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Top tier supercars go for top dollar at RM Sotheby's Pinnacle Portfolio auction

Ferraris continue to rake in money during classic car auctions, and the sale of RM Sotheby's Pinnacle Portfolio collection during Monterey Car Week is only further proof of that. The Prancing Horse grabbed four of the top five spots among the 25 vehicles crossing the block. The leader among them was a 1964 Ferrari 250 LM with an extensive racing history that went for $17.6 million, according to the company's unofficial numbers sent to Autoblog. The only vehicle to keep Ferrari from locking out the top five was a 1998 McLaren F1 LM-Specification that went for $13.75 million. It's claim to fame included being the second-to-last road version of these famous supercars built. Plus, the coupe is only one of two with the LM spec package, which included the 680-horsepower racing version of the V12. Showing more modern Ferraris are also appreciating, a 2005 Enzo went for $6.05 million, taking third place. This example was the last one ever made and was originally gifted by the company to Pope John Paul II. However, he had the car sold for charity. Similarly special, fourth went to a 1994 F40 LM racecar for $3.3 million. Finally, a 1967 275 GTB/4 rounded out the top five also at $3.3 million. Amazingly, the vehicles in the Pinnacle Portfolio came from just one person who the company only identified as a "private US-based gentleman collector." Check out the gallery to see all 25 rolling across the block, including a Toyota 2000GT, Porsche 959, and Jaguar XJ220.

The new 679-hp McLaren 688HS leaks online

McLaren, since returning to the road car business a few years back, has refused to let up. Every year the company has released a new model or a new variation of a previous one, and they've all been pretty damn good. Now that the limited production P1 and 675LT are all sold out, the company has been working on a fast new track-focused model to replace it. Thanks to a user on the forum McLaren Life, we now have our first glimpse of the upcoming 688HS, F1-inspired roof scoop and all. The 688 High Sport was commissioned by McLaren Special Operations, the group that builds small-batch bespoke vehicles like the 650S Le Mans or the 650S Can-Am. Carscoops reports the new car will be limited to just 25 models, making it one of the most exclusive road cars on the planet. Like the 675LT, the 688HS will be a faster and leaner version of already fantastic 650S. The number 688 refers to the 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V8's output in metric horsepower, or about 679 in American ponies. It is set to lose weight over the 650S and will be fitted with a number of carbon fiber aero modifications. The photos show a large scoop on the roof and out back two uprights for what appears to be a fixed rear wing. Expect a zero to 60 mph time of less than three seconds and a price tag of more than $350,000, although all 25 models are presumably spoken for. Those itching for a rare car from MSO can hold their breaths for the rumored F1 successor. Related Video: News Source: CarscoopsImage Credit: McLaren Life McLaren Coupe Special and Limited Editions Supercars mclaren 650s

Is Fernando Alonso preparing to sit out 2016?

Things have not been going well for Fernando Alonso since moving to McLaren. In fact they've been going so poorly that the Spanish driver may end up sitting out next season if things don't improve. At least those are the rumors presently occupying the Formula One paddock. The notion was first raised by McLaren chief Ron Dennis. When asked by reporters about Alonso's near-term future with the team, Dennis said, "I have an open mind to anything, and some of the ideas have involved those sorts of considerations, yes, sabbatical years etcetera." Though far from confirmed, the basic idea would be to see how next year's car performs in pre-season testing, and if it's not up to spec, Alonso could end up sitting out a season while McLaren and Honda get their partnership up to speed, so to speak. Alonso appeared to be puzzled by the prospect his boss raised, but couldn't rule it out, either. It would be a rather unprecedented move, but could end up avoiding some frustrations as the Anglo-Japanese teething process works itself out with time. Alonso has been a constant on the grid since 2003, missing only two grands prix in thirteen seasons: the 2005 United States Grand Prix at Indianapolis when all the Michelin-equipped teams sat out the race in protest, and the Australian Grand Prix at the beginning of this year, when Alonso was still recovering from a crash in pre-season testing. Out of 254 grands prix contested to date, Fernando has landed on the podium 97 times, including 32 wins and two world championships. This season, however, he's only finished in the points once, with his fifth-place finish in Hungary. Of the eighteen races he contested this year, his car failed to get him to the finish line altogether at seven. His seventeenth place in the final standings for the season are the worst he's done since his debut in 2001 with Minardi (the team now known as Toro Rosso). News Source: Autosport (1), (2), (3)Image Credit: Clive Mason/Getty Hirings/Firings/Layoffs Motorsports Honda McLaren F1 mclaren-honda