In brief: New Ferrari arrives next year

The Ferrari FF, the replacement for the 612 Scaglietti, blends high performance with versatility and will be the carmaker's most powerful four-seater ever. Photo / Supplied

Ferrari has revealed its first four-wheel-drive car - a two-door, four-seat coupe powered by a 492kW/68Nm, 6.3-litre V12 engine that takes it from zero to 100 in 3.7 seconds, while averaging a 15.4l/100km thirst. It arrives in NZ in 2012.

Toyota still at the top
Toyota has retained its top spot globally, with 8.42 million sales last year ahead of GM at 8.39 million, and VW at 7.14 million. Massive recalls in the US in 2010 saw Toyota sales there fall 2 per cent, offset by increases in China and Asia.

Austria's green credentials
Austrians buying electrically powered Renault and Nissan cars sign an agreement that guarantees domestic charging and a certificate stating their electricity comes from renewable resources, so they're eligible for subsidies.

Electric trials on the horizon
Mazda will trial an electric-powered Mazda2 next year, leasing it to local government and business fleets. Mazda says regenerative braking and hybrid powertrains will be gradually introduced into its range.

T.27 proves safety ability
McLaren supercar designer Gordon Murray put his electric minicar to the crash test - the T.27 city car hitting an offset barrier at 56km/h with zero cabin intrusion. But his car will not get a five-star NCAP rating as it doesn't have stability control or curtain airbags.