Torq Mania is gearing up to host Torq Trail, a two-day automotive spectacle set to take place in Lucknow on December 23-24. This unique event promises a turbocharged experience by combining autocross and off-roading showdowns, creating a thrilling opportunity for both attendees and participants.

Torq Trail stands out as an adventure that seamlessly blends the excitement of Autocross Time Attack—a 1.2 km lap with surprises at every turn—with the challenges of off-roading, where participants will navigate dirt, rocks, and natural obstacles. The expansive and breathtaking Jindal Farmhouse and Resort, located 22 km from Lucknow's city center, will serve as the perfect backdrop for this high-octane event.

Unlike traditional racing events, Torq Trail welcomes participants with vehicles starting from 1000cc onwards, catering to a diverse array of contenders. The competition is segmented into four distinct categories, ensuring a fair and spirited showdown among participants.

Beyond the adrenaline-pumping races, Torq Trail promises an extravaganza featuring rad shows, supercar and bike meetups, and more. The event is not just about speed but also about creating an atmosphere where enthusiasts can immerse themselves in the world of fast cars, exhilarating turns, and shared passions.

Marking the calendar for this mega event is a must for those who appreciate the fusion of speed, entertainment, and a vibrant automotive community. Torq Trail aims to be a rendezvous for aficionados of velocity, providing an unforgettable experience at the Jindal Farmhouse, NH 56B Memaura Airforce Station, Kanpur - Lucknow Rd. Get ready to rev your engines and be part of this fabulous automotive fiesta!

Traveling back to the pages of the February 1994 issue of Car and Driver, we embark on a journey into the heart of every car enthusiast's fantasy—the desire to take an already exceptional car and make it even more extraordinary.

Delving into this automotive fantasyland, the article sets the stage by asking readers to collectively define what makes a car "neater." Stripping away any pretense of high-mindedness, the true essence of the pursuit is revealed—an unapologetic quest for the most satisfying and exhilarating automotive experience, likened to scheming to secure the largest slice of the metaphorical pizza.

The cravings are laid bare—more power for the sheer thrill of speed, increased grip for the exhilaration of G-forces. The article acknowledges that, in the realm of automotive desires, these elements constitute the essence of the quest. And with this acknowledgment, the stage is set for a deep dive into the pursuit of automotive perfection, where the yearning for more is the driving force.

In our quest for the ultimate automotive experience, we acknowledge that the fantasy cars we desire cannot be found on any standard menu—they must be custom-crafted to perfection. Thus, we convened a meeting of the finest automotive chefs, commonly known as tuners, and presented them with a challenge: "Cook something up for us. Show us maximum neat. Bend our mind, blow our fuses."

The meeting room for this creative culinary automotive endeavor? The vast expanse of the state of Texas, offering ample space, perhaps even too much, for the unrivaled pursuit of automotive excellence. To meet the rigorous standards of testing, we secured a day on the Firestone test track at Fort Stockton.

While the focus was undoubtedly on achieving impressive speed, we emphasized our desire for real cars, not mere racing machines. To ensure that these Chef's Specials would be responsible citizens of the automotive world, we established two essential requirements. Firstly, they had to be emissions legal—a testament to their compliance with the standard EPA emissions test, making them 49-states legal. Alternatively, tuners could certify their modifications with the stringent California Air Resources Board, an acceptance recognized by federal standards. This commitment to emissions legality underscored our dedication to a harmonious blend of high performance and environmental responsibility.

The Saleen Mustang, a high-performance marvel, faced an unexpected setback during our ambitious testing expedition. As fate would have it, the meticulously crafted plans were disrupted when the Saleen entry experienced a fatal clutch failure early into our second day of cross-country roadwork. This unfortunate incident led to the vehicle being sidelined, preventing it from undergoing the instrumented testing that had been meticulously planned.

In the absence of brand-new '94 models, which were still awaiting production, Steve, the visionary behind Saleen, provided a '91 model borrowed from a customer. This '91 Saleen Mustang boasted a 302-cubic-inch (4.9-liter) V-8 engine enhanced with a Vortec supercharger, TFS high-performance cast-iron heads, Saleen Racecraft low-restriction intake manifold, a dual exhaust system, and a performance chip. The cumulative result of these engine modifications was an impressive 425 hp, marking a substantial increase of 190 hp over the last Mustang Cobra we had tested.

The exterior of the Saleen Mustang underwent notable modifications, featuring a composite hood, a more pronounced front air dam, lower body-side cladding, and a prominent large rear wing. While the unexpected clutch failure hampered its performance during our roadwork, the Saleen Mustang stood as a testament to the pursuit of automotive excellence, even in the face of unforeseen challenges

The Saleen Mustang underwent comprehensive suspension and brake enhancements, featuring stiffer springs, shocks, and bushings, along with larger rotors and calipers for both front and rear wheels. Additional mechanical modifications included shock-tower braces and a set of seventeen-inch wheels fitted with low-profile BFGoodrich Comp T/A tires. The interior received limited changes, incorporating a roll cage, racing harnesses, and supplementary gauges. Collectively, these modifications presented the Saleen Mustang as a robust contender, showcasing an aggressive stance, appealing aesthetics, and a captivating exhaust note.

Regrettably, our comprehensive testing plans were derailed by an unexpected clutch failure, limiting our impressions of the Saleen to the first day of over-the-road driving during the cross-country leg into New Mexico. While the engine initially exhibited strength and impressive pulling power, its performance gradually diminished throughout the day. Signs of trouble emerged on a twisty section of road after our lunch stop, with the engine blowing oil out the rocker cover vent, leading to a notable decrease in the V-8's output. By day's end, the Saleen Mustang was fully winded and in need of rejuvenation.

On straight stretches, interstates, and two-lane blacktops, the Saleen showcased straight tracking, avoiding the dartiness commonly associated with cars equipped with wider tires. However, the stiffer suspension components and low-profile rubber contributed to increased ride harshness, though it remained tolerable compared to a stock Mustang GT. The handling, particularly on twisty mountain roads, revealed imperfections under hard cornering, with the rear end exhibiting a tendency to wiggle and squirm. A loud grinding sound emanating from the rear end further added to a sense of unease.

The challenging circumstances surrounding our gathering, coinciding with the SEMA show, presented difficulties for Saleen, as the only available vehicle had to be displayed in Las Vegas. The suboptimal performance of the Saleen entry could be attributed more to the car's high mileage and extensive usage than to the modifications and workmanship. As emphasized before, the world of aftermarket tuners necessitates caution—caveat emptor. —André Idzikowski