Potholes and unscientific speed breakers ruin fun: Highs and lows of owning supercar in Bengaluru

Potholes and unscientific speed breakers ruin the fun of driving supercars in Bengaluru.BENGALURU: Vrooming in a supercar in Bengaluru could turn into an unpleasant experience within seconds. “Potholes, oversized speedbreakers, and poorly designed dividers lacking reflectors present significant challenges. These become particularly problematic for supercars which typically have low ground clearance,” says Rajath KK, 23, who owns a BMW M6.Many Bengalureans today can afford high-performance supercars and have the passion to drive them, but the limitations are many. Night drives are safer, says Rajath, who lives in Abbigere in Jalahalli and runs an interior design company.

“Navigating the city requires careful planning. I drive during early morning hours or late at night for several reasons – heavy traffic congestion in the city, local residents’ reactions, and unpredictable lane changes by other motorists,” he says. Waterlogging is another big concern, especially during the monsoon season. “We invest considerable resources in purchasing and modifying these vehicles, and any damage would result in substantial repair costs,” Rajath says.

Zubair Ali Jung, who drives around Bengaluru in his Audi 8, notes that supercar owners pay premium road taxes, but have to settle for potholes and uneven surfaces that severely impact the driving experience.Rajath pleads that supercar and bike owners are a misunder stood lot. “High-performance exhausts in our vehicles are not merely aesthetic additions but crucial components that enhance vehicle performance and functionality,” he says.

The turn on

For all their complaints, supercar owners also have their many moments of joy. “The roar of my supercar’s V-10 engine gives me a high, with the intake and exhaust notes turning me on,” says A R Shabbir, businessman and racer who owns a Lamborghini.Rajath looks forward to car enthusiast gatherings, which are gaining popularity. Team Clutches, a group founded by him, hosts meetups and car shows. He is a regular at events organized by 6th Gear and Htrz Modz too.

The events, he says, foster a sense of community amongst fellow enthusiasts.Zubair also loves meeting new people. The 36-year-old, nicknamed Spiderman by his friends, says owning a supercar can broaden one’s social connections.“It feels great to be part of a community of enthusiasts. When we glide into these beauties and cruise together, it creates wonderful moments of happiness and camaraderie,” smiles Jung, who is part of groups like Team1 Racing and Team Clutches.At these gatherings, participants share knowledge and collaborate on shared objectives. The supercar market in India is unorganised. Interactions with other car enthusiasts helps one gain valuable insights on what needs to be sold or bought.Aditya Arora, founder of Boit Club and who has been a supercar owner for the last 14 years, says they regularly coordinate social gatherings and facilitate new vehicle unveiling ceremonies. A specialised 3D animation facility that he offers helps create detailed visualisations of supercar modifications prior to actual implementation.