Ahmed Alamri, UAE national drift champion

AutoMiddleEast.com met up with UAE national drift champion Ahmed Alamri and spoke to him about the new Toyota Emirates Drifting team, the Toyota 86 and his future as the best drifter in the Middle East.

Q. Congratulations on the formation of Toyota Emirates Drifting Team. Can you tell us more about the Toyota 86 you are working on?
A. Thank you so much! I’m really excited about the new team and I’m really looking forward to driving the 86 on professional circuits. The 86 is a great car and since the moment I drove the car at the launch I have been itching to give it a go on a pro-drift circuit. The car we are working on will have a lot of aftermarket parts that we are ordering from America and Japan. We are going in for engine modifications and other performance accessories that will enhance the performance of the Toyota 86. We are also building our own custom part here in the UAE which is a totally unique part and I believe that will give us the edge over the competition.

Q. How does it feel to be a part of a factory sponsored team and how supportive has Toyota been so far?
A. I’m delighted to be associated with one of the finest automotive companies in the world and ever since the start the technical team from Emirates Drifting team has been in close contact with the technical team at Toyota regarding the aftermarket and performance parts for our car. Toyota has also been very supportive regarding our ideas and we have complete access to their technical facilities.

Q. Can you give us more details on the technical modifications done to your car?
A. Toyota Emirates Drifting Team is making a winning drifting machine, there is no doubt about that! We have ordered a lot of parts to tune the engine and the suspension to boost the cars performance. We are also making a custom suspension part here in the UAE. Even though we are using a lot of aftermarket parts the core components are essentially Toyota. The transmission is a Toyota box with some aftermarket touches. We have ordered a lot of aftermarket strengthening parts for the engine because we are looking at a final output of around 500 – 550bhp at the rear wheels.

Q. How do expect to fare against other factory sponsored teams in the Middle East?
A. I started my drifting career with Toyota and now I have an amazing car with the best wheelbase. We don’t only have a good platform to start with but we also have a tremendous scope to alter the car for drifting thanks to the immense popularity of this car around the world. I can guarantee that Toyota Emirates drifting team will try their best to be on every podium. I’m not so concerned about other factory teams because we have a solid platform and I believe we are much better in terms of technical competence.

Q. Are there any plans for a class specific drifting competitions for the Toyota 86?
A. This is exactly what we are hoping for. In the next two years we are planning to start a drifting series for Toyota 86 owners. We will organise drift competitions and supervise the events to ensure a safe and enjoyable conditions for all participants. We are very keen on increasing the popularity of the sport in the Middle East and we are also accessible for any queries or questions that anyone might have regarding drifting in the UAE. Our followers can ask us questions via our Facebook page and we promise to reply within 24-48 hours. We will also be posting updates on our progress on our Facebook page for those who want to see the modifications in detail.

Q. Do you have a favorite drifter or is there someone you idolise?
A. I do follow a lot of international drifters but I don’t idolise anyone. I'm my own inspiration.

2012 Ford Mondeo

The Mondeo is a European-built mid-size sedan, which has gained a reputation for being a good value family car. A much-improved fourth generation Mondeo was introduced in the region in 2008 to better compete with archrivals like the Honda Accord and the Toyota Camry.
The 2012 Ford Mondeo is available in two trim versions; Trend and Titanium. Buyers can choose from two engines; a base 145bhp, 2.0-litre engine available with a five-speed manual gearbox or a 161bhp, 2.3-litre unit mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Sadly the front-wheel drive Mondeo is not available with a V6 engine like many of its competitors. Performance is brisk however and the Mondeo is known for its dynamic handling and refined ride.
Ford’s kinetic design theme adds some flair to the exterior, which manages to please most. The interior is contemporary and well laid out but the base versions lack essential conveniences and equipment. The top end Titanium trim however comes loaded with 16-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, leather wrapped steering, sunroof, power windows, cruise control, keyless entry, faux wood ascents, ambient lighting and B pillar air conditioning ducts. Ford has not compromised on safety and all three versions come with dual front airbags, front-seat side airbags, curtain airbags, driver side knee airbags and ABS with EBD.
Options include leather seats, ventilated front seats, sport suspension, front and rear parking sensors, stability control, adaptive cruise control, keyless start button and Xenon adaptive headlights.
Specifications
Price: AED 75,000 – AED 100,000
Engines
2-litre inline-4
Max power: 146bhp
Max torque: 185Nm
2.3-litre inline-4
Max power: 161bhp
Max torque: 209Nm
Transmission
6-speed automatic

2012 Nissan Xterra

2012 Nissan Xterra

The Nissan Xterra is a rugged SUV with proper off-road credentials and it looks the part. Big wheel arches, a front scuff plate and a high ground clearance, combined with chunky plastic bumpers and big tyres say that this machine is not afraid of a bit of sand or dirt. A step is built into the rear to allow easy access to the roof rack, which has moveable crossbars for flexible storage options.
The boot features ten clip and hook points in the floor, walls and ceiling, allowing for all manner of gear to be stowed safely. Inside, there’s no fancy soft-touch materials here; rather a raft of wipe-clean plastic surfaces. Available features do make some concessions to luxury and include a six CD changer, Bluetooth phone connectivity and satellite navigation.
If you know your off-roading, then you’ll understand the relevance of a 33-degree approach angle and 29-degree angle of departure. If you don’t, then just rest assured that it means the Xterra can go up and down pretty steep slopes.
Three versions of the Xterra are available for 2010: X, S and SE grades. All three get their power from a 4.0-litre V6 engine, producing 270bhp and attached to a five-speed automatic gearbox or a 6-speed manual that is available as an option on the X and the S variants. The four-wheel drive system can be switched between two and four-wheel power while on the move at speeds of up to 100kph. There’s also a low-ratio option for off-roading. A system called Active Brake Limited Slip (ABLS) helps to maintain traction on slippery surfaces.
Safety features include front, side and curtain airbags as well as ABS with electronic brakeforce distribution and VDC (electronic stability control).
Specifications
Price: AED 100,000 – AED 120,000
Engine
4-litre V6
Max power: 270bhp at 5600rpm
Max torque: 386Nm at 4000rpm
Transmission
5-speed automatic
6-speed manual

2012 Volkswagen Tiguan

 

The Phaeton is a large, limousine-like sedan from Volkswagen and represents a bold idea that didn’t really work – commercially at least. It was conceived by Ferdinand Piech as a worthy competitor to the best seller in the luxury saloon segment, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class.

VW hoped that the car would challenge the luxury barges produced by the likes of Mercedes-Benz and BMW, but the Volkswagen name just didn’t hold the prestige that buyers of such cars wanted. The Volkswagen Phaeton shares its underpinnings with a heavyweight like the Bentley Continental GT and has some of the very best technology found in any car as of today.Volkswagen went on to file over 150 patents in the process of building the Phaeton. But because of its people carrier badge, the Phaeton didn’t sell in volumes that VW expected.
The car was given a facelift in 2011, with LED running lights, a few other minor exterior tweaks and a revamped interior. VW says that the already high quality interior is now even more luxurious. Features include four-zone air conditioning, powered boot lid, air suspension and a 150-function infotainment system.

 

Options include a rear seat DVD and TV system, satellite navigation and even a 17.5-litre fridge. Power seats, allow wheels and a sun roof are all-standard. The car comes with five seats as standard, although the Phaeton can be ordered with four seats for more space in the back.
Performance comes from a choice of three engines, all of which are mated to a four-wheel drive system. A 3.2-litre V6 makes 241bhp while the 4.2-litre V8 puts out 335bhp and bother are mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox. The most powerful option is a massive 6.0-litre W12 unit (think of two V6s fused together) that pushes out 450bhp through a five-speed gearbox and this engine is ‘on order’ only.
The Phaeton is available in a regular and a long-wheelbase and the GCC only gets the long-wheelbase version.
Specifications
Price: AED 225,000 – AED 420,000
Engine
3.2-litre V6
Max power: 241bhp
Max torque: 315Nm
4.2-litre V8
Max power: 334bhp
Max torque: 430Nm
6-litre W12
Max power: 450bhp
Max torque: 560Nm
Transmission
5-speed automatic, all-wheel-drive

Ferrari 458 Italia v McLaren MP4-12C

Ferrari - The newest of the new - the current rivalry between the McLaren MP4-12C and the Ferrari 48 Italia has all the makings of a classic: an established player of unquestioned pedigree, facing off against a fine young upstart.

Ferrari

McLaren - Extra frisson is added by Ferrari and McLaren's Formula One opposition, of course, but the real twist comes when the 12C found itself losing out in almost every twin test - despite having more power. This isn't over yet.

Mitsubishi Evo v Subaru WXR STi

Mitsubishi - Another classic battle born from competition - Subaru and Mitsubishi have been going toe-to-toe on rally stages for years now. This has been great news for us petrolheads, since the rival road cars are amongst the most thrilling around.

Mitsubishi Evo

 Subaru - The days of rally dominance may be over, as rally legislations now favour smaller hatchbacks, but you can still pick your favourite on the road. The Evo is generally edgier, the Subaru more supple, both are explosive - your choice.

Subaru WXR STi

Lamborghini Countach v Ferrari Testarossa

Lamborghini - Moving away from racetrack and rally stages and onto the bedroom wall - is there a more classic 80s motoring rivalry than this? The Ferrari Testarossa and the Lamborghini Countach - both paragons of outrageous (and outmoded) style.

Lamborghini Countach

 Ferrari - The Countach is actually a child of the 70s, with the Testarossa arriving an entire decade later on - but both are mid-engined, both have 12 cylinders and both continue to turn heads today

Ferrari Testarossa