A Roar That Doesn’t Echo Abroad
Why India cheers, but global markets don’t even blink. (and more ofc)
This week on DRS Diaries : we’re breaking down differentials with the smoothest analogy you’ve ever read, revisiting the historic birth of the modern dashboard, diving into The Driver’s Room to explore why Tata still can’t crack the global game (while Mahindra sharpens its passport), and spotlighting the Spigen magnetic mount, the only ₹1,000 gadget that won’t shake itself into another timezone. Let’s get into it!
Car Tech Explained Like You're 5
What’s a Differential? (The Tiny Gear That Makes Cars Not Fight Themselves)
Imagine you and your friend are holding hands and running around a big circle.
- Your friend is on the outside, so they have to run more.
- You’re on the inside, so you run less.
- If you both try to run the same steps, someone will fall on their face. Probably you.
Cars have the same problem when they turn.
The two wheels in the front (or back) are like two friends going around a circle:
- The outside wheel needs to spin faster
- The inside wheel needs to spin slower
But the engine sends power as one single push.
So how do the wheels decide who goes fast and who chills?
That’s where the differential comes in.
It’s a small metal box full of gears that does one simple job: Let each wheel spin at its own speed while still sharing power.
Why is it important?
Without a differential:
- Your tyres would scream
- The car would shake
- Cornering would feel like dragging a shopping trolley sideways
- And tyres would wear out faster than your phone battery at 2%
Quick Example
Turning right?
- Right wheel: “Bro, I’m on the inside. I’ll go slow.”
- Left wheel: “Say less. I’ll go faster.”
- Differential: “Relax boys, I got both of you. Don’t fight.”
In short
A differential is the tiny superhero that makes sure your car turns smoothly without the wheels arguing about who should spin faster.
This Week in Petrolhead History: Nov 16, 2017
Tesla Unveils the Next-Gen Roadster + Tesla Semi
This week back in 2017, Tesla walked on stage and absolutely detonated the internet.
On November 16, 2017, during the official launch of the Tesla Semi, Elon Musk pulled one of the wildest “one more thing” moments in automotive history, revealing the second-generation Tesla Roadster, claiming it would be the quickest production car ever made.
0–100 km/h in 1.9 seconds.
400+ km/h top speed.
1,000+ km range.
Whether you love or hate Tesla, that announcement changed how the world talked about EV performance.
Why it matters:
This wasn’t just a new car reveal. It was the moment EVs stopped being “eco machines” and officially stepped into supercar territory.
The same event also showcased the Tesla Semi, promising huge changes for commercial EV trucking.
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The Driver’s Room
The Global Fight Tata Isn’t Winning (Yet)
There’s an Indian brand building safe, sensible, well-packaged cars at scale. And yet… the world still isn’t lining up for them. Tata has the muscle, the talent, and the money, but something keeps holding them back from going global the way Mahindra is starting to.
The Quiet Gap
While Mahindra is testing the waters in Australia, South Africa, Europe and even the US (indirectly), Tata still behaves like a brand preparing for an exam instead of taking it. Great intentions. Great engineering. But not enough international confidence.
Good Cars, Missing Bite
Punch, Nexon, Harrier - all solid products.
Quality? Improving.
Safety? Excellent.
But globally? Buyers want powertrains that excite, AWD systems that matter, and refinement that sets benchmarks. Tata’s engines are fine… but “fine” doesn’t win hearts overseas.
India-First Engineering
Tata builds cars for Indian needs - rough roads, value packs, safety, practicality. Perfect for us. Not enough for markets with tougher emission rules, sharper performance expectations, and stricter NVH standards. Mahindra, meanwhile, built engines that genuinely punch at an international level.
Brand Image Isn’t Travelling
In India, Tata sells trust and safety. Globally, those badges aren’t enough. When buyers compare Tata to Toyota, Hyundai, or even MG, the Indian badge feels too new, too. Mahindra earns curiosity. Tata earns hesitation.
The Missed Spark
India buys emotions. The world buys identity. Mahindra’s new products have swagger, character, presence. Tata’s feel mature, serious, almost corporate. Great for home turf. But not something that makes a European or American buyer go, “Damn, what is that?”
My two paise
Tata isn’t behind because they're weak. They’re behind because they’re cautious. They’re building responsibly, one step at a time. But in a world moving fast, cautious looks like slow. If Tata ever unleashes their full capability, we might finally see an Indian brand challenging the big guns abroad. Until then… Mahindra seems to be the one packing its bags for the global fight.
What do you think? Will Tata ever make that leap, or is Mahindra running away with the trophy already?
Petrolhead Pick
Spigen Magnetic Air Vent Mount - The Only Phone Holder That Won’t Embarrass Your Dashboard
Car phone mounts are usually two things:
ugly… and shakier than a Santro at 120 km/h.
This one isn’t.
The Spigen Magnetic Air Vent Car Holder is one of the few mounts that looks premium enough to actually belong inside a modern car.
Strong magnets, clean finish, and zero rattles, even on Mumbai roads that feel like lunar craters.
Why it deserves the spotlight:
- Super strong magnet - your phone won’t do a backflip when you hit a bump
- Vent + dashboard mount included - place it exactly where you prefer
- Minimal, OEM-like design - doesn’t ruin the cabin aesthetic
- Perfect for wireless CarPlay/Android Auto - no clamps blocking ports
- Compatible with basically everything - iPhones, Samsungs, etc.
If you want a mount that feels like a factory accessory instead of a ₹199 jugaad, this is the one.
Clean, solid, and dependable - exactly what a petrolhead gadget should be.
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Keep revving,
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Parth Kusalkar
Founder, DRS Diaries.
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