Buckle up, because Rehan Tanveer doesn’t just drive, he feels cars. From the 350Z’s growl to the MX-5’s precision, he moves through Pakistan’s automotive world like a finely tuned machine. Engineer by training, content creator by instinct, and petrolhead at heart, he sees cars as identity, investment, and adrenaline. With the ignition on, it’s never just horsepower; you get culture, insight, and controlled chaos.
Synergyzer: You own and build performance cars in an economy that often punishes luxury. Is driving a 350z in Pakistan rebellion, reward, or responsibility?
Rehan Tanveer: Driving or owning a fast car is always a responsibility. There is a famous saying: with great power comes great responsibility, and I completely agree. I keep this in mind and try to pass it on to a younger audience as well.
Owning such cars in Pakistan is never easy. I have five other cars, four of which are sports cars, making a total of five sports cars. Even a small replacement part usually has to come from Dubai, the US, the UK, Australia, or elsewhere. Very little is available locally. Basic maintenance items like oil and filters are easy to find, but parts such as plugs and, especially, body panels are difficult to get. Mechanical parts might sometimes be available, but body parts almost always need to be imported.
Synergyzer: With rising fuel prices and more hybrids on the road, is Pakistan’s car culture driven by passion, status, or practicality?
Rehan Tanveer: I have been part of the motorsports community for about 15 years, and honestly, fuel prices have never really been an issue for us. We have seen petrol go from Rs 50 or 60 to where it is today, but most enthusiasts spend far more on their cars than their actual value anyway. When you are only driving for an hour or so a week, fuel costs barely matter for the majority of people in this space.
Yes, engines are getting smaller, but many cars in Pakistan still offer great tunability. The Civic Turbo, both the 10th and 11th generations, has been very popular, and newer cars like the Hyundai Sonata also have strong tuning potential. Enthusiasts still enjoy extracting more power through modifications. At the same time, many people now keep hybrids or small-engine cars for daily use or family driving, while performance cars remain more of a passion project.
Synergyzer: Has social media changed how Pakistanis buy, modify, and value cars?
Rehan Tanveer: Yes, social media has changed everything. Car and parts prices have been affected worldwide, not just in Pakistan. For example, wheels like VSKF that once sold for around $1,000 now go for $4,000 to $5,000 because they became popular online.
Cars have seen the same impact. The Toyota Supra is a great example; years ago it sold for 20–35 lakh in Pakistan, but today a 90s Supra can be worth around 4 crore. The surge comes from social media creating awareness, building enthusiasts, and driving demand for both cars and parts.
Synergyzer: Pakistan has a strong “fix it, modify it, upgrade it” mindset from engine swaps to bhatti paint jobs. Where do we draw the line between creativity and excess in our car modification culture?
Rehan Tanveer: Car modification is not unique to Pakistan; enthusiasts everywhere do it. We simply adapt ideas we see abroad. For example, my 350 is tuned by a gora, and our goal is to build the fastest 350 in Pakistan and even target the world record for the fastest 350Z quarter-mile. And yes, we learn a lot by watching others.
That said, speed alone should not be the focus. A car should be able to stop as well as it can go. Many people chase big horsepower numbers, but without proper balance, those numbers don’t always translate into real performance. There is still a lot for us to learn.
Synergyzer: Used cars are now investment assets. Do you think enthusiasts think emotionally, or strategically, when buying vehicles today?
Rehan Tanveer: I have actually made a fortune from owning used sports cars. For nearly a decade, most of the cars I bought appreciated in value and earned me a profit. The market may have shifted slightly in the last few years, but overall, they have been strong assets. It really comes down to strategy and knowing your product. If you understand cars well, you can make money from them. Many enthusiasts have recognised this for years; others are only realising it now.
Synergyzer: EVs are entering the conversation. Climate solution or elite toy, where do you stand?
Rehan Tanveer: I have worked with cars and hybrids for over a decade, and here is
my take: EVs are largely disposable. Repairs can be complex, unlike petrol cars, where parts can be swapped easily. EVs are trendy now, but I don’t see them lasting long in Pakistan. Hybrids are more practical; you still have an engine if the battery fails. Cars like the Prius can keep running even with battery issues. I am not a big fan of EVs as a full climate solution; hybrids make more sense.
Synergyzer: You have built a brand around cars. Do you think today’s automotive influencers carry responsibility beyond reviews, especially when younger audiences watch?
Rehan Tanveer: Every influencer carries responsibility and should focus on constructive content. Younger audiences look up to us and often try to follow our lead, so it’s important to set the right example.
I always say: if you are comfortable with a family member doing what you are doing, then it’s fine; if not, you should reconsider. Ultimately, we are answerable to God for how we use our voice and influence. If we keep that in mind, we can use our platforms to create positive change.
Synergyzer: If traffic laws vanished for a day, what car would you drive and where would you go?
Rehan Tanveer: I am more of a quarter- or half-mile kind of guy; I do not push my cars to the edge because I love them too much. For a full-day thrill, I would aim to set a fastest-time run from Karachi to Lahore, ideally in a 2020 E63 4MATIC on proper highways. If the roads aren’t ideal, I would take a tuned LC200 Land Cruiser with upgraded suspension and tyres, making the best of the conditions.
