This month the Editor's in the dark. AgainExcuse my uncertainty but I'm writing this without actually knowing what's on the cover of this issue. If it's VW's R GTI SEMA concept car, then everything went to plan - the VW Design Studio was able to finish the car ahead of schedule and we got it shot in time to hit the printing press. However, we're running things down to the wire this month to bring you this exclusive story. So if it's not the R GTI on the cover, you can assume things got complicated and we used our first-reserve story - although I obviously can't tell you what that is right now...
Ah, the wonders of a six-week print and distribution system!
I really hope you're able to read about the R GTI because this is another very important vehicle for American Euro enthusiasts. It signals the continuation of a commitment to build European cars for a US audience, but without filtering the essential ingredients that make European cars so special.
Also in this issue we've increased our BMW coverage. I'm aware it's been running on empty for a few months - one feature per issue isn't good enough. So we've stepped up with another look at the Best BMW on the West Coast (and it's an East Coast car), according to HIN judges. We also have an interview with the man behind the new BMW 335i Coupe to discuss the tuning potential of the new twin-turbo 3.0 engine. And then we bumped back down to earth with a fitting guide for clear corners on our Project 323ci.
We plan to bring you a dedicated BMW issue in the near future, so please be patient with us.
Hopefully the last few issues have looked better than ever and I have to thank one person for his help - our intern Justin Fivella. He came to us for a few weeks at his own expense and proved an invaluable asset.
What you may not realize is et is put together by myself and Sam. We have designer Billy, copy editor Kate, managing editor Julie and that's it. So as a friend of Jesus, and possibly a friend of Dorothy, Justine was a welcome addition.
The best thing about an intern is we had somebody to boss around. We persuaded him to change a puncture for some Italian tourists on Rodeo Drive, tow Oli's stricken Project Envy into HIN and ask people all the awkward questions we didn't want to.
Unfortunately, his dedication, time away from home and the financial strain this inflicted may have caused a few hiccups in his personal life, for which we're sorry. But we're grateful for his magnificent contribution. He's also a demon with a frisbee, a stunt rider and trivia buff.
We'll continue to accept his hard work for several more months, so keep an eye out for the lad and have him fetch you a coffee.
Out of interest, what do you think of our new covers? We feel they give us a sharper image and hopefully better reflect what's inside the mag. The plan is to also step up the design on the inside pages before too long. But do you like it? Is it really necessary? We think so, but would welcome your thoughts at the email address below.