MAX POWER
1985–Present – Brand-Specific Magazines
While mainstream publications covered the broader scene, magazines like Fast Ford (1985–present), Performance VW (1996–present), and Total Vauxhall (1999–2014) developed cult followings by focusing exclusively on specific marques. These specialized publications offered unprecedented depth on brand-specific builds, technical knowledge, and community events, fostering intense loyalty among enthusiasts.
Explore Brand Magazines1987–2021 – Fast Car Magazine: Performance & Style
One of the longest-running publications in the UK modified scene, Fast Car offered a more performance-focused alternative to Max Power. Known for its quality photography, technical content, and cleaner builds, the magazine evolved from hot hatch features in the late 80s to JDM and Euro coverage, leaving a 34-year legacy before ceasing print publication in 2021.
Explore Fast Car1993 – Max Power is Born
The first issue drops in May 1993 with a vivid purple Peugeot 205 GTi with a Dimma wide-arch kit on the cover. Published by EMAP as a "fuel-injected" tuning bible, the magazine sells around 50,000 copies of Issue #1, marking the beginning of a new era in UK car culture.
Read More1995-1999 – Rise to Prominence
Max Power's irreverent style and focus on modified hot hatches strikes a chord with Britain's youth. Monthly circulation soars to nearly 200,000 by 1999, even outselling Top Gear magazine. The combination of readers' cars, outrageous bodykits, ICE systems, and "Max Power babes" defines a new lad-mag car culture.
Explore Mods1995-2006 – Max Power Live & Show Culture
Starting in 1995, the magazine launches Max Power Live at Birmingham's NEC arena, combining car exhibits with stunt shows, burnout pits, and model competitions. By the early 2000s, it draws over 50,000 attendees. The magazine's coverage of shows like Trax, Donny, and USC transforms the community from isolated enthusiasts into a nationwide movement with its own distinct culture and identity.
Explore Community1997-2004 – Revs Magazine: The Raw Alternative
Launched in 1997 as a more rebellious alternative to Max Power, Revs Magazine focused on budget builds, DIY mods, and grassroots car culture. With its edgier tone, newsprint format, and focus on affordable hot hatches like Novas, Saxos, and Corsas, Revs became the bible for younger enthusiasts and working-class modifiers until its closure in 2004.
Discover Revs1997-2000 – Culture Phenomenon
Max Power becomes more than a magazine, spawning the annual "Max Power Live" car show at the NEC Birmingham that draws over 50,000 attendees. "Cruise" nights at retail parks and seafronts explode in popularity, while the magazine's project cars like "Project Thunder" push modification boundaries.
Project Cars1998-2006 – Redline Magazine: Performance & Power
The performance-tuned, more serious sibling to Max Power and Fast Car, Redline Magazine focused heavily on engine builds, dyno-tested upgrades, and real performance. With its emphasis on horsepower, track times, and technical depth, it provided a no-nonsense approach for enthusiasts who valued function over flash, building a dedicated following among serious tuners.
Discover Redline1999-2001 – Going International
After EMAP acquires Petersen Publishing, Max Power launches a U.S. edition in 2000 based on MaxSpeed magazine. Though the American version folds by 2001, the UK original reaches new heights. Models like Katie Price (Jordan) and Lucy Pinder become icons of the scene alongside the cars.
The Models2001-2003 – Mainstream Success
The release of "The Fast and the Furious" brings modified car culture to Hollywood, further fueling interest. By 2003, Max Power's circulation peaks around 238,000 copies, with the word "Max" entering youth slang for anything over-the-top. The magazine is now reaching 2 million readers monthly and generating approximately £500,000 in ads per issue.
Cinema Influence2002-2004 – Peak ICE Era
The golden age of In-Car Entertainment arrives. Fiberglass enclosures, massive subwoofers, PlayStations and elaborate lighting setups dominate the scene. The magazine's influence is so great that major brands court it with test cars and product placements, and it even inspires a PS1 racing game (C3 Racing re-branded as Max Power Racing in the UK).
ICE Builds2004-2006 – Show Car Zenith and Beginnings of Decline
The era of extreme show cars reaches its zenith with scissor doors, flip paint, and air suspension becoming must-haves. However, Max Power begins facing criticism for its "T n' Tin" formula (half-naked models + wild cars), while new weekly lad mags and internet forums start stealing readers. 2006 sees the final Max Power Live show at the NEC.
Show Cars2006-2007 – Cruise Culture Crackdown and Attempted Relaunch
As massive meets at Southend, Bolton, and Lakeside draw thousands, police crack down on gatherings. The era of huge, chaotic cruise events wanes after increased enforcement against street racing and anti-social behavior. In 2007, publishers attempt a relaunch to refocus on cars and tone down the glamour shoots.
Cruise Scene2008-2010 – Digital Disruption and Economic Challenges
Rising fuel costs, the 2008 global recession, and a shifting automotive landscape heavily impact the modified scene. Online communities increasingly replace print magazines as the hub of car culture, causing circulation to plummet to around 20,000 from its quarter-million peak.
Later Trends2011 – The Final Issue
After an 18-year run that defined a generation of car culture, Max Power releases its final "super-sized" farewell edition in February 2011 (on sale January 12). Though Bauer Media expressed intent to keep the brand alive with one-off specials, the monthly era was over, with the magazine that once defined a generation "slipping quietly away to the great recycling bin in the sky."
The Last Chapter