VICE Magazine’s latest release, The Be Quiet and Drive Issue, delivers a bold exploration of global car culture—with a sharp focus on India’s dynamic automotive scene. Beyond the roar of engines, this issue unpacks how cars embody freedom, rebellion, and identity in a rapidly urbanizing nation.
The Open Road: Freedom on Four Wheels
Cars in India aren’t just vehicles; they’re statements. The Be Quiet and Drive Issue spotlights Delhi’s underground modding scene, where enthusiasts turn humble hatchbacks into head-turning marvels, and Mumbai’s luxury SUVs navigating chaos. A Bengaluru-based modder sums it up: “Traffic’s inevitable—why not stand out?”
Cars vs. Climate: India’s Mobility Dilemma
The issue confronts a pressing question: Can India’s car culture survive the climate crisis? With cities like Delhi and Chennai choking on pollution and traffic, VICE interviews urban planners and EV innovators like Tata and Ola. Yet, as one expert notes, “Cars here aren’t just transport—they’re dreams on wheels.”
Road Tunes: The Soundtrack of Indian Driving
No drive is complete without music. The issue features a DJ-curated playlist, from Punjabi hip-hop on Chandigarh’s highways to retro Tamil hits in Chennai. Bonus: a hilarious ranking of best/worst car karaoke songs (Bollywood bangers > sluggish ballads).
What’s Next? Autonomous Cars & Shared Mobility
As the world eyes self-driving tech, VICE asks: Will India’s potholes and passion for ownership derail the shift? The issue closes with a love letter to late-night drives—where the road becomes a sanctuary.
Why This Issue Matters
The Be Quiet and Drive Issue isn’t just for gearheads—it’s for anyone curious about culture, climate, and the future of mobility. For Indians, it’s a mirror to our auto-obsessed, aspiration-fueled society.
Grab your copy on VICE’s digital platform or at select bookstores.
