Mercedes Benz S-Class Stretched Limousine Facelift Spied

The facelifted Mercedes-Benz S-Class was shown in April this year. Now spies have caught the stretch limousine version of the car being tested. The front end seems to feature a new bumper and LED lights will be part of its appearance. The limo appears to be on some sort of skid pan in what looks like the standard training exercise conducted by Mercedes-Benz for drivers and sometimes owners of these cars.

Mercedes-Benz is big on stretched limousines and has a good chunk of the market in many countries. This particular car should be 6.4 metres long and weigh more than two tones.

The current S-Class Pullman Guard is powered by a 5.5-litre V12 bi-turbo engine that makes a heady 380kW (517hp) and 830Nm of torque. Peformance figures are not the same as the standard-length car because of the extra security features installed, such as thicker windows. It also has body resistance for certain types of hand guns, some explosives, runs on runflat tyres and has an interior fire extinguisher fitted.

The Pullman Guard is not just a semi-armoured tank but a proper S-Class as well, which means a luxurious interior suited to the kind of money paid for such a car.

The Day After (Plus One)

Well, the one-day sale to celebrate the blog was a smashing success! Thanks to everyone who subscribed, and congratulations to everyone who scored big bargains.

The "Sewing in America" series will continue next week. Just need a day or so to catch up.

Audi A7: Test mule spotted in the Alps?

Have a look at these interesting spy shots of what is alleged to be the upcoming Audi A7.

2012 Mercedes SLK Spy Video

Our spy photographers have managed to catch new video of Mercedes' upcoming 2012 SLK roadster.

Like previous mules, this prototype is heavily camouflaged which prevents us from getting a glimpse of the car's new styling. Regardless, the convertible appears to adopt a more chiseled appearance that seems to dismiss much of the current model's shapely curves. The SLR-inspired nose is also expected to disappear, in favor of a more conventional grille which will likely echo the new E-Class Coupe.

Although details are limited, power is expected to be provided by the usual mix of naturally aspirated and turbocharged petrol engines. Rumor suggests the new SLK may offer a turbo diesel engine, but that remains to be seen. Despite mounting concerns about fuel economy and emissions, several sources are indicating the AMG version will feature a new twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 with 470hp (350kW).

Expect more information to leak out as the redesigned SLK approaches it's 2012 launch date.

Bugatti Bordeaux second teaser image surfaces

A second teaser image of Bugatti's upcoming Bordeaux super sedan has surfaced.

The new picture shows the rear end of Bugatti's highly anticipated sedan. While we can't make out a lot of details, it is clear the Bordeaux features a distinctive design thanks to two horizontal horseshoe taillights and a large vertical center taillight which suggests the car may have a split rear window. Below the unique lighting display, we can see twin sets of quad tailpipes.

While details are scarce, the Veyron's quad-turbocharged 8.0-liter W16 engine is expected to see duty in the new sedan. This likely means the Bordeaux will boast 1001 hp and 1250 Nm of torque, which should earn it the title of being the fastest and most powerful sedan ever created.

The picture reportedly comes from an invitation to an event which takes place during the Frankfurt Motor Show, so expect a concept version of the Bordeaux to debut in September.

Spy Photos: BMW 3 Series GT

Almost unnoticed, the BMW 3 Series GT showed up during an early stage test drive somewhere in Germany. The secrecy around this new niche model from BMW is bigger than ever and not many information have leaked so far.

But here is what we know so far: the PAC, short for Progressive Activity Coupe, is built on a long-wheel base 3 Series. The Progressive Activity Coupe has a higher roof when compared to the existing 3 Series Wagon and of course, a longer wheelbase as well. Following the steps of its “bigger brother”, 5 Series Gran Turismo, the 3 GT will be available in a smaller segment and will share some personalization features such as optional bench or individual seating . It will bring a personal approach to luxury and will differentiate itself from the Wagon model.

Since it’s based on a 3 Series platform, BMW’s plans are to maintain the performance and dynamics seen on the other 3er models. The engine range will include the latest six cylinder turbo(N55) found in the GT and the latest six cylinder diesel , additional petrol and diesels will include BMW’s upcoming four cylinder Turbocharged petrol engine and the four cylinder diesel.

Spy Photos: 2012 Five-Door BMW 1 Series spotted

Another week and some more spy photos of the next generation BMW 1 Series which will make its debut in 2012. This time, the spy photographers capture on camera a five-door 1 Series test mule during a testing session in Germany.

Judging by these photos, we are clearly looking at the 5-door hatchback, part of the future large 1 Series family. Now what makes these latest spy shots even more interesting is the RoaDyn Measuring Wheel System which uses a sensor to monitor the dynamic measurement of force and torque. Similar systems have been used before by engineers in the tuning process of AWD platforms.

Of course, we can only speculate at this point that we’re looking at an xDrive 1er model, but nonetheless, it was worth mention it.

We already know that BMW is looking to launch an extensive 1 Series line-up, from a 3-door touring, 3 and 5-door GT to 5-door hatchback and a 3-door Coupe and Convertible. A high-performance model, similar to an M car, is in works as well and sources close to BMW use the codename Supersports when referring to it.

Sewing in America (Part 2): That's Sew China

This is the second in a 5-part series on the state of sewing and manufacturing in America:


An incredible proportion of our goods (be they sewn, molded, assembled, etc.) are made in China. If you TRIED to avoid buying "Made in China" merchandise, you would have a very hard time indeed. Sara Bongiorni, a journalist in Baton Rouge, lived for a year avoiding the purchase of any products made in China. She wrote a book about it, "A Year Without Made in China: One Family's True Life Adventure in the Global Economy," where, according to Publisher's Weekly, she tells "often funny, occasionally humiliating stories centering around her difficulty procuring sneakers, sunglasses, DVD players and toys for two young children and a skeptical husband."





To get a sense of how these kabillion products are produced, take a look at these truly awesome photoscapes by Canadian artist Edward Burtynsky. I've been rendered speechless by natural sights like the Grand Canyon and man-made architectural wonders in Europe, but when I saw Burtynsky's "Manufactured Landscapes," my mind was truly, truly boggled. I could not even imagine, or believe how big these factories are.







The output from just ONE day or work would probably fill every shelf of your local big box store. Imagine hundreds of megafactory complexes, operating 365 days a year.



What does this have to do with sewing?



That'll be covered in the next post. Have a great weekend, everybody.

BMW X1 Officially Released with HD Video

BMW has released official details of the new X1 SUV (SAV). The smallest X vehicle in the range is 4.45 metres long, has a wheelbase of 2.76 metres, is 1.545 metres high and the lightest model weighs in at 1,615kg (EU). It is designed to have a low-slung rear window to make it look the sporting car that it is, and it features wide wheel arches for an aggressive squat. The signature kidney grille is as bold and muscular as it is on the 7 Series. Standard wheels coming with the range are 17-inch alloys.

Contours and sharp lines are evident all the way to the sides and back, including the "Hofmeister kink" at the C pillar. Further confirming that this is a true BMW design are the L-shaped rear lights clusters with sharp jagged edges.

Inside the X1 gives an elevated seating position to each passenger while the driver benefits from a driver-facing "surfboard" dashboard that made BMWs of yesteryear so different from their rivals. The new iDrive system is installed and can be mated to a USB port, a CD player, and six Pro Logic 7 HiFi loud speakers. A rear parking camera and/or Park Distance Control can also be specified from the options list.

Six models will be available at launch. Only one of these is petrol-powered and that is the X1 xDrive28i. Fitted to this version is the 3.0-litre straight six with 258hp (190kW) and torque of 310Nm. The rest of the lineup runs on diesel, starting with the sDrive18d making 143hp (105kW) and 320Nm of torque. Then comes the sDrive20d which produces 177hp (130kW) and 350Nm. Both these RWD vehicles are coupled with a 6-speed manual gearbox.

Higher up the rung are the manual xDrive18d with the same figures of 143hp (105kW) and 320Nm, an xDrive20d of 177hp (130kW) and 350Nm as well as the thrusty xDrive23d. It has the 2.0-litre twin turbo motor that does 204hp (150kW) and 400Nm of maximum pulling power.

Customers living in the USA will start getting their consignment of the BMW X1 some time in 2011. US-bound engines and powertrains will be confirmed closer to launch.

Audi A8 teaser image discovered

The first teaser image promoting the Audi A8 has recently been found. Standing with the cloth-covered A8 is Audi's Board Member for Technical Development, Michael Dick.

Few things are clearly visible in the picture other than Dick. We can see the now-signature Audi LED daytime lights through the sheet, but we also notice a car that could be a little shorther than the current generation. The rear windshield of the car also looks to have a bit of a sharp angle, something that contradicts the official sketch of the car released by Audi last October.

According to Autovisie, the photo was buried in a collection of promotional materials released by the automaker as part of a 100th anniversary celebration.

The Audi A8 is expected to hit the market in 2010 with four engine options, including petrol and diesel versions of a 3.0-liter and 4.2-liter V8. Should a S8 model be released, it could receive a 5.0-liter V10 FSI that unleashes 620 horsepower.

Built with a next generation Aluminum Space Frame, the 2010 Audi A8 was supposed to be shown off in Frankfurt this September but recent reports state this has been postponed despite the "surfacing" of this teaser image.

Sewing in America (a 5-part series)

This is the first in an ongoing series of observations about the state of sewing in America. As many of you know, the Car Seat Poncho is manufactured right here in the USA, and I hope that I will always be able to say that. Unfortunately, I'm not sure that will still be possible 5, 10 or 20 years from now.




Fifty years ago, there were millions of factory jobs in this country -- skilled labor that built the middle class. And thirty years ago, middle and high school kids were learning how to make things, in wood shop or in home ec. Those classes were terrific laboratories for math, geometry, and creativity. Where are they now -- those jobs, those classes? Is it even possible to bring them back? And what will we do when/if they're gone?




PART 1: Keeping An American Brand in America




I breathed a big sigh of relief when I read that Hartmarx had received approval to sell itself to two American and British investor groups (link).




Britain's Emerisque Brands and SKNL North America have vowed to keep the company intact as a leading manufacturer of men's and women's suits. Hartmarx, the 120-year-old maker of Hickey Freeman and Hart Schaffner Marx brands, has outfitted generations of men in their "first day of work" suits, wedding tuxedos and retirement dinner jackets. Based in Illinois, they have made several suits for President Obama, including the one he wore at his inauguration.




This vow means that over 4,000 employees in Illinois, New York and Alabama get to keep their jobs, their homes, their healthcare (hopefully), their security. It also means that the art and craft of apparel manufacturing stays alive a little while longer in this country.




(Wells Fargo, HM's creditor, had wanted to liquidate its assets, dismiss its employees, and license the esteemed brand name to offshore manufacturers. Hmmm. That's not a very nice "thank you" to the American people for shelling out the $25 billion in federal aid that kept the bank afloat, is it? Quite arrogant, I'd say.)




What do you think?

Brandy, is that you?

I've heard from about half of my dear followers, with the email addresses they'd like me to use for their 50% coupon (remember the July 9th post?). I'm still hoping to hear from seven of you, before Sunday, 7/26 (for some, I've taken a guess from the store customer list):

1. brandy calhoun (perhaps aka "brandylynn01"?)
2. Alan
3. Megan
4. Karen ("karenc"?)
5. Jen Smith
6. Muriel ("melgroff"?)
7. Amber ("raisingkain"?)

Send to me at DONNA at HBARRYBOOLLC dotty com. Thanks again for your time.

Comments welcome!

Thanks, Christine Bondi, for letting me know that my Comments settings were out of whack. I fixed them, so now registered users can leave feedback after each post. I'd love to know what you guys think, and welcome any suggestions for what you'd like to read about here -- mompreneur life, safety obsessions, anecdotes about the garment industry? No promises, but I'll do the best I can!

Ponchos for boys?

I get a lot of moms wishing there were more of a selection of prints and colors for boys. Honestly, it's tough to find the right balance of fun, cute, and boyish. I've had hits over the past 3 years, but honestly, some combos were a lot less popular.

So before I commit to any new production, I want to make sure that new colors have sales traction. Let me know what you think of these:

• Brown with Light Blue
• Denim with Gold
• Footballs with Black (Reversible)

I'd also be interested in reasons why they are liked or not, as well as any other suggestions you might have. Thanks!

Mercedes SLS AMG Gullwing images leaked

The leaks are starting to flow. Just within the past week we saw the latest spy photos of an SLS Gullwing in grey, more official "teaser" images were published, and today rumours of an SLS Gullwing electric vehicle is slated for 2015. But the day isn't over yet and another very legitimate looking image revealing the front and rear design details has surfaced.

Here we have two very different versions of the same grainy image. The first of which is clearly a magazine cover from Autobild with a bonus rear shot, and the second version from Autowerald.com in The Netherlands is the source image without the clutter.

WCF sources state the images are genuine. Judging from the generic studio background and lack of computer touch-up work, they could be preview images for dealers or existing clientele. Additionally, the type of low resolution picture quality, even visible on the magazine cover version, suggests the source images are from a printed brochure or magazine and then captured using a mobile phone camera.

Public unveiling in Frankfurt is only two months away. Judging by all of the recent leaks and releases, an official media release could happen very soon.

2011 BMW 5 Series sedan spied with less disguise - showing its shape

So far, we've seem to have faired better in snatching some spy shots of the next-generation 5-series wagon rather than those of the sedan model. But here's a few shots of the upcoming new 5-series standard sedan, expected to roll into town sometime in 2010.

Now, what do these pics tell us? Not much, because the camouflage is still pretty distracting and quite effective at disguising any changes to the design. Of course, those changes will be subtle, anyway. But shape-wise, the new 5-series seems to be a little more tightly carved. Looking trim, sportier and more like a 3-series than the 7-series it is often compared to. Although, we have had previous spy shots of the 5-series tourer revealing some design cues from its senior sibling, such as with the tail lights.

The 5-series will be expected to come with a wide range of engines currently in the BMW stable. Those include both the 3.0 liter inline 6 cylinder and the 4.4 liter V8 twin-turbo engines. On the lower end of the scale, there will also be 2.0 liter petrol and diesel engines packing enough punch to properly power this mid-range premium model.



The one snapshot of the interior also, unfortunately, doesn't reveal much. But with German brands, the progression of models is always more evolutionary than revolutionary. Expect more of a nodding-of-your-head-in-satisfactory-approval response rather than an elated-popping-of-the-eyes one.

"When I was a kid..." doesn't cut it with car seat safety.

I was pleased to read this post on the Kyle David Miller Foundation Blog recently, about how practices that seemed safe a long time ago are now known to be unsafe. Think about how much more we know today, about cigarettes, asbestos, pre-natal healthcare, bisphenol A!

I wrote a similar piece as a press release last year, and posted it on the website. Same idea, with data and footnotes. Here it is, in case you missed it:

July 8, 2008

"Back in the day..." is no excuse for slacking on safety.

Many people dismiss car seat safety, saying, “When I was a kid, we didn’t ride in car seats, and we turned out fine.” They go on: "We sat five across on a bench seat, no belts... My parents took me home in a laundry basket on the floor of the back seat... I used to ride in the front seat between my mother and father..." (Of course, the voices of those who were not so lucky to have "turned out fine" are not being considered!)

While skeptics may use their own childhood experiences as references, they should remember that it’s not just the type or number of products that's different: The nature of driving itself has changed significantly in the past 30 years:

1. There are 300% MORE CARS on US roads now than when we were kids.

According the Federal Highway Authority, the number of passenger vehicles has steadily risen, from 74 million in 1960 to over 231 million in 2004.(1) That means more traffic, more congestion, less parking, and more road rage. And drivers' attention is more divided than ever, with cell phones, DVD players, GPS systems -- not to mention non-technical distractions like eating, putting on makeup, or settling arguments between backseat passengers. Every one of these can be a factor in a collision.

2. The average US motor vehicle is nearly 20% HEAVIER than the ones we used to ride in.

According to the Center for Auto Safety, the weight of the average passenger car increased from 3,227 pounds in 1980 to 3,868 pounds in 2000. (2) Even at relatively low speeds like 30 miles per hour, the 600+ pound increase in one or more of the cars’ weight could dramatically increase the damage of a crash. Add to that the wider range of weights in the vehicles on today’s roads (from the Honda Civic DX at 2,628 pounds (3), to the AWD Cadillac Escalade at 5,708 pounds (4)), and the possibilities for injuries and fatalities are even greater.

3. The average American child spends MORE TIME in the car than ever.

The National Household Travel Study, released in 2003, found that three fourths of children aged 5 and younger rode in private cars daily, averaging 65 minutes per day. In reporting the study, the Washington Post wrote that younger children, not yet in school, probably spend significantly more time in the car than that. (5) Those with stay at home parents go wherever (and whenever) Mom or Dad goes, and those with working parents often drive with them to day care near the workplace. Suburban sprawl also makes a difference: "Fetching a carton of milk used to mean toting children along to the corner store. Now it means strapping them in for a 20-minute drive to K-Mart." (6) The more time spent in the car, the more risk of being in a collision. That's why most car crashes tend to happen close to home, not on the highway -- we spend more time close to home!

Safety improvements like seat belts, air bags and car seats have helped decreased the number of deaths over the past 30 years, but motor vehicle injuries are the leading cause of death among children in the U.S. (7) They still cause about 25% of injury deaths among children 12 and younger. (8)

We all have anecdotes about how our childhoods were simpler. Some may argue that the old days were better, and in many ways, they were. But there is no question that advancements in technology and communications have also enhanced (and prolonged) our lives. So resist the temptation to disregard today’s safety advice. Make sure your kids stay safe whenever they are in a car, so that in years to come (when their world is unrecognizable to us!), they, too, will be talking about "back in the day."

SOURCES:
1 US Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration, number of motor vehicles since 1960.
2 Statements of Clarence M. Ditlow, Director, Center for Auto Safety, to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, December 6, 2001.
3 US News & World Report, Automotive Rankings & Reviews, 2008.
4 Cadillac.com, 2008 AWD Escalade, Vehicle Information, Curb Weight
5 WashingtonPost.com, “The Road Too Much Traveled: For Many Children, Drive Time Just Keeps Going,” January 27, 2003
6 WashingtonPost.com, January 27, 2003
7 CDC. Web-based Injury Statistics Query and Reporting System [online]. National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (producer). Available from URL: www.cdc.gov/ncipc/wisqars. [2008 May 5].8 National Center for Injury Prevention and Control. 2003. Web-based Injury Statistics Query and Reporting System. Atlanta, GA. Available: http://www.cdc.gov/ncipc/wisqars/.

(This article was originally published on http://www.carseatponcho.com/.)

About Donna Eng:
Donna Eng is the inventor of the Car Seat Poncho, and the CEO of H Barry Boo LLC. She invented the Car Seat Poncho at her dining room table, after searching in vain for a product that would keep her son both safe and warm in his convertible car seat. Prior to founding H Barry Boo, Eng had a 15-year career in advertising and market research.
About the Car Seat Poncho:
The Car Seat Poncho is the safe alternative to a coat for children who ride in a convertible car seat. Regular winter coats are often too thick to allow the safety harness to fasten properly, which could lead to the ejection in a crash. The Car Seat Poncho is the easy way to keep a child safe and warm in the car seat, and is more convenient than a coat because it can be worn outside of the car as well. The Car Seat Poncho is available online at http://www.carseatponcho.com/, and is patent pending.

OK... A Small Glitch

Dear, Dear Followers:

Thank you so much for signing on so quickly! I assumed, though, that when members subscribed their emails would be listed from my blog dashboard, and that I could then email each of you individually with your coupon codes.

I was wrong. No email addresses listed, and in retrospect it makes perfect sense. That sound you hear is that of my palm slapping my forehead.

So I need you, dear subscribers, to do me one more solid and email me with the email address where you would like to receive your coupon. I'm so sorry for the inconvenience, and I promise I will study the mechanics of this thing more closely.

Thanks so much,
Donna

Next gen 2012 Audi A3 mule first spy photos

Our spy photographers have managed to catch the first images of Audi's upcoming 2012 A3.



Like previous prototype Audis, this A3 mule is wearing a Volkswagen body to divert attention. While the Golf body prevents us from seeing the A3's new styling, the extended fenders suggest the car will grow a few inches in width. So far, our only indication of A3's exterior design comes from a leaked image that supposedly shows the car's Q5-inspired rear hatch.

Engine options will likely include the 105hp (75kW) 1.2-liter TSI, the 141hp (104kW) 1.4-liter TSI, and the 173hp (127kW) 1.8-liter TSI. We can also expect a variety of diesel engines, with a rumored 207hp (152kW) 2.0-liter TDI taking the top spot.

As we have previously reported, Michael Dick, a member of Audi's board of management for technical development, has stated that Audi is considering an RS3. If such a model were to be produced, it would likely feature the 2.5-liter five-cylinder turbocharged engine from the TT-RS. Packing 340hp and 450Nm of torque, the RS3 would probably rocket from 0-62 mph in 4.6 seconds before hitting an estimated top speed of 179 mph (288 km/h).



In an attempt to establish a greater foothold in the North America, Audi is also considering an A3 sedan which is designed to appeal to hatch-hating Americans.

Top Gear slams Mercedes SL 65 AMG Black Series

Porsche to Launch High Performance Panamera GTS

Porsche's Panamera lineup is poised to expand as the company is reportedly working on a new diesel variant as well as a high performance GTS.

Although little is known about the Panamera GTS, it is expected to be positioned above the Panamera Turbo. This means the GTS will likely boast more than 500 horsepower, which should enable it to beat the 4.0 second 0-60 mph time of the Panamera Turbo. The GTS is also expected to ditch the Turbo's heavy air suspension system, in favor of traditional coil springs.

According to Autocar, Porsche is also considering a diesel-powered Panamera. If such a model were to be built, it would likely adopt a modified version of the Cayenne's 240 bhp 3.0-liter V6 or the Audi A8's 322 bhp 4.2-liter V8.

Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG In Depth

More details of the Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG have been released. The car is the top-of-the-range model and features certain equipment that other E-Class models don't. Most important of these and the one that makes it stand out is the 6.3-litre (6208 cc) V8 engine that has remained naturally aspirated. Its maximum rated power is 386kW (525hp) and peak torque is 630Nm mated with the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission from the SL 63 AMG. Incidentally the power figures of the two über Benzes are now matched. The conventional torque converter has been done away with in favour of a wet start-up clutch. Three changing modes can be actuated; Controlled Efficiency, Sport, and Manual. The latter is the more fun option where the driver changes gears using either the paddles behind the steering wheel or the gear lever itself.

Mercedes-Benz says the E 63 AMG will accelerate from 0 - 100km/h in just 4.5 seconds and top off at an electronically limited speed of 250km/h (155mph). Stopping power can be assisted by the optional ceramic brakes. Lightweight forged 19-inch AMG light-alloy wheels with size 255/35 R 19 tyres at the front and 285/30 R 19 at the rear are fitted. Other differences include an AMG spoiler lip on the boot lid, a roller blind for rear window, Nappa leather appointments for the seats, the top section of the dashboard, the beltlines, the door armrests as well as the centre console and door centre panels.

AMG has chosen to use a new speed-sensitive rack-and-pinion steering system for more direct responsiveness. It helps when cornering hard, helped by the newly developed AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension, but is comfort-friendly too when the suspension system is in comfort mode. Thus the day-to-day usability of the car is not compromised by its high performance abilities. Even the ESP can be personalised, from "on", to "sport" to "off".

Blog Day Kick-Off: 50% OFF SALE!

Tuesday, July 28th, 2009 will be the official launch date of the Car Seat Poncho Blog. In this blog, I plan to share what's going on "behind the scenes," like:

• Factory visits
• Photo shoots
• Important safety news
• New styles and color/fabric choices
• Safety-community events, like KIDZ or LifeSavers.
• And of course, upcoming sales and coupons!

To start things off, I'm having a Crazy One-Day Sale on Tuesday, July 28th. Become a subscriber to the Car Seat Poncho Blog BEFORE midnight, Sunday, July 26th and receive a unique, one-time use coupon code for 50% off your purchases on the 28th.

Let's get started! Sign up today, by clicking on "SUBSCRIBE TO" at the end of this post or on the FOLLOWERS icon immediately to your right (in the light green area). Be sure to forward this to other safety-minded friends and colleagues (see the little ENVELOPE with an arrow?).

Feel free to post about this to your birth boards and other forums, too. Heck, do you think we can hit 100 subscribers by the 28th?