So the April issue of Honda Tuning is out now and, I’ve got to say, the cover is a little bit different than what we’ve been doing as of late. I’ve been wanting to get some track cars on the pages for some time, and this whole deal with the MFactory guys sort of fell into place at the right time. And since we decided to put a SFWD drag car front and center, it only made sense for us to profile another big name in drag racing, Mike Laskey. We also decided to run more features this month than usual, a trend that will likely continue throughout 2009. Beside’s MFactory’s 950hp Civic, there’s Mugen’s NSX-RR and carbon-fiber FD2-RR, an NA2 NSX, a K-swapped DC2 from the East Coast, a B-powered (for a change) EJ6 hatchback also from the East Coast, an EH2 hatch on Takata-green TE37s from San Francisco, and a real-deal Accord Euro R hailing from Ireland. If you still think Honda Tuning only features ’92-’95 Civic hatchbacks from Southern California, well, you’re crazy. Also inside is coverage from our trip to the annual Tokyo Auto Salon and a thorough write-up on V-6 engine swaps.
Filed under: Feature cars, Honda Tuning issues, Honda news, New stuff | Tags: Honda Tuning February/March 2009
The February/March, 2009 issue of Honda Tuning goes on sale January 20, but, for the most part, it’s already been circulated. I’ve got to say, I am really happy with this issue, but it’s a far cry from what we had planned. Take the cover cars for example, Eric Dickerson’s ITR and NSX. We had planned on featuring both of them, but not on the cover. We’ve got a serious stockpile of white cars here at the office, which means securing a cover spot with something white isn’t easy—not that Eric’s cars aren’t worthy, but we did have something else in mind and we do have others lined up. Our original cover cars fell through, which left the door wide open. If it wasn’t for Rodrez’s spot-on photography of Eric’s cars, the choice wouldn’t have been so easy. Fortunately, Rodrez handed in the shoot with a few vertical shots that got us out of our cover bind and apparently made Eric quite happy.
In 1999, magazines like Sport Compact Car, Turbo and High Tech Performance, and the newly established Import Tuner were all vying for Honda content. This was, arguably, when the enthusiasm for Hondas and Acuras in terms of aftermarket performance peaked, which was a perfect time for the creation of a new publication – Honda Tuning magazine. Here’s a timeline of some important events.
1999: Honda Tuning was spawned from the editors of Sport Compact Car magazine, a McMullen Argus publication. Honda Tuning only released a couple of issues its first year, and it didn’t have a single full-time staff member.
2000: Once the magazine proved it could stand on its own, SCC contributor Keith Buglewicz assumed responsibilities as the magazine’s first editor. Current editor Aaron Bonk worked closely with Keith and SCC magazine on a number projects at his nearby Honda and Acura facility, Holeshot Racing.
2002: Shortly after Primedia purchased several publications, including Honda Tuning, Dan Frio took over as the magazine’s new, full-time editor along with Bob Hernandez who served as managing editor first and then later as senior editor.
2003: Current editor Aaron Bonk closed Holeshot Racing’s doors after eight years and began working with SCC magazine.
2005: Matt Rodriguez (Rodrez) began working with Honda Tuning and had his first photo shoot published in the May issue. Incidentally, this was the same issue Aaron’s first article was published in.
2006: Dan Frio left the company and began working for SEMA, at which time Bob Hernandez assumed duties as editor. Current editor Aaron Bonk was working for Turbo magazine at the time.
2007: Bob Hernandez moved on to www.urbanracer.com to serve as editor. Honda Tuning contributor Dru Barrios briefly took over editorial responsibilities before leaving the company. Andy Hope and James Tate, both of SCC notoriety, assumed temporary editorial responsibilities yet again during this tough time for Honda Tuning. Aaron Bonk moved from Turbo magazine to assume the role as editor for Honda Tuning at the end of 2007. Rodrez assumed duties as the magazine’s lead contributing editor.
2008: Honda Tuning is now published nine issues a year and is one of the few magazines in the import segment to benefit from increased growth and circulation.
Honda Tuning’s Winter issue will be available most everywhere early next week. You should have no trouble spotting it thanks to Chase McMaster’s K-swapped, CRX on the cover – a car most any forum lurker should be familiar with. Pick up a copy and be sure to read the full write-up on Chase’s rex. Other features include Michael Cristi’s (HeyMikeyyyy) DC2 build, Ojay Bayang’s ‘05 Element, and two wild RWD beasts from Tracy Sports. We shot the Tracy Sports S2000 and NSX during our trip to Japan earlier this year and, well, it was so hard to describe these two cars in words that we didn’t bother trying. It’s a new format we’re trying out called “JDM in Pictures” where we’ll explore the best Japan has to offer with cool photography and the bare-bones specs you need. We’ve also got updates on both Project NSX and Project TSX, an in-depth look at anti-theft tactics you need to know about compiled by Rodrez, Nisei Showoff coverage, and more. Don’t be cheap. Shell out the $4.99 and get a copy while you can. Incidentally, laggers will have an extra month to pick up this issue since it’ll stay on the newsstands longer due to our nine-issue year.
