The Cal-look Lounge

I saw some things on Facebook yesterday and I was wondering if anyone knows what is going on. First I heard it was closing and then I heard it was going through some major changes. I know how rumors start and get blown out of proportion these days so I was just wondering if anyone can shed some light on the subject.
Thanks,

Larry

Check Hot VW's Facebook!
It's all good!

You reckon...  ::)

I dropped my subscription a couple of years ago, after getting my first mag in the early 80s.

As much as I love VW hotrods, there is more to the VW world than skinny-front slammed "Resto-Cal" and pages of ads.
Not a criticism, possibly a way forward maybe.........

Yeah, I'd wish they would open their eyes and see that you can have a very cool car that doesn't have shiny paint. They really limit their readership that way, IMO.

I'm thinking April Fools for the April issue.
But I've been wrong before.

 On the other hand, I don't renew my Ultra VW subscription because I found to much rat/slammed/patina bus/bugs article to my taste. It is a very high quality mag, printed on heavy glossy paper,not like US mag printed on rolling paper, with a in depth look from guy's that know their stuff and the scene. They have to follow the trend and the UK is heavy on ratty/slammed ride, but not my taste .
 I like to see a patina, resto-cal, german look, Cal look, camper, bus, bug, T1-2-3-4, vintage and everything in between as long as it is not another rat's ride (or a french look, but I don't buy the French magazine anymore :D ).

I really like magazine like Car Craft. It's down to earth, average Joe reading with nice tech/paint articles that show the best,better, worst way to do thing. Featured cars are sometime show quality, sometimes not, but the story that goes with make the reading interesting.
I found Hot vw's to take their style for granted. Invariably written the same way, time after time. It's accurate, but lack of originality. And I hope not found rusty slammed ride with a rope or a chain wrap around the front bumper with a single fog light and a roof rack full of junk in Hot VW's...  ;)

Agreed on all points.

HVWs has needed an overhaul for years, IMO. Like it was said above, all articles read the same. Seems they cut, paste and change the name, paint color, engine size and laundry list of shops its been to for the various expensive work done.... It would be nice to see some variety in the way of some tasteful patina car spreads. Plenty of quality, ingenuity and style out there lurking under OG paint & scratches.They usually have a much better story than the checkbook cars. I really hope HVWs is in for some changes that this community can embrace as a whole.

 ??? ??? ???

I hope the April Fools doesn't become a self-fulfilling prophecy.........
I bought an Ultra last month or so, there is a lot of slammed rat-looks, but there is still a lot of other content as well.

Funny you should mention Car Craft. In the 90s they were in the same situation, and if it wasn't for Freiburger "Camaro Craft" would have folded, but then he changed the mag within a year to reflect the fun bits of the hobby, made it more inclusive (he even put 5.0L Fords in the damn thing!!!) and changed focus and it's still going today.

After speaking with some friends that are Aircooled VW shop owners, Hot VW's appears to be under new managagement. There have also been some changes in the line up of editors. Most posts I've read so far about the rumors of the magazine going out of print all agree the magazine does need some changes. If they're going to start shit canning the editors that have been there for years, or some case decades, that have brought the magazine to where it is today, it's going to be a rough/most likely short future.

It's not the new owners who got rid of the old editors – that process started before the sale.

Shin Mukai (TOA International) is the new owner, with Shin Watanabe as editor. Look for some old names back on board (hint: DK, RK, BS...) and some other old fart, maybe. This is the best thing that can happen to Hot VWs.

Oh, and the 'missing' April issue was not down to the new owners...

Support it by buying it.

I like the sound of that, should make for some interesting (positive) changes!

That sounds positive

Unless something has changed recently, it's my understanding your "hinted names" are NOT going to be a part of the new Hot VW's.

Watch this space... ;-)

When does this happen? I've still have a bit of subscription left.

I'm new here , Is this magazine about stolen VWs ???

Well no wonder I haven't gotten my April HotVWs mag! :D I figured something was up....I really hope it gets sorted out and I hope existing subscribers (I have a year left!) aren't forgotten. I grew up reading HotVWs. I know the magazine isn't perfect and it would be great if they update it some, but I really hope it survives!

Thanks for the information Keith!

Best news I`ve heard all week!

I've been asked to be a contributor, which I am excited about working with the Shins. May issue is now in production, and looks excellent.

been a subscriber longer than i can remember, so this is good news  :D

This is great news!

Great news Deano!! Thanks!

I suggest that if you want a copy of the April 2017 issue, you need to find it on the newsstands, as most subscribers will probably not get one. Just FYI. True collector's item.

So it's official now?    8) ;D

No, not yet.

ooops. sorry, Deano..

 ;)

thanks for the info Deano!

pretty hard to pick up a copy over here on the newsstand  :P

YAAAAAA!!!

And the story goes on.......   ;)
(as posted @ FB by Hot VWs)

As posted this morning for you without Facebook:

Very Important Announcement from Hot VWs Magazine.

A New Journey Has Begun
The Time Has Come to Embark on the New Era of Hot VWs Magazine, with you!

Beginning with the May 2017 issue, Hot VWs Magazine is now under new ownership and operated by Orange County International (OCI) Media. The new owner, Shin Mukai is a committed VW guy who became involved with the VW industry more than 30 years ago in the USA and Japan. Shin Mukai is also widely known as a VW drag racer and an extreme Type 3 fanatic. Currently, he owns more than 20 Type 3s and other VW models, and more than 300 Type 3 toys.

Okay, so who is going to be the new editor? Regarding myself, I am Shin Watanabe, the new editor of Hot VWs Magazine. I became involved with a Japanese VW magazine over 20 years ago. Based in Southern California for more than 15 years, I have continued to follow the VW scene throughout the world.

To be honest, I never expected to become the editor of Hot VWs Magazine. I always enjoyed simply being a reader of Hot VWs. However, due to the sudden decision by the Wright Publishing Company to sell the magazine title, it presented a new opportunity for us. It was also our goal to make sure that the Hot VWs name would live forever.

We realize these recent changes have interrupted regular publication of the magazine for a short period of time, and we regret this situation. We apologize that these circumstances have caused a delay in delivering the 2017 May issue, as well as any confusion as to the status of the magazine due to so many rumors. We are also aware that many of our loyal Hot VWs subscribers didn’t receive the previous 2017 April issue. If you didn’t receive the April issue, please email smorris@hotvws.com in order for us to take care of you.

Now, we are very pleased and proud to announce here today that we will continue publishing Hot VWs Magazine!

Hot VWs Magazine is beginning a new era and we will be providing new content covering all kinds of passion and craziness in the Volkswagen world; the wonderful community that brings the hobby to life. During this transition period, I will also try to bring new content that Hot VWs Magazine has never done before. But don’t worry, we will definitely keep the good tradition of Hot VWs Magazine. Right now, there are many ideas flooding our brains. We are very excited and motivated with the hope that we will again enjoy another 50 years of the wonderful VW community with Hot VWs Magazine.

Hot VWs is celebrating its 50th Anniversary this year. Can you believe this? It’s been half a century! This is a true milestone for not only Hot VWs Magazine, but for all who make up this wonderful VW community, and we should be proud!

For myself, as a small part of this wonderful VW industry and driving a VW Bug for almost 30 years, Hot VWs Magazine was always near me. Hot VWs Magazine was the bible when I was a kid. It has always been the only source of information for the amazing VW wonderland in the USA and especially before the age of the internet. Perhaps many of you are like myself in that I started reading Hot VWs as a kid. I was living outside the USA when I was a teenager and paid very expensive postal fees just to get Hot VWs each month. I was very hungry back in the day to read Hot VWs Magazine, and still am today. This is an amazing thing about Volkswagens! You never get tired of Volkswagens. Even people who become rich and are able to afford a Porsche or Ferrari will still keep driving Volkswagens, or just get more Volkswagens!

I consider myself very lucky to have traveled to VW events in Germany, the U.S., Belgium, the Netherlands, France, Japan, Indonesia, and Thailand over the past decade. I was always amazed, no matter where I traveled, how quickly we connect with people who love Volkswagens. Truly, Volkswagen is the universal language. Regardless of your origin, age, religion or the language you speak, you will have an instant connection with just about anybody who loves Volkswagens. Whenever we attend VW shows throughout the world, air-cooled Volkswagens become the bridge for new friendships.
I am just as enthusiastic about VWs as you. I’m always very interested to learn about your uniqueness, craziness and passion about your Volkswagen. If you have something you would like to share, please don’t hesitate to send us an email, or message/post through our Facebook page. I love pushing you into doing more things regarding Volkswagens. I love reading your “Wow”, “Amazing”, “Insane”, “Nuts” and “Crazy” comments. Most of all, this is not about just any type of car... it’s a Volkswagen!

My vision about Hot VWs Magazine is very simple and clear.
Hot VWs will bring more excitement, inspiration, joy, smiles, craziness, highlighting the unique lifestyle and passion pertaining to all Volkswagens with the hope that it will build bridges within and amongst the VW community worldwide.

Thank you for your enthusiasm and support of the wonderful VW community and Hot VWs Magazine. Please send your feedback anytime. Your feedback is very important and we look forward to continue doing something fun and exciting!

My heart is air-cooled flat-four, my blood is Brad Penn oil and my brain Bosch. If you see me acting strangely, don’t be surprised. You may be wondering who I am – driving or not driving a VW - with parts made in Japan, not Germany. But, rest assured that I am a crazy Vee Dub person just like you.

Best Regards,

Editor, Hot VWs Magazine
Shin Watanabe

best of luck, Shin, i will stay a subscriber

Thanks for the information and I look forward to the evolution of the magazine!

Just renewed my subscription for another 2 years, thanks Shin!

Welcome  Shin !!!!!!

  Frenchy Dehoux

 ;D

Might I please request full 4 to 6-page pictorial coverage (n a special annual "VW Shows" international edition otherwise) of VW content in Yokohama Hotrod show, Jogja 2017 (I'm currently  saving hard for that myself), perhaps VW Valla next year, oh and a few Brazilian ride ideas would be nice too, I like their stuff.

Still haven't received my may issue but this will be sorted by Sandy Morris. My april issue that I didn't receive will come together with my june issue ive been told.

I just received mine yesterday and the missing April issue was packaged with it.