Have you ever wondered where all the rare and exotic cars disappear when they’re not gracing the roads? That was exactly the thought running through my mind as I stepped onto the Aamby Valley airstrip for the inaugural edition of Generation Speed. The sheer variety and exclusivity of the machines on display made it feel like a hidden world of automotive treasures had suddenly come to life.
The Birth of Generation Speed
The concept behind Generation Speed is simple yet powerful. Event director Martin da Costa, the visionary behind India Bike Week (IBW), explains, “After a decade of IBW, we thought, ‘Why not create something similar for car enthusiasts?’ We wanted to bring together tuners, drifters, overlanders, and every kind of petrolhead under one roof.”
And that’s exactly what they did. The festival wasn’t just about showcasing cars; it was designed as an immersive experience, filled with unexpected turns, jaw-dropping sights, and an electric atmosphere that kept you hooked from start to finish.
A Paradise for Car Lovers
Walking through the festival grounds felt like stepping into a real-life motoring dreamland. Rare JDM legends lined up side by side—Toyota Celicas, Nissan 300ZXs, Subaru WRXs, and more. Just when I thought I had seen it all, the next corner would reveal another automotive marvel, echoing da Costa’s sentiment: “The festival should feel like walking into a village you don’t know well, with surprises at every turn.”
Off-Roading in a Legend
One of the highlights was the Defender Experience, where visitors could get behind the wheel of a Land Rover Defender and tackle a purpose-built off-road course. Despite my limited off-roading experience, my instructor reassured me, “That’s perfectly alright. It gives me a job to do.” The Defender’s electronic wizardry made navigating steep inclines and rocky paths effortless, proving why it remains an off-road icon.
High-Speed Thrills at the Drag Strip
From the rugged dirt trails, I found myself at the heart of high-speed action—the drag strip. Childhood poster cars like the Nissan GT-R, Lamborghini Aventador, and Porsche 911 roared down the straight, joined by tastefully modified Volkswagen Polos (because no Indian car festival is complete without them). But the true spectacle? Formula 4 and Indian Racing League race cars battling for supremacy, their raw power shaking the very ground beneath us. The verdict? The F4 consistently outpaced the Indian Racing League car in the quarter-mile sprint.
Smoke, Drifts, and Stunt Madness
As the sun set, the drift zone came alive, with a haze of tire smoke filling the air. Red Bull stunt rider Aras Gibieza, a former world record holder, stole the show with jaw-dropping freestyle stunts. “Every minute, more people gathered—it was incredible,” he shared afterward, impressed by the festival’s energy. Meanwhile, a pair of Mercedes C-Classes executed synchronized drifts so dramatic that they momentarily vanished behind a thick wall of smoke.
Getting Down and Dirty
Determined to make the most of my time, I arrived early on Day Two and stumbled upon an unexpected gem—a dirt track with Mudslinger SRIII buggies. Powered by 200cc engines, these lightweight machines were pure fun, sliding through loose gravel with ease. By the end, I was covered in dust, a badge of honor from an exhilarating experience.
Legends and Timeless Classics
While exploring a static display of vintage cars, I had a true fanboy moment meeting Indian motorsport legend Vicky Chandhok. Reflecting on the festival’s impact, he said, “Anything that promotes motoring should be embraced. This event brings people together, and the passion here is incredible.”
Classic beauties like the pre-war Fiat Corsa 501 S, Standard Avon, and Adler Trumpf stood as reminders of automotive history, contrasting beautifully with the high-octane action elsewhere.
A Festival for Everyone
Towards the end of the day, I found myself in a quiet tent, listening to professional photographer Ashik Aseem share stories of overlanding adventures. It was a small but passionate gathering, proving that Generation Speed wasn’t just about horsepower and speed—it was about a shared love for motoring in all its forms.
More Than Just a Car Show
The real magic of Generation Speed lay in its inclusivity. You didn’t need a supercar to feel like you belonged. Whether you arrived in a modified Jimny, Thar, or Polo, or simply came to admire, there was something for everyone. From meeting motorsport icons to witnessing insane drag races, from drifting thrills to off-road adventures, the festival was a true celebration of car culture in India.
As Martin da Costa put it, “The key lesson from IBW was making it a people’s festival. We wanted visitors to feel like this was their event.” And that’s exactly how it felt. With plans to expand to more cities like Bengaluru and Delhi, this is just the beginning. Generation Speed isn’t just an event—it’s a movement, and I can’t wait to see where it goes next.
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