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Power on your wheels
By: Urmimala Banerjee

Mumbai: 

MD and CEO of Impresario Entertainment and Hospitality Riyaaz Amlani flaunts his Toyota HiLux Surf    PIC / Atul Kamble

Your car can make you a hero from a zero. We bet that you will agree on this. The simplest of people can grab eyeballs with their choice of wheels. A stylish, powerful and performance driven car is invariably seen as an extension of its owner.  No doubt people are so conscious about their cars and the statement they make.

Riyaaz Amlani, the MD and CEO of Impresario Entertainment and Hospitality and an automobile freak says, "I am a big guy and need a big car too.  My Toyota HiLux Surf is rugged, stylish yet practical. It's high on performance and can be driven around Mumbai with ease."

While Riyaaz uses his car almost everyday there are others who take out cars for different occasions. Anuj Saxena, MD, Elder Healthcare has a fleet of cars. "I prefer cars that are strong and luxurious. Moreover, they should make for really smooth driving. The fact that I am driving a good machine makes me feel powerful." Keeping with his corporate image, Anuj travels in his Mercedes to meetings, press conferences and parties reserving his Pajero for the rougher terrains. 

These two corporates are known for flamboyant lifestyles and their cars are just a part of it.  But the power of a sexy set of four wheels can't be denied. If you aren't the best looker around, your car can boost your self-image to great extent. A big car with cool accessories can give you a lot of confidence and draw attention towards you. "Your automobiles can get you noticed and make for great conversations," says Riyaaz. 

It makes a sure statement about your wealth and lifestyle without you having to do the talking. And that's more than enough to make you look and feel powerful.  Plus, there's the practical side as well.  Whether it's zipping through the traffic in a small compact car or conquering a rough terrain you car can make you feel like a superman.  It saves you from the nightmare of travelling in dirty trains or crowded buses.  In the cosy confines of your car, you truly feel like a king.

Making your car stand out
Colour magic: Painting a red dragon or a blue lightning graphic over a red or black car can add some drama to your vehicle. This is one of the cheapest things to do. 
Wheel works: Get a pair of classy alloy wheels in your car. They look very sexy and improve the steering and speed of the car.
Personal touch: You can get floor mats or covers with your favourite characters or symbols done on them. 
Light well: Make your car look special at night with some under body neon lights and light fittings. A few graphic stickers on your car will reflect the light and draw attention to your car. 
Outside view: Get some cool exterior accessories like rear spoilers, rear and front bumpers, side view mirrors, side steps, bars, etc.  If nothing else works, these will surely do the trick.

Celebrity cars
Jamie Lee Curtis- Honda FCX Clarity
Halloween actress Jamie Lee Curtis' owns a Honda FCX Clairty, which is a hydrogen powered car. The car is super luxurious, yet eco-friendly releasing only heat and water as by-products.
Personality type: Jamie's choice reflects her classy and outgoing nature as well as her sense of social consciousness

David Beckham- Rolls Royce Phantom Drophead convertible
Soccer stud David Beckham owns a Rolls Royce Phantom Drophead convertible with a custom-built 24-inch Savini Forged wheels, colour-matched exterior trim and Beckham's '23' seamed into the seats.
Personality type: The car shows off Beckham's flamboyant and elegant tastes not to mention his wealth

Sharon Stone- Bentley Continental Grand Tourer
Bentley's Continental GT has both the power and performance to make heads turn. The car's design is one of the finest in the world much like the lady's curves.  Personality type: Mysterious, alluring and intelligent, Sharon's choice is a stunning one

Arnold Schwarzenegger - Dodge Challenger SRT8
Arnie's orange Dodge Challenger SRT8 is pure muscle. Its engine produces 370 horsepower (276kw) with a five-speed automatic. The car has bucket seats with aggressive bolsters and dark grey leather seats.
Personality type: The car exudes Arnie's power and charisma. Well, the terminator seems to have found his dream machine

urmimala.banerjee@mid-day.com









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