2011 Ferrari 458 Italia 2dr Cpe on 2040-cars

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Watch Evo pick its 2015 Car of the Year in this epic video

With just a few days left in 2015, it's the perfect time to check out Evo's annual Car of the Year test to determine the greatest performance vehicle of the last 12 months. The writers' picks for the 11 finalists spanned a breadth of engaging models and included: Peugeot 208 GTi by Peugeot Sport, Lamborghini Aventador SV, Seat Leon Cupra Sub8, McLaren 675LT, Porsche 991 GT3 RS, Porsche Cayman GT4, Honda Civic Type R, Ferrari 488 GTB, Chevrolet Camaro Z/28, Lotus Evora 400, and Mercedes-AMG GT S. For the venue to test the mettle of these performance machines, Evo stuck close to home this year and visited the twisting roads at the beautiful north coast of Scotland. Racing brothers Marino and Dario Franchitti also came along for the ride to provide two more voices in the competitive challenge to determine a winner. Evo's video explains why each model deserves to be among such rarified company but doesn't gloss over their faults either. There can be only one winner, though. We don't want to spoil it, so check out the clip for magnificent views of these performance machines through the Scottish countryside.

Marchionne hints at once-'obscene' idea: a Formula E electric Ferrari

Ferrari is certainly protective of its brand image, even if it means coming off as a Luddite. A year ago, Chairman and ( now) CEO Sergio Marchionne said that an all-electric Ferrari would be " almost an obscene concept," adding, "You'd have to shoot me first." So it's surprising to see him tell Auto, the FIA's magazine, that "we need to be involved" in all-electric racing series Formula E. Earlier the interview, Marchionne talks up Ferrari's need for electrification, at least in terms of incorporating more hybrid technology. "Hybridization is crucial to Ferrari," he says, not necessarily in meeting emissions targets, but for performance. Ferrari will use new technology, electrification included, in future models, with a focus on creating an emotional experience for the driver. Late last year, Marchionne said that the brand would leverage hybrid technology to boost production figures and profits, and that every model would offer some hybrid technology by 2019. When asked about the likelihood of Formula E entry, Marchionne says, "It's difficult to say." He then adds, "We need to be involved in Formula E because electrification via hybridization is going to be part of our future." What that level of involvement would be is also uncertain, but he didn't rule out the possibility of a Ferrari Formula E racer, which would by necessity be all-electric. Of course, Ferrari could find a development role in the race series without entering its own vehicle. Regardless of the type of involvement, Ferrari's reputation could stand to gain from representation in the series, especially if it means it's not appearing to fall behind the likes of McLaren, Jaguar, BMW, and Audi, who have all played a part in Formula E. Either way, it appears that Marchionne is warming up to electrification, and that the idea of an all-electric Ferrari – even if it's confined to a single race series — isn't quite as obscene as it once seemed. Related Video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. News Source: AutoImage Credit: Getty Green Motorsports Ferrari Electric Hybrid Racing Vehicles Sergio Marchionne Formula E

Mysterious Ferrari may be rumored Dino

At first glance, this Ferrari 458 looks innocuous, but several signs suggest the black coupe might actually be a test mule for a future revival of the Dino name. Unfortunately, one of the biggest hints to the car's identity is sonic rather than visual. According to our spies, the engine doesn't sound like company's naturally aspirated V8 or the turbocharged mill in the new 488 GTB. That suggests the possibility of a V6 being mounted behind the driver here. The lack of exhaust pipes poking out the rear further hints that something is amiss with the powerplant. The large intakes on each side should be plenty to feed cool air to the Dino's rumored twin-turbo V6, as well. A version of the 510-horsepower mill from the new Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio is possibly in this Prancing Horse, but FCA execs are very cagey about discussing any connection between that engine and Ferrari. According to FCA CEO Sergio Marchionne about the revived Dino, "It's a when not an if." Marchionne indicated the model could pack around 500 hp and be lighter than a 488. "The six-cylinder response has been positive," he said. The smaller displacement powerplant would also mean lower taxes in China. The Dino would reportedly be positioned to take on the entry-level rung of supercars like the Audi R8 and McLaren 570S. Unfortunately, an actual launch could be as far away as 2019. So expect to see many more spy shots until then. Related Video: