Italians know fast. They also appreciate beautiful design. Put them together and you get the A.G.V., a new type of train slated to go into service in 2011 with an Italian fast-rail company, N.T.V. But here's the interesting part. Luca di Montezemolo, president of Ferrari, is investing in the company, as is Diego della Valle, president of Tod's, which developed the famous Italian driving shoe. What these two wise gentlemen appreciate is that fast trains are, as the New York Times auto section suggests, a responsible alternative to supercars. I'd say they're a much-needed alternative to cars of all types. Imagine how much better off we'd be if our beleagured Detroit Big Three turned their talents and empty factories to building fast trains for America, while the government put all those unemployed folks to work building new track beds.

The engines, constructed by Alstrom of France, which also created the sensational French TGV train, are more efficient than the latter as they're integral with each car, thus eliminating the need for separate locomotives. The Economist reports that it will be possible to rival airlines for the run from Rome to Milan.

Now here's a classic twist to this tale. A few decades ago, when I was creative director of the Ford of Europe advertising account, I made the trip from Milan to Rome by train. It was an all-night journey in a sleeping car that resembled the richly wood-paneled Wagon-Lits of the storied Orient Express. Everything in my private compartment was as impeccable as the service. The train was not fast, but speed wasn't necessary, since the idea was that business people could depart Milan late in the evening and arrive in Rome fully rested for their morning meetings. The suits (account executives) and I could have made the trip much quicker by air but I, for one, believe that travel should be enjoyed, even when the objective is business. As a railfan, I'd love to ride on that fast train in 2011 but I suggest there may still be occasions where elegance beats speed.