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.
RACING
Lewis Hamilton Claims First Ferrari Victory As Antonelli Suffers Costly Retirement In Barcelona
Lewis Hamilton finally delivered the result Ferrari had been waiting for.
The seven-time Formula 1 world champion secured his first Grand Prix victory with the Scuderia after a perfectly executed race at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. Combining strong pace with an aggressive strategy, Hamilton ended Mercedes’ winning streak and reignited Ferrari’s championship ambitions.
The victory also came at a crucial moment in the title fight as championship leader Kimi Antonelli suffered a late retirement after running comfortably inside the top three.
Lewis Hamilton secured his first Formula 1 victory as a Ferrari driver with a dominant performance in Barcelona.
Ferrari’s Strategy Changes The Race
Starting alongside pole-sitter George Russell, Hamilton was unable to challenge for the lead at the first corner despite beginning the race on the softer tire compound.
However, Ferrari’s strategic approach soon began to pay dividends.
The team committed to a bold three-stop strategy while many of its rivals focused on two stops. The gamble proved decisive when a Virtual Safety Car period allowed Hamilton to make his final stop with minimal time loss.
From that point forward, the Ferrari driver controlled the race and steadily increased his advantage over Russell.
Ferrari’s aggressive strategy and flawless pit execution helped Hamilton secure his breakthrough victory with the Scuderia.
Mercedes Finally Beaten
Mercedes arrived in Spain as the dominant force of the 2026 season.
Russell converted his strong weekend pace into pole position and initially looked capable of extending the team’s winning streak. But as tire degradation became a major factor, Ferrari’s alternative strategy gradually shifted the balance of power.
Although Russell drove a solid race and collected valuable points, he ultimately had no answer for Hamilton’s pace in the final stages.
He crossed the line in second place, ending a weekend that started with so much promise.
Antonelli Suffers A Major Championship Blow
The biggest drama unfolded in the closing laps.
Kimi Antonelli spent much of the afternoon fighting near the front and eventually overtook Russell to move into second position. The Mercedes driver appeared set for another strong result before disaster struck.
A mechanical issue forced Antonelli to slow dramatically before pulling off the circuit only a few laps from the finish.
The retirement represented one of the most costly moments of his season and handed Ferrari an unexpected opportunity to reduce the championship deficit.
Championship leader Kimi Antonelli suffered a late retirement after running inside the top positions for most of the race.
Norris Completes Historic British Podium
Lando Norris benefited from Antonelli’s retirement to move into third place and secure another important result for McLaren.
The outcome produced Formula 1’s first all-British podium since 1968, with Hamilton, Russell and Norris occupying the top three positions.
Oscar Piastri added more points for McLaren in fifth, while Max Verstappen finished fourth for Red Bull.
Elsewhere, Pierre Gasly delivered an impressive seventh-place finish for Alpine, while Franco Colapinto dropped from eighth to tenth after receiving a post-race time penalty.
Hamilton, Russell and Norris delivered Formula 1’s first all-British podium in nearly six decades.
Ferrari Builds Momentum Heading To Austria
Beyond the victory itself, Ferrari leaves Barcelona with renewed confidence.
Hamilton’s success demonstrated that the team now has the pace, strategy and execution required to challenge Mercedes consistently. Combined with Antonelli’s retirement, the result injects fresh excitement into both championship battles.
Formula 1 now heads to the Austrian Grand Prix with momentum shifting toward Ferrari and with Hamilton finally celebrating his first Grand Prix victory in red.
Subaru has announced pricing and updates for the 2027 Ascent, its flagship three-row SUV designed specifically for growing families and active lifestyles. The latest model introduces new convenience features, additional charging options for passengers and an exclusive new exterior color while maintaining the capability and safety that have helped make the Ascent one of Subaru’s most important vehicles in the United States.
The 2027 Subaru Ascent will arrive at dealerships this summer with a starting MSRP of $40,795.
The 2027 Subaru Ascent arrives with updated technology, enhanced convenience features and pricing starting at $40,795.
Subaru Continues To Focus On Family-Friendly Capability
The Ascent remains Subaru’s largest SUV and continues to offer seating for up to eight passengers depending on configuration.
Every 2027 Ascent is powered by a turbocharged 2.4-liter SUBARU BOXER engine producing 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. Power is delivered through a Lineartronic CVT transmission with an eight-speed manual mode and paddle shifters.
Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, X-MODE with Hill Descent Control and up to 5,000 pounds of towing capacity help make the SUV suitable for everything from daily commuting to family road trips and outdoor adventures.
New Technology Improves Everyday Convenience
For 2027, Subaru has introduced several updates designed to improve the ownership experience.
A new interior light OFF switch allows drivers to disable door-activated lighting with a single touch, helping reduce disturbances for passengers during nighttime travel.
The Ascent also gains additional USB Type-C charging ports alongside traditional USB-A outlets. The new ports improve charging performance and are located near the third-row seating area, giving passengers easier access to power for smartphones, tablets and other devices.
These updates reinforce Subaru’s focus on practicality and passenger comfort.
The Ascent continues to offer seating for up to eight passengers while maintaining Subaru’s signature all-weather capability.
Safety Remains A Major Strength
Safety continues to be one of the Ascent’s strongest selling points.
The SUV recently earned a 2026 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ award and has now received an IIHS safety recognition for nine consecutive years.
Every trim level comes standard with Subaru EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, including a Wide-Angle Mono Camera and Emergency Stop Assist. Additional standard systems include Blind-Spot Detection, Lane Change Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Reverse Automatic Braking and Automatic Emergency Steering.
These technologies help position the Ascent among the safest family SUVs available in the American market.
Multiple Trim Levels Available
The 2027 Subaru Ascent will be offered in Premium, Limited, Limited Bronze Edition, Touring and Onyx Edition Touring trims.
The Premium model starts at $40,795 and includes an 11.6-inch multimedia system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, roof rails and a power rear gate.
Buyers looking for additional luxury can step up to the Limited trim, which adds navigation, a Harman Kardon audio system, Surround View Monitor and upgraded seating features.
The Limited Bronze Edition returns with unique bronze styling accents, while the Touring model introduces Nappa leather upholstery and premium comfort features.
At the top of the range, the Onyx Edition Touring combines the Touring trim’s luxury equipment with distinctive black exterior accents and a sportier appearance.
The 2027 Subaru Ascent is available in several trim levels and continues to target families seeking versatility, safety and all-wheel-drive capability.
New Colors Join The Lineup
Subaru is also expanding the Ascent’s color palette for 2027.
In addition to familiar finishes such as Crystal Black Silica, Ice Silver Metallic and Crystal White Pearl, the SUV now offers Daybreak Blue Pearl and Deepwater Blue Pearl.
The latter is exclusive to the Ascent and gives the three-row SUV a distinctive appearance within Subaru’s lineup.
Built In America For American Families
Like previous generations, the 2027 Subaru Ascent is assembled at Subaru of Indiana Automotive in Lafayette, Indiana.
The plant also produces the Subaru Crosstrek and Forester, reinforcing Subaru’s commitment to manufacturing key models in the United States.
With updated technology, strong safety credentials, standard all-wheel drive and a broad range of trim levels, the 2027 Subaru Ascent continues to strengthen its position as one of the most versatile three-row SUVs available for American families.
Mercedes-AMG Launches 1,169-HP Electric GT 4-Door Coupe With 600-kW Charging
Mercedes-AMG has officially opened orders for its most advanced electric performance vehicle to date. The new AMG GT 4-Door Coupe combines extreme power, rapid charging capabilities and next-generation electric technology in a package designed to redefine high-performance driving.
Available as the AMG GT 63 4-Door Coupe and AMG GT 55 4-Door Coupe, the new model introduces several technologies never before seen in a production Mercedes-AMG.
With up to 1,169 horsepower, a top speed of 300 km/h and charging performance that ranks among the fastest in the industry, the four-door coupe represents a major milestone for the AMG brand.
The new Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe introduces a new era of electric performance with up to 1,169 horsepower and ultra-fast charging technology.
Advanced Axial-Flux Motors Define A New Generation Of Performance
One of the most significant innovations in the new AMG GT is its electric powertrain.
For the first time in a production Mercedes-AMG, engineers have integrated axial-flux electric motors. The vehicle uses three motors in total, with two mounted on the rear axle and one powering the front wheels.
Together, the system produces up to 860 kW, equivalent to an impressive 1,169 horsepower.
Mercedes-AMG says the new motor technology delivers exceptional power density, rapid energy transfer and consistent performance under demanding driving conditions.
The result is an electric vehicle capable of delivering performance levels traditionally associated with exotic supercars.
Exceptional Electric Performance
The performance figures place the AMG GT among the fastest four-door vehicles ever produced by the brand.
Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h takes only 2.1 seconds, while the sprint to 200 km/h requires just 6.4 seconds.
Customers who choose the optional AMG Driver’s Package can unlock a top speed of 300 km/h.
These figures demonstrate the capability of Mercedes-AMG’s newest electric platform.
Three electric motors, advanced aerodynamics and all-wheel drive help deliver impressive acceleration and high-speed capability.
Charging Technology Sets New Standards
Performance is only part of the story.
Mercedes-AMG has equipped the vehicle with a high-performance battery system capable of accepting charging rates of up to 600 kW.
Under ideal conditions, more than 460 kilometers of driving range can be recovered in just 10 minutes. A charging session from 10 to 80 percent requires approximately 11 minutes.
This combination of performance and charging efficiency helps make the new AMG GT practical for both everyday driving and long-distance journeys.
The electric AMG flagship combines high performance with one of the fastest charging systems available in a production vehicle.
AMG Preserves Its Signature Driving Character
Mercedes-AMG understands that many enthusiasts appreciate the sound and character of the brand’s traditional V8-powered models.
To maintain that connection, engineers developed AMGFORCE S+, a system that recreates key elements of the AMG driving experience through dedicated sound profiles, simulated gear changes and performance-focused digital displays.
The goal is to provide a familiar sense of engagement while embracing the advantages of an advanced electric platform.
Aerodynamics And Software Work Together
Supporting the vehicle’s performance is a collection of active aerodynamic systems and advanced software technologies.
Depending on configuration, the AMG GT can be equipped with active aerodynamic elements integrated into the underbody as well as an active rear diffuser that continuously adapts to changing driving conditions.
Drivers seeking additional capability can select the AMG DYNAMIC PLUS Package, which includes active roll stabilization, Race mode, AMG TRACK PACE and the AMG RACE ENGINEER system.
Together, these technologies help optimize traction, cornering precision and overall vehicle response.
Active aerodynamic systems help maximize efficiency, stability and overall driving performance.
A New Era For AMG Performance
The new Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe demonstrates how electrification can expand the possibilities of performance vehicles.
With advanced axial-flux motors, up to 1,169 horsepower, ultra-fast charging capability and sophisticated software integration, Mercedes-AMG has created a vehicle that showcases the future direction of the AMG brand.
As Mercedes-AMG continues its transition toward electrified performance, the new GT 4-Door Coupe stands among the most technologically advanced vehicles ever developed by the company.
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