The Alfa Romeo 4C Spider displays a design reminiscent of the marque’s 33 Stradale from the late 1960s – a V-8-powered car that could cover a kilometer faster than any other production car; not even the V-12-powered Lamborghini Miura or Ferrari Daytona could catch it. Like the 33 Stradale, the 4C Spider is quick and agile because its design is based on the principle that speed is a function of weight and engine power. It weighs less than 2,500 pounds thanks to a monocoque tub and body panels made of carbon fiber. And though the 4C Spider has about half the power of Alfa Romeo’s 8C Competizione, it is just as fast. In addition to its speed, the 33 Stradale was distinguished by its high price; it was the most expensive car on the market in its time. The 4C Spider, however, with a starting price of just under $64,000, costs far less than any other carbon-fiber-bodied sports car.

In the heart of Japan, skilled craftsmen are quietly working on low riding electric motorcycle named Zecoo. Assembled by hand, many parts of the bike are made from sculpted aluminum alloy block with an innovative frame layout that is centered around the electric components. Iin addition, the hub steering mechanism designed to accommodate the battery’s weight to maintain steering ability without changing the riders posture. The power unit comes from Zero Motorcycles, provides a maximum torque of 144 Nm with smooth acceleration that is uninterrupted by any shifting gears. The Zecoo electric motorcycle was designed by Kota Nezu from Znug Design. The Toyko native worked for Toyota before starting the acclaimed design studio. Unfortunately, the electric bike will be limited to only 49 units, which will be customized and decorated according to individual demand.

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Ever thought you’d see a Cougar connoisseur? You have now.

Mike Brown’s been collecting, restoring, and selling classic Mercury Cougars for at least three decades now. One could easily call it an addiction. He had nine cars on the first day of filming. By the second, he had ten.

It’s an odd choice of car. The Cougar’s long been relegated to the shadow of its Ford sibling, the Mustang. Despite awards and a respectable track career, the classic Cougar has failed to generate the mainstream appeal of the Mustang, Camaro, and ‘Cuda.

That may not be such a bad thing, though. Where Boss 429 Mustangs and Camaro Z/28s command absurd prices–granted, less than they did before the market crash–Cougars in top trim fetch a fraction of those numbers. That’s a bargain when you consider how well-equipped the Cougar was.

And Mike Brown has them all: Hertz Rent-a-Racers, Cobra-Jets, GTs, Eliminators… We wouldn’t expect anything less from the president and founder of the Southern California Cougar Club.

Find out more on the club at: http://www.socalcougarclub.com/
Visit more on our blog at: electricfederal.com
Check out our Facebook page, too: https://goo.gl/RxnWBA

Take a look at Zagato Maserati Mostro. While its official unveil is scheduled for this weekend at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este in Lake Como, Italy, Milan based coach builder extraordinary Zagato gave a preview of their latest creation. Designed as a tribute to their 1957 Maserati 450S ‘il Mostro’, it makes sense that the new version is also made for the track but legal for the street. An all carbon fiber body is moved forward by a V-8 mated to a semi-automatic 6 speed transmission. Suspending all of this get up and go is accomplished via a dual wishbone set-up along with 19 inch wheels. Only five examples of the new Zagato Mostro will be built, and according to the company, all deliveries will be finalized before December 2015.

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Legendary British automaker Morgan represent new lightweight, powerful and effortlessly stylish Morgan Aero 8. The 5th generation Aero delivers the famous vintage styling in soft-top convertible form, with plenty of upgrades, including a new hand-sculpted aluminum chassis, improved suspension, updated front end, anti-roll bars, better aerodynamics, and even improved air conditioning. Under the hood is a 4.8L V8 sourced from BMW that creates 367 horsepower and promises a 0-62 run of just 4.5 seconds and a top speed of 170 mph. A six-speed manual or six-speed automatic are the gearbox options. The 2015 Morgan Aero 8 will replace both the existing Aero SuperSports and Coupé.

10. Toyota RAV4

January 2015 Sales: 19,824
Change vs. January 2014: +17.4%

Sticker Price: $23,680 – $29,850
Invoice Price: $22,124 – $27,910
Fuel Economy: 24 mpg city, 31 mpg highway

The Toyota RAV4 is one of the compact SUVs that created the class and includes many outstanding features that make it an even more useful family vehicle.

The RAV4 seats five and is a four-door, compact sport utility vehicle, available in three trim levels: LE, XLE and Limited. All trims are available with a powerful 2.5-liter, 176-hp inline-4 and a six-speed automatic transmission. All models are available with front-wheel or full-time all-wheel drive. Standard on all trims is an anti-theft system, driver knee airbag, passenger seat cushion airbag, projector headlamps, and front active headrests. Available features include a moonroof, Entune audio system, SmartKey remote, and automatic dual-zone air conditioning.

9. Ford Escape

January 2015 Sales: 20,054
Change vs. January 2014: +3.1%

Sticker Price: $23,450 – $31,485
Invoice Price: $22,103 – $29,361
Fuel Economy: 22 mpg city, 31 mpg highway

The Ford Escape is a handsome and versatile crossover, with a wealth of standard and optional features. The five-passenger Escape is available in S, SE and Titanium trims, in either front or four-wheel drive. Engine choices start with a 168-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder. Additionally, a 173-hp 1.6-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder and a 231-hp 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine are offered. Optional features include a Panoramic Vista Roof, satellite radio, SYNC, MyFord Touch, a trailer towing package and heated leather seating.

8. Honda Accord

January 2015 Sales: 21,011
Change vs. January 2014: +2.0%

Sticker Price: $22,105 – $33,630
Invoice Price: $20,237 – $30,749
Fuel Economy: 24 mpg city, 34 mpg highway

With a low starting sticker price, lots of standard features and great reliability, the Honda Accord continues its popularity streak. This midsize sedan is attractive, roomy, decently fun to drive and reliable. The Accord is available either as a two-door coupe or four-door sedan with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder or 3.5-liter V6 engine. Depending on the trim chosen, three transmissions are available: a six-speed manual, a six-speed automatic or a CVT.

7. Honda CR-V

January 2015 Sales: 23,211
Change vs. January 2015: +27.3%

Sticker Price: $23,445 – $32,895
Invoice Price: $22,022 – $30,868
Fuel Economy: 27 mpg city, 34 mpg highway

The 2015 Honda CR-V is roomy and versatile, which is great for today’s family on the go. It’s good in adverse weather, fuel efficient and comes with lots of trunk space. The five-passenger CR-V is available in both front-wheel and all-wheel drive configurations, each with a choice of three trim levels: LX, EX and EX-L. All are powered by a 185-hp 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder engine, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission.

6. Nissan Altima

January 2015 Sales: 26,408
Change vs. January 2014: +17.3%

Sticker Price: $22,300 – $32,350
Invoice Price: $20,867 – $29,900
Fuel Economy: 27 mpg city, 38 mpg highway

The front-wheel drive, five-passenger Nissan Altima combines performance and an attractive exterior.

The fifth generation Nissan Altima sedan is powered by either a 182-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder or a 270-hp 3.5-liter V6. Both engines are paired to a next-generation continuously variable transmission (CVT). The Altima sedan is offered in seven different trim levels: 2.5, 2.5 S, 2.5 SV, 2.5 SL, 3.5 S, 3.5 SV, and 3.5 SL. Notable features either standard or optional include, Bluetooth streaming audio, passive entry with push button ignition, rearview camera, Advanced Drive-Assist Display, Xenon headlights, LED taillights, BOSE audio, navigation, and heated leather-wrapped steering wheel. Standard safety features include, four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, six airbags, vehicle stability and traction control, front seat-belt pre-tensioners, a tire pressure monitoring system, ignition immobilizer, and vehicle security system. Optional safety features include blind spot warning, land departure warning, and moving object detection.

5. Toyota Camry

January 2015 Sales: 26,763
Change vs. January 2014: +14.7%

Sticker Price: $22,970 – $31,370
Invoice Price: $21,017 – $28,546
Fuel Economy: 25 mpg city, 35 mpg highway

The Toyota Camry is the juggernaut of the midsize sedan segment. And for good reason. This car appeals to the average car buyer with its safety, fuel economy, exterior looks and standard features. The Camry features four trims: L, LE, SE and XLE. A 178-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and six-speed automatic transmission are standard. The SE and XLE trims are also available with a 268-hp 3.5-liter V6 and six-speed automatic transmission. Tech features include Bluetooth phone connectivity and audio streaming, garage door opener, rear camera and navigation with touch screen.

4. Toyota Corolla

January 2015 Sales: 27,357
Change vs. January 2014: +20.2%

Sticker Price: $16,950 – $22,955
Invoice Price: $16,018 – $21,255
Fuel Economy: 28 mpg city, 37 mpg highway

The latest Toyota Corolla is much bolder-looking than past versions and although it’s still far from the most exciting car on the road, it’s fuel efficient and reliable, two key qualities for commuters. The Corolla is available in four trims: L, LE, S and new LE ECO. The powertrain for the L, LE, and S trims is a 132-hp, 1.8-liter dual VVT-I engine, matched with a six-speed manual, four-speed automatic or new continuously variable transmission (CVT). The LE ECO includes a 140 horsepower, 1.8-liter engine with Valvematic, combined with the CVT transmission.

3. Ram 1500-3500

January 2015 Sales: 28,618
Change vs. January 2014: +14.1%

Sticker Price: $25,410 – $50,380
Invoice Price: $23,813 – $46,202
Fuel Economy: 17 mpg city, 25 mpg highway

The 2015 iteration of the Ram 1500 is much more fuel efficient without sacrificing its capability on- and off-road, making it a popular pickup for the masses. The Ram 1500 provides something for everyone with the choice of three cab styles (regular, Quad and Crew cabs), three wheelbases, and 4×2 or 4×4 drive types. Engine options include a 3.6-liter V6, 5.7-liter HEMI V8 or 3.0-liter V6 turbo diesel engines. A multi-link coil spring rear suspension (in place of a traditional leaf spring suspension) improves ride and handling characteristics without sacrificing payload and towing capability.

2. Chevrolet Silverado

January 2015 Sales: 36,106
Change vs. January 2014: +24.8%

Sticker Price: $26,105 – $51,150
Invoice Price: $25,061 – $47,570
Fuel Economy: 18 mpg city, 24 mpg highway

The 2015 Chevy Silverado is big, bold and, now, more fuel efficient. This truck can handle almost anything you can throw at it, making it a great choice whether you’re hauling families or hauling trailers. The Silverado is available with one of three all-new EcoTec3 engines, a fully updated cabin with available MyLink connectivity and other features designed for the most discerning truck owners. Other new features include available front Park Assist, in addition to the rear Park Assist already available, and a sliding rear window with a defroster.

1. Ford F-Series

January 2015 Sales: 54,370
Change vs. January 2014: +16.8%

Sticker Price: $25,420 – $54,680
Invoice Price: $23,578 – $49,622
Fuel Economy: 18 mpg city, 25 mpg highway

The all new and redesigned 2015 Ford F-150 is a revolutionary step forward in the full-size pickup truck market. The F-150 has set itself apart from the competition by rethinking the entire segment and offering an all-aluminum body on all of its models to reduce the curb weight while maintaining both the payload and the towing values. The all-aluminum body and pickup box shaves up to 700 lb. from the curb weight and the availability of four efficient gasoline engines paired to a 6-speed automatic transmission provides remarkable fuel economy.

The F-150 is available with three cab styles (regular, super and crew) with either a 4×2 or 4×4 drive train and three pickup box lengths. Five distinct trims are offered depending on the cab style and they include the XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch and Platinum, but all of these trims are further enhanced by optional equipment packages. The exterior of the F-150 presents a more aggressive appearance with the arrangement of the bold grille and headlight configuration. The new exterior pays homage to the rugged Atlas concept vehicle. The four engine choices available on the F-150 include a 283-hp 3.5-liter flex-fuel V6, a 325-hp 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6, a 365-hp 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 and a 385-hp 5.0-liter flex-fuel V8. The new 2.7-liter engine includes stop/start technology and active grill shutters are available with all engine choices to further improve fuel economy. New features that are available on the various F-150 models include Active Park Assist, Blind Spot and Cross-Traffic Alert, adaptive cruise control with collision mitigation, inflatable rear safety belts, stowable loading ramps, LED headlights and pickup box lights, a revised tailgate step, a remote tailgate release and a twin panel moonroof on the SuperCrews.

For 2015, the Ford F-150 has introduced a new pickup truck that incorporates the exclusive use of military grade aluminum for the entire cab and pickup box while still utilizing a steel frame for strength and rigidity. This innovation with the introduction of fuel efficient power trains has allowed the new F-150 to improve its fuel economy while retaining its impressive payload and towing values.

American artist Cheryl Kelley draws only old muscle-cars. Using high-gloss oil paints the Texas-based artist manages to capture the beauty of these iconic vehicles from a bygone era better than any camera ever could. The talented artist finds her inspiration at classic car shows and museums, where she takes high-resolution photos of vintage Chevrolets, Camaros or Corvettes that she later uses as guidelines for her impressive creations. Working with glossy oil paints on aluminum panels, Kelley is somehow able to reproduce not only the tiniest details of the vehicles, but also every reflection, ultimately producing masterpieces that look more realistic than their photographic references. “The first thing that I am drawn to is the beauty. I find myself getting lost in the reflections of beautiful cars when I stop at traffic lights,” Cheryl says about her fascination with classic muscle cars. “These big engine cars, seemingly fueled by raw testosterone, were ironically most definitely feminine in form. As a twentieth century American icon, the muscle car is remembered for its speed and power. My paintings are about the feminine sensuality of the surfaces, the Mel Ramos-like perfection of female form,” – Cheryl Kelley. Enjoy!

Hat Tip

The development programme for the most powerful and most exclusive McLaren model to-date has been stepped up over the winter months, with the limited edition McLaren P1™ GTR being put through its paces across Europe and the Middle East. Ahead of the start of production later this year, and the start of the bespoke Driver Programme, the track-only model will make its global debut in production form at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show in March.

The new Fashion Creatives film features the C111 and Justin O’Shea, buying director at online fashion store mytheresa.com, as well as the Chipperfield brothers and fashion editors Veronika Heilbrunner and Julia Knolle. On the cusp of the Fall/Winter 2015 edition of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Berlin, Justin finds himself caught up in the clichés of fashion advertising. It’s serious and dramatic: he runs in slow motion, talks about his emotions and the hype that surrounds him. Good to know that he can always rely on Veronika and his circle of friends to bring him back to the real world.
Directed by Danny Sangra: http://www.dannysangra.com/