Revving Up the Weekend: Mohali's Origins of Speed Arena Celebrates Car Culture
A Thrilling Showcase of Automotive Passion
The serene atmosphere of Mohali on Sunday was electrified by the sound of powerful engines, creating a thrilling backdrop for the Origins of Speed Arena at CP67 Mall. This event was more than just a car exhibition; it was a vibrant celebration of the passion for speed shared by enthusiasts from Punjab and Haryana.
Ditching the conventional car showroom vibe, the day kicked off in Chandigarh’s Sector 8, where a parade of supercars cruised through the sleepy streets, stopping for coffee in Banur before arriving at a venue filled with gleaming Lamborghinis, Porsches, AMGs, and Hayabusas. The crowd erupted in cheers as drivers showcased their skills with controlled drifts, turning CP67 into a haven for car lovers.
Leading this automotive movement is Vipul Kumar, who has dedicated 15 years to capturing the essence of cars and fostering a community over the past five years. "We’ve gathered every Sunday for four years," he shared, pointing to the impressive lineup of vehicles from Chandigarh, Patiala, Sangrur, and Malerkotla. "This isn’t just about flashy plates; it’s about our shared passion for speed. The enthusiasm in Chandigarh is palpable, and the market is expanding."
Mansehaj Singh from Sector 11 showcased his Lamborghini Gallardo Final Edition, previously owned by actor John Abraham. "The LP550-2 is a pure rear-wheel-drive beast, hitting 100 km/h in under four seconds with a top speed of 320 km/h," he detailed. His impressive collection also features a Porsche Taycan, a classic Mini Cooper from 1993, a BMW M2, and a vintage 1967 Beetle. "But rear-wheel drive is where my heart lies," he smiled, eyeing a Porsche 911 as his next target, often enjoying drives to the Starbucks in Dharampur.
Devvrat Rana from Paonta Sahib arrived with a unique sleeper saloon, one of just five Jaguar XFRs in India, boasting a powerful 600 bhp. "I appreciate cars that appear understated until you unleash their power," he remarked, noting this is his first supercar, although his garage also includes a Harley Davidson Low Rider S and a modified Polo.
Gursewak Singh, an early member of SEPH from Chandigarh, displayed his Porsche Cayenne GTS and reminisced about road trips to Goa. Akshit Katyal turned heads with his newly acquired Mercedes G580, an all-electric powerhouse that complements his Porsche 911 and MG Cyberster. "I’ve always enjoyed standing out," he confessed, discussing his custom color choices and thrilling drives on airport roads.
Nostalgia was in the air as Rapsy Dhalla from Sector 18 arrived in his Mercedes SL55 AMG, enjoying leisurely drives through Chandigarh’s sectors. The car’s value is often overshadowed by its unique number plate ending in 0055, a prized possession he secured at auction, alongside his Porsche Carrera S and BMW Z4, adding a touch of European elegance to his collection.
Motorcycles also had their moment, with Divyanshu Gulati, known as Dishu Records, arriving on a rare Honda NM4 Vultus, the only one in India. Imported from the UK and affectionately dubbed "Batman," this futuristic bike features paddle shifters and a long wheelbase. "It’s designed for flat terrains, not mountains," he noted, although he has taken it on adventures across Jaisalmer and the Himalayan Expressway. Dishu’s biker group, Busa Brothers, has been riding Hayabusas for over a decade, recently adding a 25th-anniversary edition from Bengaluru, which he broke in with a ride to Kanyakumari.
As the event wrapped up and attendees moved towards a post-event breakfast, it was clear that the Arena had achieved its goal. This gathering was not merely about selling cars or making noise; it was a celebration of culture, camaraderie, and the stories etched in tire marks and exhaust fumes. While the engines may have cooled, the excitement for the next gathering is already building.