The Ferrari FF is gorgeous anywhere, but putting letting it loose in the middle of a snow-covered forest with Markku Alen behind the wheel? Roll the cameras, because something amazing is about to happen.

In possibly one of the most scenic backdrops you could capture on film, Ferrari put former World Rally Champion Markku Alen into a Ferrari FF to put their innovative 4RM four-wheel drive system to the test. The Finnish ice track specialist and winner of the 1978 FIA Cup for Drivers came away impressed with not only the 4RM system, but Ferrari’s latest 12-cylinder powerplant.

The 8.7-mile forested track had temperatures ranging from -22 to 5 degrees Fahrenheit and was packed with steep inclines and challenging corners. Clearly, this course gave Alen the opportunity to test the Ferrari FF’s capability to extremes, especially the car’s traction on surfaces with very little grip.

Watch the breathtaking video after the break.

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Whittled down from all the cars in the world, a group of 66 automotive journalists from across the globe have released their top 10 picks for the 2012 World Car of the Year and World Performance Car.

That list, which will be further narrowed this month, is initially selected by secret ballot and then submitted for re-evaluation by the panel.

Members then have a chance to rate each car based on overall merit, value, safety, environmental responsibility, emotional appeal, and significance. The top three are then scheduled to be announced March 6 at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show during a press conference.

The 2011 World Car of the Year was the Nissan Leaf, while the World Performance Car was the Ferrari 458 Italia. What we’re most curious about this year is the fact that the Porsche 911 made it into both categories.

The 2012 World Performance Car finalists are:

• Audi RS 3 Sportback
• BMW 1 Series M Coupé
• BMW M5
• Chevrolet Camaro ZL1
• Ferrari FF
• Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4
• McLaren MP4-12C
• Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG
• Mercedes-Benz C-63 Coupe AMG Black Series
• Porsche 911

The 2012 World Car of the Year finalists are:

• Audi A6 Sedan / Avant
• Audi Q3
• BMW 1 Series
• BMW 3 Series
• Chevrolet Volt / Opel/Vauxhall Ampera
• Citroen DS5
• Ford Focus
• Land Rover Evoque
• Porsche 911
• Volkswagen Up!

Be sure to tune in for our coverage of the 2012 Geneva Auto Show, where we’ll be bringing you the latest. Also, let us know what you think of both lists in the comments section below.

Ferrari‘s collaboration with Neiman Marcus has come to fruition with a special edition FF for the Christmas Book. The Neiman Marcus exclusive edition of the 2012 Ferrari FF features a unique exterior color of Grigio Caldo.

Along with a numbered interior plaque for each car, the Ferrari FF also gets a matching luggage set to its exotic leather interior. Each FF will also come with Ferrari’s 7-year maintenance plan and enrollment to the 2012 Ferrari Winter Driving Experience in Aspen, Colorado. Reservations for the limited edition FF begins on October 27th, 2011.

The FF is powered by a 6.3L V12 engine packing 651-hp and 504 lb-ft of torque with a 7-speed, dual-clutch transmission for seamless automatic shifting. Only 10 of these limited edition exotics will be available, each priced at $395,000 based on today’s conversion rates and are scheduled to be delivered in Spring of 2012.

Check out the video after the break.

[Source: Worldcarfans]

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Legendary design firm Pininfarina is ending its auto production business, but will retain its engineering and design divisions. Pininfarina said it will shed 127 jobs due to the division’s closing.

“Unfortunately we are having to stop our production activities, given the way the car market is. So we are focusing on design and engineering,” a Pininfarina spokesman told Reuters.

Pininfarina has a long and storied history, having designed most Ferrari and Alfa Romeo vehicles, as well as numerous other vehicles.

[Source: Reuters]

Ferrari‘s been making a big push to promote the winter driveability of their cars, even going as far as to set up a winter driving school in Colorado featuring their new, AWD Ferrari FF.

Now Ferrari has released a video of their rear-drive California tearing up the slopes in St. Moritz, Switzlerland. It’s actually a pretty uninspiring video as far as hooning and speed go, but seeing any Ferrari driving on a snowy course is a novelty.

Hit the jump to see the video

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Ferrari is launching their first winter driving school on American school in January, 2012, with the aptly named Winter Driving Experience in Aspen, Colorado. Participants will get to use the all-wheel drive Ferrari FF 4-seater, and conduct a variety of driving exercises on both snow and ice.

Ferrari didn’t announce further details regarding specifics of the program, but expect it to cost big bucks and resemble Porsche’s excellent Camp4 program.

Ferrari will offer a special winter driving course in Aspen, Colorado, with the goal of elevating driver skill and enhancing appreciation for the all-season FF GT, which hits dealerships this fall.

The program stems from the “Pilota on Ice” program recently offered in Italy, and the all-new and all-wheel drive FF will be the star of the program. Sessions will begin in January, and will run for 6-7 weeks, exclusively for Ferrari owners. The program will allow owners to experience the FF’s AWD system in snow and icey conditions. The 4RM all-wheel drive system was designed to retain the sporty dynamic driving characteristics of a traditional Ferrari, in low grip situations. Aspen offers a beautiful setting to test out the vehicle on a custom-made snow and ice course, where the FF truly comes to life.

More information on the winter driving program will become available in late summer.

[Source: Team Speed]

Ferrari launched its first official store in Barcelona, coinciding with Spanish driver Fernando Alonso’s, Formula one contract extension, set to last until 2016.

The store opened at number 44 Paseo de Garcia in the heart of Barcelona with Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa hosting the event with a brand-new Ferrari FF. This store joins other prestigious locations such as Rome, New York, Abu Dhabi, London and Johannesburg.

The store will features a section designated to the Scuderia racing team as well as men’s, women’s and children”s clothing. The bottom floor area will feature Ferrari’s GT and F1 section. Historic and contemporary Ferrari art work can be found throughout the store, reminding shoppers of the company’s rich racing history.

[Source: Motor Ward]

Ferrari‘s complimentary service plan, already available in some world markets, will also be offered in the United States, on vehicles like the FF, 458 Italia and California.

“We are currently working out the terms and details to adapt this plan to the U.S. market, which is the largest one for Ferrari,” said Enzo Francesconi, the man responsible for after-sales matters for Ferrari North America. Ferrari’s plan covers one scheduled visit per year, some parts, fluids and labor, but does not cover high-wear items like brake pads. On the other hand, the program is transferable, so used buyers will be able to use what’s left of the program.

Ferrari’s older models are notorious for outrageous service costs, with many requiring hours of labor to remove the engine even for simple tasks. Newer models have been designed for easier servicing, but an oil change can still cost around $500. Another interesting factor is that Ferraris in the snow belt states tend to rarely ever require a 3000 mile comprehensive service, but often get an annual tune-up at their owners request. With the free maintenance program valued at around $15,000, it’s a nice touch for prospective owners, albeit an inconsequential amount if you’re in the Ferrari demographic.

[Source: Car and Driver]

Ferrari is aiming for global sales of 8,000 units within 8 years, unprecedented volumes for a sports car maker that has traditionally prided itself on exclusivity and the individual nature of their products.

Sales of 6,800 to 7,000 Ferrari cars are expected this year, with the Japanese market being the deciding factor. Ferrari sells about 400 cars per year in the country. According to Ferrari boss Luca di Montezemolo, the jump to 8,000 units will have to come from emerging markets. ”A lot depends on India, Latin America and China. There is growth potential there,” he told German magazine Auto Motor und Sport.

China, which will sell 500 cars this year (up from 300) is expected to be the 3rd biggest market for Ferrari, behind the United States and Germany.

[Source: Automotive News]