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Ferrari slated to reveal revised FF on Lake Como next month

Ferrari is reportedly gearing up to present a new version of the FF. Initially introduced in 2011, Maranello's all-wheel-drive shooting brake is now the oldest model in the lineup. But it won't be for much longer. The Italian automaker reportedly sent out a notice to select customers recently, inviting them to the debut of a V12 grand tourer with 2+2 seating. While it didn't explicitly name the model, those parameters could only apply to the FF. The reveal is slated to take place on February 15 at Villa Erba, the estate neighboring Villa d'Este on Lake Como that also hosts part of the Concorso d'Eleganza each year. That event is not slated to take place until May, but Ferrari is apparently renting it out for the event. Expect the updated FF to make its public debut at the Geneva Motor Show the following month. We predict revised styling to the front and rear fascias and new head- and taillights more in keeping with the company's newer models. The 6.3-liter V12 will likely carry over, but where the current model packs 651 horsepower, the revised version could step up to around 700 to bridge the gap to the more potent F12 Berlinetta with its 730 hp – or 769 in the F12 TdF. Don't expect any turbochargers – at least not on the V12 – as Ferrari doesn't plan on applying them to its 12-cylinder models. A hybrid version could be in the cards. Rumors have also suggested that a lower-priced V8 version could be offered as well, though that could end up encroaching too closely on the California's territory. One way or another, the part-time all-wheel drive system is likely to stay – as will the four-seat layout. Plus, a more tapered roofline could help the revised FF cut a more elegant silhouette. Related Video: Featured Gallery 2013 Ferrari FF: Review View 35 Photos News Source: Motor AuthorityImage Credit: Copyright 2016 Drew Phillips / AOL Geneva Motor Show Ferrari Coupe Hatchback Wagon Supercars ferrari ff

F1's Sebastian Vettel, Lewis Hamilton face off again in Austria

SPIELBERG, Austria - Sebastian Vettel celebrated his 30th birthday on Monday, but it can be safely assumed that Lewis Hamilton will not be bringing any gifts to Austria this weekend. After the "road rage" of Azerbaijan two weeks ago, the Formula One title rivals head to the bucolic surroundings of the scenic Red Bull Ring and its backdrop of hills and forests, with controversy still simmering. Vettel, Ferrari's championship leader, had risked a heavy penalty for his moment of madness in driving into Hamilton's Mercedes behind the safety car in Baku but instead the German arrives in Austria with no further sanction and the matter officially closed. Vettel has had to accept full responsibility, and apologize to Hamilton, and will have to stay on best behavior with a race ban looming if he collects any more penalty points on his license this weekend. The FIA said Monday's meeting was attended by top officials including race director Charlie Whiting and safety director Laurent Mekies. "Following detailed discussion and further examination of video and data evidence related to the incident, Sebastian Vettel admitted full responsibility," the FIA said. "In the heat of the action I then overreacted, and therefore I want to apologize to Lewis directly, as well as to all the people who were watching the race. I realize that I was not setting a good example." A formal apology was published on Vettel's personal website. "During the re-start lap, I got surprised by Lewis and ran into the back of his car. With hindsight, I don't believe he had any bad intentions," he said. "In the heat of the action I then overreacted, and therefore I want to apologize to Lewis directly, as well as to all the people who were watching the race. I realize that I was not setting a good example. "I love this sport and I am determined to represent it in a way that can be an example for future generations." But the incident, the sport's major talking point post-Baku, is unlikely to die down immediately even if Mercedes say they have moved on. Hamilton, for one, has said nothing. But he has kept social media buzzing with news he had "liked" a fan's supportive post on Instagram that said the Paris decision had sent the message that "you can do whatever you want on track, smash into each other but if you suck up and just apologize and you get away with it." Hamilton is now 14 points behind Vettel after eight of 20 races, with a loose headrest costing the Briton victory in Azerbaijan.

Fiat Chrysler's Marchionne being treated in Zurich

ZURICH — Fiat Chrysler Chief Executive Sergio Marchionne was being treated in a Zurich hospital on Sunday with a serious illness after suffering complications following shoulder surgery. A Fiat Chrysler spokesman confirmed Marchionne was in Zurich's University Hospital, one of Switzerland's largest medical centers. The FCA spokesman did not give the 66-year-old Italian-Canadian executive's condition or say in which of the hospital's 43 divisions he was being treated. Italian news outlets said he has been in a coma since Friday, is breathing with the help of a ventilator, and that attempts to have him breath on his own were unsuccessful. Fiat Chrysler named its Jeep division boss Mike Manley on Saturday to take over immediately from Marchionne, who had been due to step down next April. SGS, the Swiss logistics services company, also announced on Sunday that it had named a new acting chairman to take over for Marchionne, since his illness prevented him from fulfilling the role's obligations. SGS said in a statement it was "deeply saddened" by the news, as did Lausanne, Switzerland-based Philip Morris International, where Marchionne is also on the board. Marchionne was credited with rescuing Fiat and Chrysler from bankruptcy after taking the Italian carmaker's wheel in 2004. On Saturday he was also replaced as chairman and CEO of Ferrari and chairman of tractor maker CNH Industrial — both spun off from FCA in recent years. In additional management changes linked to Marchionne's illness, Ferrari named FCA Chairman and Agnelli family scion John Elkann as new chairman and Louis Camilleri becomes chief executive. Reporting by John Miller in ZurichRelated Video: Image Credit: Reuters Chrysler Ferrari Fiat US