Contempo Media, a Toronto-based company founded earlier this year with the launch of the general interest men's magazine Sharp, is expanding its portfolio to include a biannual custom publication for Audi.

Michael La Fave, Contempo's editorial and creative director, said his company's existing relationship with the German car manufacturer helped secure the contract. "Audi was a strong supporter of Sharp from the beginning," La Fave said. "They gave us lots of feedback on the magazine and that helped guide us and build a better product."

The first Canadian edition of Audi Magazine is set for a spring launch, with distribution to over 20,000 Audi owners at home and through Audi events and retail outlets. 

Contempo will produce 50% of the content (mostly lifestyle-focused), while the remaining half (mostly automotive) will be pulled in from Audi magazines in other countries (mostly Germany).

While custom publications do not always solicit outside advertising (choosing instead to focus on promotion of the core brand), Audi Magazine will. "A big part of what Contempo brings to the table is our advertising sales experience."  La Fave said.

La Fave and founding partner, publisher John McGouran, were both involved in the launch of Driven magazine four years ago, but jumped ship in December to launch Contempo.

The company is also preparing to launch Time & Style, a new consumer title that will focus on watches, next year, La Fave said. A 16-page saddle-stiched version of Time & Style was included as a supplement with with December issue of Sharp.