Standout wheels

The UAE is a car-buyer's paradise. Why bring one with you?

Because I couldn't find one here with the same specs, and I really feel my car is unique. You won't find one like it here, or in Quebec, where I come from.

Bit of a change for you then?

Big change. At this time of the year in Quebec, the temperature is -10°C with ice and slippery roads. You need snow tyres and chains and a lot of confidence in your driving to stay on the roads. My car also has heated seats, heated mirrors and a heated steering wheel. Not that you need those here though.

So why here?

My team of engineers and I design and install control systems for aluminium smelters, and we're currently building the largest smelter in the world for EMAL, at Al Taweelah in Abu Dhabi. Interesting challenge.

 And the wheels?

Well, the car is a stock BMW 545i with a six-speed manual transmission, and an amazingly long list of options so it actually feels like a custom car here. It has navigation, a head-up display which I love, hydraulic anti-roll bar for cornering stability, active steering and an amazing Logic 7 sound system.

I even like the iDrive system. I use it as my mobile conference room when I'm commuting, catching up with my colleagues here, or in Canada via Bluetooth. My commute starts in the Dubai Marina, and the car is fast, flat in the corners and incredibly comfortable for such a long run each day.

The other wheels?

Those are for the weekends. My bike is a BMW R1100RT long distance sports tourer which I bought brand new in Canada in 2000. It's great for exploring the UAE on weekends and for driving up to the Autodrome to go karting with friends. I haven't done anything to it apart from fitting a wireless tyre pressure monitor. After two punctures and two accidents, I know the importance of being warned when something is wrong with the tyres on a motorcycle. Now I ride with peace of mind.

The thing I like about the motorcycle is that it is so pure. There are almost no electronics so it's all up to you. You have to stay concentrated to make perfect shifts and take perfect curves, and you get such an adrenaline rush from going fast through twisty back roads. Riding fast for a long distance is very relaxing, and so easy on a bike as well-balanced as the R1100RT. This was my first road bike, but it is also my dream bike.

Then what's your dream car?

Being obsessed with speed and technology, my dream car changes every year for a newer model, Ferrari always being on top of my list. The 458 Italia is currently my dream car.

Bio

• Name: Guy Cyr
• Job: Automation engineer
• From: Quebec, Canada
• Wheels: BMW 545i and R1100RT
• In Dubai: Seven months