2012 Ferrari FF

After teasing us for quite a while now, Ferrari has finally revealed the official details on their new successor for the 612 Scaglietti. Called the FF - an acronym for Ferrari Four (four seats and four-wheel drive), the new model is the company’s most powerful, versatile four-seater ever, as well as its first ever four-wheel drive car.

The concept car was designed by Pininfarina, and according to Ferrari "the new car represents not so much an evolution as a true revolution." The new model will deliver "unprecedented level an extremely sporty, high-performance character with incredible versatility, superb comfort and sophisticated elegance, guaranteeing both driver and passengers an absolutely unique driving experience."

The FF moniker stands for "Ferrari Four" in reference to the fact that all four of the wheels are driven and there are four seats. Ferrari claims that its all-wheel-drive system, which it refers to as 4RM, is 50 percent lighter than comparable systems, but provides no details on how this was achieved. (RM stands for ruote motrici, so 4RM just means “four-wheel-drive” in Italian.) The Italians claim a dry weight for the car of 3946 pounds, which makes it less than 100 pounds heavier than the 612 Scaglietti, for which Ferrari quotes a dry weight of 3880 pounds. (The ready-to-run curb weight of the last 612 we tested was 4123 pounds.) Fifty-seven percent of the FF's weight is perched over the rear axle. Incidentally, British manufacturer Jensen built a four-seat, all-wheel-drive supercar called the FF in the late Sixties. The acronym then stood for Ferguson Formula, and Harry Ferguson Research supplied its all-wheel-drive system.

The four-seat Ferrari 612 Scaglietti is a great car, but not our favorite Ferrari. Launched in 2004, it’s getting long in the tooth, and the curvaceous body, lacking in tension, never really grew on us.

At this year’s Geneva auto show, though, Maranello will debut a Scaglietti successor that is not only visually exciting in a way the 612 never managed to be, but departs from the Ferrari gospel in two tremendous ways: It’s the first all-wheel-drive prancing horse, and it’s a two-door station wagon, or shooting brake.

Say What?!

The Pininfarina-styled four-seater folds futuristic shapes and detailing into classic front-engine proportions. The front end is dominated by a hood and headlights that are inspired by the 458 Italia, while the greenhouse sits far aft and flows into a rear end with recessed taillights and a low tailgate. It is long (193.2 inches), wide (76.9 inches), and relatively low (54.3 inches), and to our eyes, it is absolutely stunning. The FF, says Ferrari, seats four comfortably and offers ample space for luggage.

The FF unveiled on Ferrari.com

kia rio

ake a look at that. Just look at it. In my opinion, it is becoming pretty clear that there are car companies that "get it," and there are others that simply "don't." The 2012 Kia Rio is yet another impressive, affordable, and efficient vehicle that is debuting in New York. Although the Rio had been known as the bargain-basement vehicle at Kia for nearly a decade, this new Rio appears to be anything but. Taking styling cues directly from the incredibly impressive Optima, the Rio really stands out nicely against the competition from Chevrolet, Ford, Nissan and Honda.

The interior is pretty utilitarian, however, but still appears to be a nice place to be. Again, it takes its cues directly from the well-regarded Optima, and actually appears to have taken a page from Volkswagen with the way the center stack is laid out around that navigation screen. Power is delivered with Hyundai/Kia's new 138 BHP 1.6L direct-injection four-cylinder, sent through a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic. With stop and start technology making its initial debut on a Kia, the Rio will be good for 30 MPG in the city and the magic 40 MPG on the highway. Although there isn't a whole lot of talk about the chassis development or design, ultimately the Rio looks like an absolute blast to drive. Time will tell if it drives as good as it looks, but ultimately, this appears to be a wonderful car.

In other Kia news, the Soul is getting the significant update that we were promised. Although the look inside and out isn't dramatically different, nice touches here and there have attempted to move the Soul into an area that is more in-line with cars like the Optima and the new Rio. Power is delivered with the same 1.6L direct-injection four-cylinder, and a more-powerful 2.0L four-cylinder is also available. Fuel economy doesn't change radically, but is rated at 28 in the city and 34 on the highway.

To me, that interior looks absolutely fantastic. Although, it may just be the contrast of colors. Still, it just goes to show that Kia is putting a lot of thought into their vehicles. In a strange way, it reminds me of a more vibrant Pontiac of the '80s compared to an Oldsmobile (Hyundai) of the same time.

Update on Friday, April 22, 2011 at 8:55 PM by Brad

I think what is most-critical to pull out here is that Kia is willing to take some stylistic and engineering chances while no one else is. The look is different, the power delivery is ahead of the curve, and for your money, you're getting a fantastic little car. Even I hate to say it, I would not be ashamed to own a brand new Kia. Between the absolutely incredible Optima SX, the Forte Koupe, the new Rio and the updated Soul... Kia is a brand to worry about. Especially if you are Honda and Toyota, who seem to be stuck in their ways of making boring, "safe" transportation.

Toyota avalon review

That Toyota's marketing team produced such a commercial proves they know exactly who buys the Avalon: people who were alive and watching television 50 years ago. Since a "jet-smooth ride" and "quiet cabin" don't set an enthusiast's soul ablaze, we're taking Toyota's hint and getting in the mood for our review of the updated Avalon by donning a cardigan, ordering a scotch and soda and developing a one-sided friendship with Alex Trebec. So let's phrase it in the form of a question: How good is the 2011 Toyota Avalon? Follow the jump to find out.

The 2011 Avalon is a 4-door, 5-passenger family sedan, available in two trims, the Base and the Limited. 

Upon introduction, both trims are equipped with a standard 3.5-liter, V6, 268-horsepower engine that achieves 20-mpg in the city and 29-mpg on the highway. A 6-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard. Fine balance of softness, composure.The Avalon interior is remarkably clean and uncluttered Rear legroom is particularly generous with three-across seating facilitated by elimination of the rear hump.We quickly discovered the Avalon is the kind of car that will never annoy you, a car best characterized by the absence of noise, vibration or harshness.The engine is spooky smooth, velvety in its power delivery, and dang near silent in operation while the transmission's ratios seem perfectly chosen...the V6 can barely be heard while idling and is glassy-smooth across the rev band. ..simulated panic stops induced noticeable nosedive.- Consumer Guide Touring uses same tires as other models, but firmer suspension registers some pavement imperfections other Avalon ignore.