In keeping with the times, in a somewhat sedate launch, Ferrari unveiled their 2010 challenger to the world on Thursday, promising greatness and glory.

A Swiss millionaire has been fined US$290,000 (ZAR2.2 Million / €202,000) for driving a Ferrari Testarossa through the town of St Gallen at 100 km/h (62 mph).

The American-built Rossion Q1 supercar arrived on the Italian scene for a promotional video shoot meant to showcase the vehicle’s abilities and announce European distribution by Hybrid UKGARAGE of Bergamo. Racing around the Italian coast, the car looks just as capable at tackling the roads of Ferrari’s home country.

A replacement for the Ferrari Enzo is under continuous development. The Enzo, named after the company’s founder, is the pinnacle of Ferrari road performance which means its engine is at the centre of discussion. Currently a 6.0-litre V12 does its duty to the extent of 492kW (669hp).

But now a rumour claims the new car, codenamed FX70/ F70, might actually get a twin turbo V8 instead. Someone told CarsUK that Maranello is testing both V12 and V8 configurations and it seems the 8-pot is winning. Maximum power is expected to peak at around 597kW (812hp) for the V12 and 522kW (710hp) for the V8. Insider purists are arguing for the former while presumably company brass want the force-fed option.

Luca di Montezemolo says Michael Schumacher is set to return to F1 with Mercedes GP. The seven-time world champion is currently employed as an advisor to Ferrari, the team with whom he won five of his titles, and is an ambassador for their road car division, but has strongly been linked with a move to the firm’s German rivals.

Schumacher, who retired at the end of 2006, has so far remained tight-lipped on the matter, but Di Montezemolo informed reporters at Ferrari’s Christmas lunch in Fiorano on Thursday that the deal is close to being realised.