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This $7-million Ferrari LaFerrari is the most expensive modern car ever sold at auction

The Ferrari LaFerrari is already one of the most extreme, high-performance, road-going cars ever built. And now, it's also the most expensive modern car ever sold at auction. Ferrari, along with RM Sotheby's and the National Italian American Foundation's Earthquake Relief Fund, officially sold the car as part of a charity auction benefiting the reconstruction efforts in central Italy. Total price? A whopping $7 million. Ferrari claims its extra LaFerrari – the company originally built this 500th example for its own collection – is the most expensive car from the 21st century ever sold at auction. As we mentioned in our original story from last week, all proceeds from the LaFerrari auction will benefit earthquake-ravaged central Italy. While the LaFerrari's lucky new owner can rest easy knowing their money went to a seriously good cause, they'll also get to enjoy a unique example of the final production LaFerrari. It's a simple tweak, but its Rosso Corsa paint body gets a white "dream line" on its hood and rear windshield, and the Italian tricolor on the nose. We like it, and we're guessing the citizens of central Italy will appreciate the money this special hypercar made for them. Related Video:

Marchionne: all-electric Ferrari 'an obscene concept'

At the 2016 Geneva Motor Show, Ferrari Chairman Sergio Marchionne told reporters that Ferrari is not interested in building an all-electric car. "With Ferrari, it's almost an obscene concept," were his exact words. He added, "You'd have to shoot me first." This brings to mind another quote, this from Enzo Ferrari himself: "Aerodynamics are for people who can't build engines." Ferrari is, in its heart of hearts, an engine company. As Enzo Ferrari also said, "I build engines and attach wheels to them." Ferrari engines are beautiful things, as are the cars they power. There's a reason the Italian automaker displays its powerplants in its cars under glass like precious works of art. Of course, Ferrari did end up focusing on aerodynamics despite Enzo's remark. In racing as in business, you adapt or you get left behind. If you visit Ferrari's website, you can find a section on innovation. It's clear that the automaker prides itself on its technological advances (including aerodynamics, of course). It also values being a leader. "Each new model brims with technological innovation," it says, "solutions that pave the way for the rest of the industry and which are often picked up by other manufacturers at a later date." Ferrari follows nobody. The Italian marque may pride itself on being a holdout. As an automaker, it does things in the spirit of Ferrari, which is to say in the spirit of Enzo Ferrari. Former Ferrari Chairman Luca di Montezemelo said in 2011, "You will never see a Ferrari electric because I don't believe in electric cars, because I don't think they represent an important step forward for pollution or CO2 or the environment." Sports car manufacturers — Ferrari included — turn to electrification not just for efficiency, however, but also for performance. An electric motor can do certain things that an internal combustion engine simply can't. Who doesn't like being able to summon up loads of torque the very instant they first put a little pressure on the gas pedal? EVs can be spectacular to drive. Take the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Electric Drive and the Tesla Model S as proof of that. Marchionne's argument comes down to sound. He was not thrilled by the aural experience of driving a Tesla. Anyone with ears loves the sound of a Ferrari engine. Enzo said, "Race cars are neither beautiful nor ugly. They become beautiful when they win." While he was speaking about a car's visual aesthetic, it certainly applies to a car's sound profile as well.

Ferrari presents new F1 car to challenge Mercedes

MARANELLO, Italy — Ferrari unveiled its new Formula One car on Friday, one that it hopes can finally end its title drought. Team principal Mattia Binotto and drivers Sebastian Vettel and Charles Leclerc were on stage for the presentation of the car, which has been named SF90 to commemorate the Italian manufacturer's 90th anniversary in 2019. They were joined by Ferrari chairman John Elkann and CEO Louis Camilleri. "The car embodies the latest state-of-the-art technology, reflects the new regulations for the coming season and is the fruit of the combined enormous work and talent of everyone in the Scuderia," Camilleri said. The new matte livery radiates the classic Ferrari red, with splashes of black and hardly any white. "I'm really excited, and I can't wait to get in," Vettel said. "I'm looking forward to this year. I think the team is on the right path, and hopefully we can continue improving." Vettel won the opening two races of the 2018 season and took pole position in three of the first four but Ferrari's performance waned as the year went on, enabling Mercedes to win a fifth straight drivers' title with Lewis Hamilton. Ferrari hasn't won a title since taking the 2008 constructors' championship, while Kimi Raikkonen claimed the team's last driver's title back in 2007. "Last season was our best in the last 10 years, yet we fell short of our objectives," Camilleri said. "Such a setback is never easy to swallow, but I assure you we look ahead with strong commitment and determination." It is Vettel's fifth season with Ferrari but Leclerc's first after replacing Raikkonen. "I'm extremely excited to start this new adventure," Leclerc said. "It's a dream since I was a child. It's a very emotional day for me." Binotto has also been promoted from chief technical officer, taking over from Maurizio Arrivabene. The season opens on March 17 at the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne. Related Video: Featured Gallery Ferrari SF90 2019 Formula One car Motorsports Ferrari Racing Vehicles F1 Sebastian Vettel John Elkann