Lotus Exige and Renault Mégane Sport...
I like the fact that they are not too common here in the UAE and that they stand out from the crowd.
But the best thing about them is the way they drive.
Where did you pick them up from?
I got the Mégane off a good mate and I knew what these cars were all about since it was an upgrade from my previous Clio Sport.
I picked up the Lotus from a showroom in Al Awir. I have always wanted a Lotus but didn't think that would be possible in the UAE since there aren't that many. I was looking for an Elise but when I saw this Exige, I had to have it. I bought it without a warranty and knew parts would be difficult to get hold of, but I couldn't resist. Fortunately, it's worked out well and I have no regrets.
Why were you so keen on this particular Exige, then?
Because this one is the S240 model which produces 240bhp. The supercharged 1.8-litre inline-four motor is mated to a six-speed manual and this car boasts lots of goodies including Cup 260 alloys, four-pot racing callipers and adjustable suspension.
Have you modified either of them? If so, what have you done?
The Mégane has been tweaked and has a Pipercross induction kit, Forge blow-off valve and 17in 35th-anniversary alloys.
The Lotus is pretty much standard but I have added a four-point safety harness, semi-slick tyres and a rear-view camera. I have some new Pagid racing brake pads and a TRD air box that I still need to fit. Its performance is awesome. It weighs just 930kg and hits 0-100kph in around four seconds. It is a bit of a mission to get in and out of but I have mastered the technique now. It's pretty comfortable but you can't see anything out of the rear window. However, it was the perfect car to get me to the top of Jebel Hafeet. It's small, agile and very quick and just loves twisty roads. I can't say my friends fared as well as me...
What were they driving?
One had a Porsche Cayman S, another had a Chevrolet Lumina SS and the third had a Camaro SS. They didn't stand a chance against my Exige. Let's just say I was waiting a while before they made it up there.
Both your cars would be a blast on the track. Any plans to take them there?
Yes. I want to do that now the weather has cooled. I will definitely be hitting the Dubai Autodrome and Yas Marina tracks to test their full capabilities.
What do people think of your cars?
They like them but the Exige is the one that turns the most heads. People are always taking photos of it and asking me questions about it.
Are you a part of any car clubs here?
I am part of an unofficial Lotus club where the members meet for a chat every now and then. They have a variety of different Exiges and Elises. If there is anyone else out there that owns a Lotus, please get in touch.
So, is the Exige your dream machine?
No, that would be the Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera.
Bio
Name Ben Corby
Job Project manager
From UK
Wheels 2006 Renault Mégane Sport and a 2009 Lotus Exige S240
In the UAE Five years
