“Of the things we fashioned for them that they might be comforted, dawn is the one that works.â€
―John Banville,The Infinities
Yes Mr. Banville, the Rolls-Royce Dawn is hand fashioned in Goodwood, United Kingdom, and it works very, very well.
But Dawn is not for everyone. First and foremost, the price of admission is high. My Tuscan Sun over Seashell leather tester costs more than $390,000. I recently drove a very competent and capable Honda Civic with a base price of about $20,000. You can buy 19 Civics for the price of one Dawn. But the Dawn and indeed the whole Rolls-Royce experience is not about fuel economy and pedestrian transportation, it’s about driving or being driven in some of the world’s finest motorcars.
The history of this storied brand dates back to 1904 when Henry Royce was introduced to Charles Rolls in Manchester, United Kingdom. Royce ran an electrical and mechanical business, while Rolls was one of Britain’s first car dealers. The thing that brought the two men together, however, was the two-cylinder Royce 10 that was made by Henry Royce in 1904.
In 1906, the two entrepreneurs formed Rolls-Royce Limited and started to look for an appropriate location for a car production factory. They considered several locations including Manchester where Royce had a factory but they eventually decided on Derby. The Rolls-Royce factory in Derby was designed by Royce, while the production began in 1908.
Rolls-Royce acquired Bentley in 1931. Bentley’s factory in Cricklewood was closed and the production was moved to Rolls-Royce’s facilities in Derby. Until WWII, Bentley was kind of a sporty version of Rolls-Royce. After the end of WWII until 2002, the standard Bentley and Rolls-Royce models were virtually identical.
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Limited was eventually sold and today is a wholly owned subsidiary of German automakerBMW. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Limited operates administrative and production facilities opened in 2003 across from the historicGoodwood Circuitin Goodwood,West Sussex, England, United Kingdom. Rolls-Royce Motors Cars Limited is the exclusive manufacturer of Rolls-Royce branded motor cars since 2003. Although the Rolls-Royce brand has been in use since 1906, the Rolls-Royce Motor Cars subsidiary of BMW AG has no direct relationship to Rolls-Royce branded vehicles produced prior to 2003.
The Rolls-Royce Phantom four-door sedan was the first product offered for sale in 2003.
And while I’ve not yet had the opportunity to visit Rolls production facilities in Goodwood, I have been to Crewe, United Kingdom several times to witness construction of Bentley Motorcars.
If you recall the history timeline, Bentley and Rolls-Royce vehicles were co produced in shared facilities. All of the timeless hand craftsmanship witnessed in Crewe is essentially the same process, Rolls-Royce style, to assemble components and comfort systems in the Dawn.
“Dawn is ever the hope of men.â€
―J.R.R. Tolkein
Enter the ultra luxe Dawn cabin, be seated, and prepare to be coddled with buttery soft leathers, real metal accents and trim, and wood so meticulously specified the grain patterns are a mirror reflection of each other. If the wood grain patterns don’t match, they’re rejected. Press the “close†button at the base of the “A†pillar, and electronically regulated motors pull the large “Coach†doors to the point just before a full close. From there, power closers gently latch the doors so closing can be accomplished without any untoward slamming. Very impressive.
Weather permitting, reach down to the center console and engage Dawn’s “roof†(top) open/close switch. In just 22 seconds, the British Coupé transforms into a proper Drop-head. Just witnessing the roof mechanism in action is a visual treat, as near silent hydraulic cylinders perform their opening and closing ballet. The six layer fully lined and insulated roof resides in a special enclosure in the “boot†or trunk. With the roof up, trunk space is generous enough for several golf bags and soft luggage. Roof down, pack lightly! As with any Rolls-Royce purchase, you have the option to customize your Rolls to reflect your ultimate tastes and desires. Custom fit luggage, special paint or leather colors, real wood decking for an impressive roof-down statement and much more are available based on the number of monetary digits you are willing to assign to this bespoke treatment.
Slip the eight speed transmission drive selector into “D,†and prepare yourself for a true luxury car experience. Don’t be intimidated by Dawn’s prodigious proportions, as she’s just about a foot shorter than the Phantom Drop-head that’s no longer in production. She’s large and in charge but feels very nimble along motorways and back country roads.
Pulling out of your driveway is akin to launching a mahogany speedboat circa 1960. Not that the Dawn is dated, because she’s certainly not, but because you feel like the captain of a well-finished vessel. With 563 horsepower and 575 pound-feet of torque at your disposal, you’ll devour sections of road with the same voracious appetite you apply to consuming the finest Beluga Caviar, all in complete comfort. If you are expecting a sports coupé type of experience, look elsewhere. If you appreciate power; a compliant, supple yet confidence-inspiring suspension; and absolute quiet, then this is the motorcar for you. Assuming you are in a steady – state cruising mode, the only noticeable noise you’ll hear with the roof up is the music from the premium audio system that features 10 channels, 600 watts, and 16 speakers with subwoofer; or the gentle conversation you can have with three other adults sans aural drama.
Top down kinetics are also impressive. Aside from a whisper of wind noise from the forward A-pillars, there’s no excessive cabin wind buffeting, even without the rear seat windblocker in place. Clearly, extensive sound chamber and wind tunnel testing went into the sculpting of the Dawn Convertible.
“And stay, my dear
stay…
forever, as my quiet song,
in my lilac dawn.â€
―Sanober Khan,A Thousand Flamingos
To ensure a “without compromise†driving experience, Dawn is outfitted with a raft of standard and optional luxury accoutrements. Bluetooth wireless technology handles hands free calling and serves as a platform for music streaming while a 10.25 inch main display features infotainment and telematics data. Below the large, central screen, crystal-like buttons are arrayed, ready to be programmed to suit your custom needs. For example, I programmed one button for direct access to the onboard digital owner’s manual, and another to manually control the function of the iconic “Spirit of Ecstasy.†So many admirers of the marque had heard of the power “disappear†function of the winged lady to stave off potential (and very expensive) theft. The beautiful “bonnet†(hood) ornament is available in standard Pewter, Illuminated Crystal, Uplit Pewter, Sterling Silver, or Gold-plate. Should your heart desire, bespoke Spirit of Ecstasy ornaments can be cast in solid gold. The ornament is designed to raise automatically when you start your Dawn, and drop away into a closed, protected compartment when you shut her down. With the crystal key programmed, I was able to raise and lower it at will, much to the delight of admiring onlookers.
Other key interior features include, heated front and rear seats; dynamic cruise control with speed regulation; Satellite/HD radio; 20.5 GB hard drive for music files; voice recognition to control navigation, telephone and entertainment; park distance control; keyless access; and much, much more.
Notable exterior features include self righting wheel centers so the “RR†logo is always upright, lightweight aluminum bonnet, LED headlights with auto leveling and LED side and rear lights, and rifled exhaust diffusers. And one must not forget Rolls-Royce custom umbrellas in a special nacelle in each forward wing (fender) opening.
Key underpinning features include a double wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension with self-leveling air springs, anti-roll stabilization and variable damping control; light alloy wheels with low rolling resistance tires, four channel anti-lock brakes, brake energy regeneration, dynamic brake control, dynamic stability control with dynamic traction control and cornering brake control; electronic parking brake featuring hill hold control and dynamic parking brake, and automatic rollover protection system. Some of the key components, including the engine and transmission, rotary interior controller, and other components are sourced from parent company BMW’s 7-Series.
In several days of testing the Rolls-Royce Dawn, I have only one quibble: the white faced gauges with black pointer needles are quite attractive and fit perfectly with other things expected in a Rolls, like the push-pull “Organ Stop†controls that regulate cabin airflow. However, the gauges are hard to read with the roof down in daylight and could benefit from red painted tips to make them more readable. Not a lot to complain about for sure, but then again, a near perfect experience is the hallmark of Rolls-Royce motorcars.
“Luxury is the enemy of observation, a costly indulgence that induces such a good feeling that you notice nothing. Luxury spoils and infantilizes you and prevents you from knowing the world. That is its purpose…â€
―Paul Theroux
The Rolls-Royce Dawn is truly the complete package. It provides ultimate, bespoke luxury, head turning beauty, and legendary attention to detail. If you desire the ultimate convertible, then you should consider the Rolls-Royce Dawn.
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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