In Texas, they do every thing big. They did not get the “Lone Star†moniker by following the status quo. Just one look at the mile long video replay screen in the Dallas Cowboy’s stadium and you get the point. Okay, it’s not really a mile long, but it is one of the Seven Wonders of the National Football League.
And because Toyota Motor Sales, USA also does things in a grand way, San Antonio, Texas seemed like a very good place to build a big factory that builds the biggest vehicles in the Toyota portfolio, the Tundra Pickup in all of its variants, and the Toyota Tacoma.
Through building the Tundra in Texas, Toyota is firing a salvo in the war for the most profitable segment in the auto industry – large consumer trucks. Consider this: Enemy number one, the Ford F-150 and its variants, has been the number one selling pickup truck in the U.S. market for several decades! In some of those years, it’s been the number one vehicle sold in America, period. Guess what the number two Pickup has been? If you said Chevy Silverado, you are correct.
The Tundra began its quest to reach sales respectability named as the less-than-stellar T100 in 1993. It was too small, way underpowered and had miserable crash ratings. The only thing it had going for it was it was a Toyota, which meant it was super reliable. Tundra came on the scene as a 1999 model.
Today, Tundra is no longer a 98-pound weakling. It’s Large and in Charge Texas style, with a broad face, superior reliability, large payload and towing capacity, and interior accoutrements that are sometimes more in line with Toyota’s luxury brand, Lexus. In a word, the Tundra is “correct.†But being good in this segment does not necessarily equate to sales success. Ford and Chevy have American patriotism for their trucks behind them in ways no other brands have, including Ford and Chevy for their cars, where Toyota and Honda regularly wipe their butts with the remnants of sales they don’t get. And let us not forget the newly designed Nissan Titan. Super big and super badass, look for Titan to seriously complicate the already complicated mix.
Recently we were invited to San Antonio, Texas to TMMTX – Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Texas, Inc., where the Tundra and popular Tacoma mid sized pickup are manufactured. TMMTX is one of 10 American manufacturing plants for Toyota, which has made a huge commitment to build cars and trucks in its most important overseas market, the United States of America. TMMTX broke ground in 2003, with over $2.6 billon invested and produced its first truck in 2006. The plant was built on the site of a ranch that dates back to 1794. Trucks built there feature 75% U.S. supplier content. TMMTX requires specialized talent to build these trucks, and looks to our military vets to help fill that void. The plant is huge (like Texas!), with a 2.2 million square foot facility on 2700 acres, 700 of which were donated to the City of San Antonio. But it is also ‘green’ where it can be. For example, it recycles 1.2 million gallons of water every day, and contributes almost zero waste to local landfills.
Plant production is 60% Tacoma/40% Tundra, and can flip those numbers based on demand. TMMTX produces more than 200,000 trucks per year. TMMTX is responsible for direct employment of more than 3,300, and for indirect through sales and suppliers of more than 17,000.
The tour of TMMTX was fascinating and impressive. Watching the ballet required to build vehicles and keep the assembly line running at a profit requires military like precision and discipline. Toyota even gave us journalists an opportunity to participate in some line building skills, like seam caulking and panel painting.
As we exited the facility after a super fun tour, we were led to a recent purchase by Toyota, the buy-back of a Tundra with 1.1 million miles! Yes I said 1.1 million miles. Aside from normal wear and tear, the truck was in terrific shape. Many of the original components were still working, like the radiator, with the transmission having been rebuilt twice, and of course a good deal of regular maintenance like oil changes. The owner of the million mile Tundra was given a brand new model. This kind of reliability may not crack American patriotism, but it surely will help Toyota move up the sales charts in the war with Ford, Chevy and Nissan.
Thank you Toyota for an eye-opening experience.
Audi has officially introduced the all-new 2027 Q9 and SQ9, expanding its SUV lineup with two flagship three-row models designed to compete against the BMW X7, Mercedes-Benz GLS and Cadillac Escalade.
The 2027 Audi Q9 marks a major milestone for the German automaker. As Audi’s largest production SUV ever, the new flagship is designed to compete in the premium full-size SUV segment alongside established rivals such as the BMW X7, Mercedes-Benz GLS and Cadillac Escalade.
Moreover, the Q9 arrives as Audi continues reshaping its lineup, giving buyers a spacious three-row luxury SUV with advanced technology, refined comfort and powerful performance.
Audi Introduces Its Biggest SUV Ever
The 2027 Audi Q9 measures approximately 209 inches in length, making it the largest vehicle Audi has ever offered.
Its exterior design shares styling cues with the latest Q7 while adopting a more commanding presence. Furthermore, the SUV fills one of the few remaining gaps in Audi’s lineup by giving the brand a true flagship utility vehicle.
U.S. deliveries are scheduled to begin during the fourth quarter of 2026, with pricing starting at $87,700 for the Q9 and $118,000 for the performance-focused SQ9, excluding destination charges.
The 2027 Audi Q9 becomes the largest SUV ever introduced by the German luxury brand.
Powerful Engines for Every Driving Style
The 2027 Audi Q9 offers two distinct powertrain options for North American buyers.
The standard model is powered by a twin-turbocharged 2.9-liter V6 producing 429 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, quattro all-wheel drive and a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, the SUV accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds.
Meanwhile, the high-performance SQ9 features a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 generating 591 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. Consequently, it reaches 60 mph in just 3.8 seconds, making it one of Audi’s quickest SUVs.
Every model also includes adaptive air suspension, four-wheel steering and a maximum towing capacity of 7,700 pounds.
The SQ9 delivers V8 performance while every Q9 benefits from standard quattro all-wheel drive.
Advanced Technology Defines the Cabin
Inside, the 2027 Audi Q9 introduces Audi’s newest digital interior.
Drivers receive a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 14.5-inch central touchscreen and an available 12.3-inch passenger display. Additionally, the infotainment system runs Android Automotive OS and integrates ChatGPT through Audi Assistant to answer a wider range of voice commands.
Premium features include available five-zone climate control, a 22-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system, six- or seven-passenger seating and a panoramic glass roof with optional electrochromic technology.
Safety and Innovation Take Center Stage
Audi has equipped the 2027 Audi Q9 with one of its most advanced technology packages to date.
The SUV introduces Digital Matrix LED headlights capable of projecting guidance and warning information directly onto the road. Furthermore, curved digital OLED taillights make their debut, while the latest driver assistance systems include adaptive cruise control, automated parking, trailer assist, blind-spot monitoring and an upgraded emergency assist system.
Practicality also improves through power-closing doors, larger wireless charging pads, higher-output USB-C ports and a redesigned cargo management system.
The Q9 combines cutting-edge lighting technology with Audi’s latest digital cabin and driver assistance systems.
A New Flagship for Audi’s SUV Lineup
The 2027 Audi Q9 represents Audi’s most ambitious SUV yet.
Overall, by combining spacious three-row seating, advanced digital technology, premium comfort and powerful gasoline engines, the Q9 and SQ9 position Audi to compete directly with the biggest names in the luxury full-size SUV segment.
Sergio Pérez was found to have breached Formula 1’s starting procedure during the Hungarian Grand Prix, yet the FIA issued only a warning after determining that a standard penalty would have served no practical purpose.
The Sergio Pérez F1 penalty debate resurfaced after the Hungarian Grand Prix, where the Cadillac driver committed another starting procedure infringement but avoided a sporting penalty. Instead, FIA stewards issued only a warning after reviewing the unusual circumstances surrounding the incident.
Moreover, it was not the first time Pérez has been investigated for a start procedure violation during the 2026 Formula 1 season.
What Happened Before the Race Started?
Pérez began the Hungarian Grand Prix from the pit lane after Cadillac made suspension changes under parc fermé conditions.
During the formation lap, drivers starting from the pit lane must follow a specific procedure before joining the race. However, Pérez moved ahead of teammate Valtteri Bottas before crossing the designated safety car line, an action prohibited by the FIA Sporting Regulations.
As a result, the incident was immediately noted by race stewards.
Sergio Pérez was investigated after a starting procedure infringement before the Hungarian Grand Prix.
Why FIA Chose Not to Penalize Pérez
Although stewards confirmed that Pérez had violated the regulations, they decided that a traditional sporting penalty was unnecessary.
According to their findings, Pérez explained that he was focused on reaching the pit exit traffic lights in time and did not realize he had overtaken Bottas before the required line. Furthermore, because he was already starting the race from the pit lane, imposing the usual pit-lane start penalty would have had no practical effect.
Consequently, FIA officials issued only an official warning instead of adding a time penalty or another sporting sanction.
FIA stewards ruled that a warning was sufficient because Pérez had already started from the pit lane.
Another Incident in a Difficult Season
The Sergio Pérez F1 penalty discussion is nothing new in 2026.
Earlier this season, Pérez received penalties in Monaco after separate starting procedure infringements affected Cadillac’s race. Additionally, he was investigated in Austria after moving on the grid before the start, although no penalty was ultimately applied because he had already retired from the race before the stewards reached their decision.
Therefore, Hungary marks another unusual chapter in a season filled with procedural investigations involving the Mexican driver.
Pérez’s Race Ended Early Anyway
Even after avoiding a sporting penalty, Pérez was unable to finish the Hungarian Grand Prix.
A suspension issue forced the Cadillac driver to retire on lap 48, ending another frustrating weekend for both the team and the experienced Formula 1 veteran.
Pérez’s Hungarian Grand Prix ended with a retirement caused by a suspension problem.
Stewards Applied the Regulations to the Situation
The Sergio Pérez F1 penalty case highlights how FIA stewards evaluate each incident based on its specific circumstances.
Overall, while Pérez did commit another starting procedure infringement, officials concluded that issuing a warning was the most appropriate outcome because a conventional penalty would not have altered the way he started the race.
George Russell has reflected on a challenging opening half of the 2026 Formula 1 season, thanking Mercedes and the fans while insisting the team will continue pushing after the summer break.
The George Russell F1 2026 campaign has been filled with both highs and frustrating setbacks. Despite several missed opportunities during the opening half of the Formula 1 season, the Mercedes driver says he remains focused on the positives and is determined to continue fighting when racing resumes after the summer break.
Moreover, Russell believes the championship is still wide open, with plenty of races remaining and opportunities to recover.
A Strong Start Followed by Difficult Moments
Russell opened the 2026 season in impressive fashion by converting pole position into victory at the Australian Grand Prix. He also added another highlight by winning the Sprint race in China.
However, his momentum quickly changed. Mechanical issues during qualifying in Shanghai cost him another pole position, while later races brought a series of setbacks, including strategy problems, penalties, reliability issues and race-ending incidents.
As a result, Russell has often been unable to capitalize on his pace throughout the first half of the season.
George Russell remains optimistic despite a difficult opening half of the 2026 Formula 1 season.
Mercedes Driver Refuses to Lose Confidence
Despite the challenges, the George Russell F1 2026 story remains one of determination.
Following the Hungarian Grand Prix, Russell shared a message thanking Mercedes for its hard work and expressing gratitude to the fans for their continued support. Furthermore, he emphasized that the team will keep pushing because anything can still happen before the end of the championship.
That positive mindset reflects Mercedes’ determination to improve during the second half of the season.
Russell thanked Mercedes and the fans while promising to keep fighting for stronger results.
Third in the Championship Despite the Setbacks
Although luck has rarely been on his side, Russell enters the summer break in third place in the Drivers’ Championship with 160 points.
He currently sits just nine points behind second place, while teammate Andrea Kimi Antonelli leads the standings after an impressive start to his sophomore Formula 1 season.
Consequently, Russell remains well positioned to challenge for higher championship positions once racing resumes.
Everything Still to Play For
The George Russell F1 2026 campaign is far from over.
Mercedes expects to continue developing the car during the second half of the season, giving Russell additional opportunities to convert his pace into stronger results. Therefore, the British driver believes consistency and perseverance will be essential in the races ahead.
Russell heads into the summer break believing Mercedes can still fight for stronger championship results.
Russell Looks Ahead With Confidence
Although the first half of the season has included its share of disappointment, George Russell F1 2026 remains focused on the bigger picture.
Overall, the Mercedes driver is choosing optimism over frustration, convinced that the combination of hard work, continued development and remaining races can still change the outcome of his championship campaign.
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