Send your letters to eurotuner mail, Source Interlink Media, 6420 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90048, or eurotuner@sourceinterlink.com
Tiguan R36
Having seen photos of VW's R-line version of the Tiguan, I've done a photochop of how it should look!
My image is based on VW's Concept Tiguan and I like my work to be subtle. So I've converted it to a two-door and tinted the windows. In my opinion it didn't need any other modifications, except maybe a 3.6 liter engine
The car looks so much better as a two-door; more sporty, better proportions and the lines are uninterrupted.
Mircea Rusnac
Email
GTI BBQ
Thanks for putting our Mk2 BBQ in the Waterwagens show coverage (et 11/07), it really means a lot to our crew - we built it in about 10 days.
Chris Schumm
Yakima, WA
Hot Wheels
A short time ago, somebody asked when the Hot Wheels GTI diecast model would be available. Well, it finally made it's into the stores. Unlike the SEMA car you featured (et 3/07), it's 1:64 scale and dark blue but it has big wheels and a widebody. You should be able to find it at Target, Walmart, etc.
Matchbox also makes a nice stock version that comes in red, black, gold or white. It should be in the same aisle as the Hot Wheels cars. Both cost a buck and are really cool. And there's always eBay, if you don't mind paying the shipping.
Mike Shofner
Email
Morning, Chaps
I just wanted to tell you I enjoy reading the mag. It helps me keep up with the Euro scene in the States while I'm stationed in the UK with the Air Force.
I know the Editor is from here but its pretty funny to visit British internet forums to sell my North American-spec bumpers and then see them on friend's cars at Edition 38 and Inters. Meantime, I'm fitting the R-Line kit and grabbing every Euro bumper I can find for sale!
The scene here is very welcoming. I'm proud to be part of it and to add some American flair. It's great to sit down with people at shows and just talk about mods, the differences in car scenes, and pointing out all the things so different about Euro and N/A Mk4 GTIs over a pint of Stella and a box of chips (packet of crisps!).
The Air Force was nice enough to send my car across The Pond for me. And since it's a N/A-spec Silverstone GTI on OE rims you can't get in the UK, it's a rare car over here.
I'll be heading back to the good ol' USA in 8/08 with Euro bumpers, Cupra R lips and R32 stubby mirrors in hand to sell on the 'Tex. But if you're going to be in town for GTI International '08, keep an eye out for the uk-mkiv.net booth. I'll be there celebrating my last show in the UK.
Michael Graven
The Pub, England
Letter Of The Month
Hello Kitty
I've been holding off writing this letter because I don't want it to seem like retaliation to what was said about my Skyline/GTI photochop (et 7/07). In fact, I predicted that somebody would have a problem with the illustration.
As the previous owner of two very special GTIs ('90 and '04), you'd think I'd be offended by the comments made, but I wasn't. I just think people are getting a little too serious with themselves in the Euro scene lately. You honestly don't see this kind of thing on the import side - they don't care as long as it goes fast and they can afford it.
There are other sweet cars out there, and they don't come from Germany. I love VWs because of the build quality and the niche group I run with, but this dispute over who has better street racers is utterly pointless.
The reason I'm writing is to thank you for showing my photochop and to thank Jaffrey for ripping it apart, although I'm glad he didn't attack my photochop skills (my worst fear).
And since he had a few suggestions for me, I thought I might address them.
1. I have a job, I'm a graphic designer.
2. I have a girl, she's the best.
3. I have a cat, still working on getting a dog.