That's right, it really is possible to obtain a great big Benz with a V12 engine, dent-free body, and cherry interior for 500 bucks. Now, some of you may be asking yourselves, "How in the hell could a car that sold new for $130,000 just over a decade ago possibly make it past the LeMons Supreme Court without getting issued so many penalty laps that the judges get carpal tunnel syndrome from writing so many zeros on the inspection sheet?"

We had a hard time believing it ourselves, but here's how it went down: the car was brought into the country by a Paraguayan diplomat (it still has diplomatic plates), and then some hazily-defined event took place that resulted in a drug-smuggling bust and the involvement of police personnel from several nations. After that, the car became permanently radioactive in the eyes of the DMV, with dealer after dealer attempting to wash it clean of its sins and register it for street use. No dice! Finally, all the optimism evaporated and the last dealer washed his hands of the car, selling it for a grand to... the same LeMons team that once ran a Jaguar XJ-S. They sold the driver's seat for 500 bucks, and that was that. The heater works, the roll cage was installed without trashing the beautiful wood-and-leather interior, and we bought the whole story. There's talk that one of the LeMons Perpetrators may get the Chief Perp to claim the car (as is his, and only his, right) so that he can drop the engine in a '27 Ford Tudor. The team members say they don't want to see this car ever again, once the race is done, so things might work out well for all concerned.

On the outside, the S-Class AMG's exactly what we'd expect — an S-Class with a head that's just a little bit more arrow-shaped and new LED taillights. But the only reason anyone buys the AMG is for what's under the hood.

If the performance numbers sound familiar, it's because both the S63 and S65 have similar performance to the previous models but with lower emissions. The S63 gets a bump up from 518 HP to 525 horses and the S65 goes from 605 HP to 612. So, yeah, go environment!

With the 6.3-liter normally-aspirated V8 you can shoot off the line and reach 62 MPH in a scant 4.6 seconds. WIth the biturbo V12, you can shave 0.2 seconds off that time. Look at it as the perfect paparazzi escape vehicle. Well, as long as the paparazzi have cars slower than the electronically-limited top speed of 15 MPH.

Specific enhancements to the S 63 AMG and S 65 AMG: Exclusive top-of-the-line AMG S-Class models now boast even greater appeal

Affalterbach – The Mercedes-Benz S 63 AMG and S 65 AMG, the powerful
top-of-the-line S-Class models, are now even more appealing: thanks to a series of subtle yet extremely effective fine-tuning measures, the two performance saloons are even more striking and priceless than ever before. The updated technology is aimed at ensuring a more dynamic driving experience as well as optimum active and passive safety.
Exclusivity and dynamism, effortless superiority and high tech – both of the top-of-the-line S-Class models from Mercedes-AMG embody all of these characteristics. Since its market launch some three years ago, the S-Class made by AMGhas won the hearts of over 8000 customers around the world – turning it into the undisputed market leader in the small yet highly exclusive high-performance luxury saloon segment.

Volker Mornhinweg, Chairman of Mercedes-AMGGmbH: "Our discerning clientele appreciate the synthesis of uncompromising performance and dynamic, exclusive equipment, a unique proposition in this market segment. We have raised the bar further in terms of driving dynamics, safety and passenger comfort with the extensively updated new series of the S 63 AMGand S 65 AMG."

High-revving V8 engine and effortlessly superior biturbo V12 engine

The S 63 AMG, with its powerful, high-revving 386-kW/525-hp AMG 6.3-litre V8 naturally aspirated engine developing 630 newton metres of torque, is capable of accelerating to a speed of 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds. The S 65 AMG, meanwhile, demonstrates even greater superiority: its AMG6.0-litre biturbo V12 engine delivers maximum power of 450 kW/612 hp and maximum torque of 1000 newton metres, accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.4 seconds. Both AMG saloons are electronically limited to 250 km/h. Despite no changes having been made to the engine data and performance values, it has still been possible to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by up to 3 percent.

Contributing to the even more exceptional status of the models is the new, more pronounced arrow-shaped radiator grille, featuring twin chromed louvres in the case of the S 65 AMG. The new front apron incorporates striking, AMG-specific LED daytime driving lights and two transverse air outlets on each side. Further striking features include the "6.3 AMG" or "V12 Biturbo" lettering on the front wings, and redesigned exterior mirrors.
Side sill panels emphasise the elegant line of the front apron through to the rear of the vehicle, where the new rear apron features yet another highlight: the centre section of the black diffuser insert is now painted in the same colour as the vehicle body.

New tail lights with 52 LEDs in the form of a double "C" also give the S-Class an unmistakable appearance from behind. A distinctive element of both models comes in the guise of the AMG sports exhaust with two chromed twin tailpipes, featuring a V12 design in the case of the S 65 AMG. Visual aspects which distinguish the V8 from the V12 model also include the attractive AMG light-alloy wheels: the S 63 AMG has 19-inch AMGmulti-spoke wheels painted titanium grey with a high-sheen finish and fitted with 255/40 (front) and 275/40 (rear) tyres. The S 65 AMG, on the other hand, comes with 20-inch AMG forged wheels painted titanium grey with a mirror finish and fitted with 255/35 (front) and 275/35 (rear) tyres.

Crosswind stabilisation, Torque Vectoring Brake and Direct-Steer system
The AMG sports suspension based on Active Body Control (ABC) provides crosswind stabilisation as standard equipment for the first time: thanks to this function, influences caused by crosswinds are compensated for, or – in the case of strong gusts – reduced to a minimum. ABC compensates against the effect of crosswinds by adjusting the wheel load distribution within milliseconds, using the yaw-rate and lateral acceleration sensors of the Electronic Stability Program ESP®.

Also making up the standard equipment is the new Torque Vectoring Brake: when cornering, brief direct application of the brakes has an effect on the vehicle's
inner rear wheel so that the saloon corners precisely and under control at all times. The Torque Vectoring Brake is an additional feature of the Electronic Stability Program ESP®and not only noticeably improves responsiveness but also active handling safety in critical conditions. The driving experience is further heightened thanks to the Direct-Steer system: with its variable ratio depending on steering angle, it helps to ensure a more direct response when cornering, and therefore more responsive handling – in brief: enhanced driving pleasure at the wheel of the Mercedes-AMG S-Class.

Based on the ADAPTIVE BRAKE system, the AMGhigh-performance braking system continues to provide optimum fade resistance, deceleration and sensitivity. The front axle features a double floating brake caliper. This exclusive technology combines the advantages of a sliding-caliper disc brake – reduced heat transfer to the brake fluid and clear advantages in terms of comfort thanks to the brake lining guide mechanism – with the efficiency of an extra large fixed caliper brake.

Extensive range of standard equipment with exclusive flair

The interior appointments are every bit as exclusive as the high-tech package: as soon as its door is opened, the S 65 AMG welcomes the driver with large, animated "AMG V12 BITURBO" lettering in the instrument cluster's central display. The AMG main menu provides the driver with information about engine oil temperature, current gear range and the battery voltage. In the case of the S 63 AMG, the extensive range of standard equipment includes not only PASSION leather appointments, with natural leather in the seat side bolsters, but also front AMG sports seats with climate control, massage, multicontour and dynamic handling function. The Exclusive PASSION leather upholstery in the S 65 AMG, meanwhile, with its AMG V12 diamond pattern design, exudes an air of even greater refinement. Ample use of trim elements and the AMG-specific analogue clock, featuring an IWC design, are a given in both AMG models. Both the AMGSPEEDSHIFT 7G-TRONIC of the S 63 AMG, as well as the five-speed automatic AMG SPEEDSHIFT transmission of the S 65 AMG, are fitted with DIRECT SELECT gearshift. Gear changes are carried out by means of AMG aluminium shift paddles on the new AMG sports steering wheel.

New standards in active and passive safety

In addition, both of the top-of-the-line AMGmodels set new standards when it comes to active and passive safety through an unrivalled combination of innovative camera and radar-based driver assistance systems. These include the ATTENTION ASSIST drowsiness detection system, Adaptive Highbeam Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, and the PRE-SAFE®Brakes, which are linked to the proximity regulating radar and intervene independently in the event of an impending accident to act like an invisible crumple zone. Night View Assist with infrared camera also features a novel pedestrian detection system. The pictures from the windscreen camera are also used by the new Speed Limit Assist, available as an option. The Brake Assist PLUS and DISTRONIC PLUS proximity control support the driver in the event of emergency braking. The PRE-SAFE®positioning function and NECK-PRO luxury head restraints in the front are now also included as standard.

New infotainment systems, including COMAND APSwith new SPLITVIEW display, which shows different images for driver and front passenger simultaneously, enhance occupant comfort even further.
Exclusive optional extras are also available from the AMGPERFORMANCE STUDIO:

There is no way to get used to the size of Ferrari’s 612 Scaglietti. While most Ferraris—indeed, most supercars—tend to be larger in life than imagined, the Scag is a monster. Longer than a Mercedes-Benz E-Class and wider than an S-Class, it is the size and shape of a ballistic missile, especially in dark gray.

The size is a direct consequence of the car’s dual functions of high-speed handling and four-person capacity. Inside are four bucket seats intended to carry in comfort four actual people with eight lower extremities. This is unlike most 2+2’s where the comfortable ratio of humans and legs tends to be an unevenly distributed one to one. And while—unlike the Espada’s very comfortable rear seats—I have never had the opportunity to actually sit in a 612, those who have describe the rear seats as up to the task.

The other factor in the 612’s immense length is the engine, which is mid-mounted. But unlike with the traditional mid-engined layout—where the engine is between the cabin and the rear axle—the Scag’s 5.7-liter V12 sits low behind the front axle, similar to the supercharged V8 in the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren. And like the SLR, the 612 has a nose—or substitute your favorite metaphor based on human anatomy—any self-respecting Frenchman would be proud of.

Mounting an engine midships is done to reduce weight in a car’s extremities, lowering its moment of inertia. This comes in handy when you take a corner fast, so I called Nino Karotta, the only person I know who has actually driven a 612 Scaglietti (if you’ll remember, Nino was the guy who showed us how to become a Formula One driver in one day).

The 612 he drove was in an environment rather alien to a leviathan GT—the Hungaroring, a racetrack in a dusty valley on the outskirts of Budapest, home to the Hungarian Grand Prix. He described the experience as similar to what happens when you take any very powerful but heavy car to a track. That while it’s very fast, capable of huge powerslides and much better composed than, say, a large V12 Benz, it is ultimately too soft and too heavy for proper track work. Unlike, he said, the Ferrari 599 GTB, which he drove on the same day and described as a sharp, violent track animal.

We had better find a more suitable environment for the 612 then. And remember: we’re looking for family use here. So let’s head to Regent’s Park, 487 acres of Central London flanked by white stucco houses where rich people live and exercise.

While Central London is perhaps not the perfect location to strecth a 550 HP grand tourer’s legs, nothing beats it when it comes to arriving home. The car is understated, elegant, majestic, no Italian waving of hands apparent in its flowing lines, inspired by a one-off Ferrari 375 MM its namesake Sergio Scaglietti created in 1954 for Italian neorealist film director Roberto Rossellini’s wife Ingrid Bergman.

An elderly couple then arrive in a Citroën C3—this is a very small French car—and maneuver into the space in front of the Ferrari.

They turn out to be the parents of the Ferrari’s owner, a dapper man who has by this time emerged from his house. My mate Máté and I are soon in the midst of a family cavalcade, admiring the lovely Ferrari.

Also in tow is a young girl, Orelia by name, who climbs down from her grandmother’s neck. This is it then: a real, live kid who actually rides in the back of a Ferrari! Our conversation as I remember it:

“Hi Orelia, my name is Peter.”

“Hi Peter.”

“So how is it riding in a Ferrari’s back seats?”

“It’s great. I sit there with my two sisters.”

Roominess? Check!

“And when you go for a ride, do you go real fast?”

Substituting for words, she offers a huge, jubilant nod. We wave our goodbyes. A few steps later, her father reaches down to pick a white strand of thread out of the Pininfarina logo on the left fender.

Gentlemen, a Jalopnik midlife plan is emerging here. Make a quarter million bucks, get a Scaglietti and a fine woman, sire children, then transport them in style and at speed.

And if you have dogs (or elephant guns), go get that Maserati Quattroporte wagon.

Photo Credit: Balázs Fenyő (Ferrari 599 GTB), Máté Petrány and the author (612 Scaglietti)

[via AutoJunk.nl]

The 2009 Mercedes S-Class AMG Sport Package includes a revised front fascia with larger air intakes, integrated rectangular exhaust pipes poking out from a new rear fascia with a bold blackout insert and re-sculpted side skirts that reach fore and aft to blend the whole new look into one cohesive sporty package. Also included are a new set of 19-inch AMG-designed five-spoke alloy wheels wrapped in 255/40 (front) and 275/40 (rear) performance rubber with a set of 20-inch twin-spoke wheels available as an added option. Sitting behind the tasteful new wheels are a set of silver-painted calipers that are ready to clamp down on perforated discs at a seconds notice.

Inside, the S-Class AMG Sport Package gets a wood and leather wrapped steering wheel, brushed stainless steel AMG sport pedals and a set of super, high-performance, AMG-badged velour floor mats. We'd get the whole package just for those, but you may have other reasons.

If you're so inclined, you can pick up the 2009 Mercedes S-Class AMG Sport Package at your local Mercedes dealer in June.

[via Mercedes]

On the scale of Chinese police cars, which are typically no more luxurious than a VW Santana, the S-Class ranks fairly high. We'd personally like to get into a chase with the MG TF police convertible, if only because there's no backseat in which to transport us after being arrested. The S-Class is great, though, and we'd much rather get picked up in one of these than one of these.

[Auto Sohu via The Tycho]

We've got no idea what the going rate for a bombproof, bulletproof '93 S500 with 155K miles might be, so this car might be the best deal to come along since Adnan Khashoggi was offering Ollie North a buy-one-get-one-free deal on SA-7 missiles… if you're a full-time member of the penumbral economy, that is. The eBay listing doesn't provide any details pertaining to armor specs, which would seem to be relevant information to an up-and-coming syndicate enforcer; does "bomb proof underneath" mean that it'll stand up to an antitank mine detonating below, or will some rinky-dink black-powder IED packed with lug nuts mean a promotion opportunity for your second-in-command? These are important questions to this car's intended demographic. But hey, maybe that price is a steal regardless. What do you say?
[eBay Motors, thanks to Jon for the tip!]

Mercedes-Benz has announced it will provide customers with a new display system that they’ve dubbed Splitview Command –effectively transforming the front navigation display into a multimedia center for the front seat passenger.

Developed by Bosch, the 8-inch TFT-LCD display will display two separate images simultaneously by placing the pixels adjacent to one another using a filtering mask to separate them for viewing. The result is a display that not only allows the driver to see the COMAND systems navigation, but also allows the passenger to watch their favorite clip of Ray on CNBC.

The press release from Mercedes:

In future Mercedes-Benz is equipping its luxury class models as the first premium brand with a display screen that allows the driver and front passenger to view two different programmes at the same time. While the driver is checking the navigation instructions, the front passenger can sit back and watch a film on the very same display. This is made possible by new SPLITVIEW technology which the Stuttgart premium brand is introducing in the S-Class for the first time.

Mercedes-Benz has integrated the new SPLITVIEW technology developed by Mercedes-Benz and Bosch into the innovative control and display system COMAND, which is centrally located in the dashboard console. Its generously dimensioned, 8-inch (approx. 20 mm) monitor shows a backlighted active matrix colour display (TFT-LCD). This shows two different images simultaneously by placing pixels adjacent to each other. A filter masking the display divides this mixed image in such a way that depending on the seating position, only the pixels making up one or the other image can be seen. As a result, the driver and front passenger can view different programmes on the same screen at the same time.

The driver still has access to all the information from the control and display system COMAND on the display, while the front passenger uses the remote control to choose his own entertainment programme with DVDs, TV channels or music videos. To avoid distracting the driver with his entertainment programme, he also has the option of enjoying the programme via headphones. As before, the driver is able to view all the information provided by the COMAND system on the display.

Mercedes-Benz is introducing the new SPLITVIEW technology in the S-Class for the first time in summer 2009.

[via eMercedesBenz]

This car lives within a few blocks of the '66 200D. Unlike the '66, however, this Benz gets driven.


Unfortunately, the interior has That Mildewing Car Smell, which is noticeable from several paces away. The weatherstripping has most likely succumbed to the decaying effects of sun and smog, and so the car spends the entire long winter leaking rainwater inside. Fortunately, it rarely rains in Alameda from about April through November, so leaky cars dry out by summertime.


The parking permits are for Tom Hanks' alma mater, Chabot College in Hayward, which means this machine's commute is about 25 miles round-trip. I couldn't get a good view of the odometer, but I'm willing to bet the total mileage on the clock is in the interstellar range.

BMW 3-series
Chevrolet Corvette
Chevrolet Malibu
Infiniti G35/G37
Lotus Elise
Mazda CX-9
Mercedes-Benz S-class
Porsche Boxster/Cayman
Volkswagen GTI
Volvo C30
[Automobile Magazine]

Stuttgart - The performance of a gasoline engine, the high torque and fuel economy of a state-of-the-art diesel together with extremely clean emissions: Mercedes-Benz has combined all the advantages of both engine types in its DiesOtto powertrain. The new technology package, which stands for the future of the gasoline engine, includes features such as direct gasoline injection, turbocharging and a variable compression. At the core of this innovation lies the controlled auto ignition, a highly efficient combustion process similar to that of a diesel. By way of another advantage, and in contrast to comparable developments, the Mercedes system requires no synthetic fuels but can be operated using conventional gasoline. Optimising the internal combustion engine is one of the milestones on the Mercedes-Benz roadmap for sustainable mobility. BLUETEC has already made it possible for Mercedes engineers to make the powerful and economical diesel as clean as the gasoline engine. In the US this technology has already been available in the E-Class since 2006, and it will also become available in Europe from the end of this year. The E 300 BLUETEC will be by far the cleanest diesel in its class, and will meet the requirements of the EU5 exhaust emission standards in full. "Our next goal will now be to make the gasoline engine as economical as a diesel. All the preconditions for this are provided by our DiesOtto concept, which incorporates the foremost strengths of both the gasoline engine and diesel engine," says Prof. Dr. Herbert Kohler, Head of Group Research & Advanced Engineering Vehicle and Powertrain; Chief Environmental Officer of DaimlerChrysler. The result of this " marriage " is a four-cylinder unit with a displacement of just 1.8 litres, which combines the strengths of the low-emission gasoline engine with the fuel economy of a diesel. Despite its considerably reduced displacement - downsizing is one of the major factors for achieving a lower fuel consumption - this compact power unit delivers superior performance together with refinement at the level of the luxury class. An output of 175 kW/238 hp and a maximum torque of 400 newton metres are achieved together with the hybridisation a fuel consumption of less than six litres of gasoline per 100 kilometres. This figure by no means relates to a small or compact car, but to a vehicle the size of the current S-Class, with the level of comfort and safety that is typical of a Mercedes. Mercedes-Benz DiesOtto - a further development of the spark-ignition engine " In line with the worldwide success of today's diesel engine, vehicles equipped with gasoline engines will continue to have a long-term attraction for many customers and in many markets. Accordingly we are giving our attention to both engine types - including a full hybrid option for diesel and gasoline vehicles, " says Prof. Kohler. Mercedes-Benz is working on its DiesOtto concept with corresponding emphasis. Its key technological features are as follows:

*
Downsizing with fewer cylinders and a smaller displacement
*
Turbocharging for superior performance
*
Direct gasoline injection as a further fuel economy measure
*
Controlled auto ignition, a combustion process similar to that of a diesel
*
Variable valve control
*
A variable compression ratio leading to even better fuel economy and, depending on customer needs and the type of operation,
*
A hybrid module with an integrated starter/generator, which makes the drive unit even more economical.

When starting and under full load, the fuel/air mixture is ignited by a spark plug, as in a conventional spark-ignition engine (homogeneous combustion). The controlled auto ignition to which the DiesOtto automatically reverts within its working cycle occurs under partial load conditions, i.e. at low and medium engine speeds.
The result is the very low nitrogen oxide emissions of homogeneous combustion at reduced reaction temperatures. All further emissions control in the DiesOtto engine is by means of a standard three-way catalytic converter. A highly efficient engine management and control system has also been realised to combine the individual sub-systems into a drive concept.
The current prospects for the future of the internal combustion engine reveal its great potential, and show that the new drive concept is a feasible proposition in the mid-term. Some of the intermediate solutions incorporated, e.g. direct gasoline injection, are already in series production at Mercedes-Benz. Others will be gradually integrated into series-production engines until the overall solution has been realised.

Mercedes is making good on rumors it would show a droptop S-Class at the Detroit show in '07. It's called the Ocean Drive Concept, and, true to speculation, it's a cabrio version of the company's flagship S600, fitted with LED lamps and something called Airscarf, which blows warm air blows around passengers on cold days. No production plans to speak of yet, but that's how it goes. – Mike Spinelli

Related:
A Mercedes S-Class Cabrio Concept Coming to Detroit Show in '07? [internal]

Well-heeled lovers of things that come in fours (like fluted crystal glasses, calfskin desk sets and certain types of entertainment in Nevada) take note: The Mercedes-Benz S-Class has a new 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive system. AutoWeek reported earlier this year that the new version of the system, which Merc's been selling here since 1990, is the first built in-house, and that it'll add only 159 lbs to company's weightiest sedan, compared with 200 lbs for the system's previous generation. Two V8 models are on the list, the S 500 4MATIC and S 450 4MATIC (out now), and one V6 diesel (coming in December), the S 320 CDI 4MATIC.

Related:
Coming Next Winter: Mercedes S-Class 4Matic [internal]

First they gave us the CLS Shark, then the first appearance of Reggie Bush's "Vader's helmet" Shark II — and now the venerable vent- and vader-loving tuners over at ASMA have taken a shot at the Benz S-class with a tuned effort called "Eagle I," and it's certainly vent-tastic — with a low-to-the-flo' front vented bumper, front side fenders featuring more venting, a new rear bumper with additional venting and some flared wheel arches with — wait for it — more vents. Is it a bit drafty in here, or is it just us? One more pic after the jump.

2007 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Eagle I By ASMA Design [eMercedesBenz]

Related:
ASMA Design's Mercedes CLS Shark; Dieses Ist Auto Reggie Bush's? [internal]

The folks at The Car Connection published another one of the gossipy renderings of the rumored Mercedes S-Class sedan convertible concept that's expected to appear at the Detroit show in early 2007. Don't get crazy, it's not really a spy shot, as TCC indicates in the headline — think of it as wishful Photoshopping. But we're still wondering if DaimlerChrysler will go for an inter-corporate full-court press and do a sedan droptop of the 300C as well. Has Dr. Z been watching "Entourage" again?

Spy Shots: '07 Mercedes S-Class Convertible [The Car Connection]

Related:
A Mercedes S-Class Cabrio Concept Coming to Detroit Show in '07? [internal]

Ze volks at Auto Motor und Sport report Mercedes wants to bring a mild-hybrid version of its S-Class to market by 2008 (see Reuters story here). The production model would be an offshoot of the S 350 DIRECT HYBRID and BLUTEC HYBRID concepts the company presented at the Frankfurt motor show in 2005. Those cars employed a compact, high-torque electric motor integrated into the drivetrain of a direct-injection V6, though the market variants will likely involve additional fruits of a hybrid partnership with GM and BMW. No word on the diesel version.

Mercedes S-Class: Mild Hybrid Starting From 2008 (translated) [Auto Motor und Sport]

Related:
Hybrid Mercedes Prototypes to Be Shown in Frankfurt [internal]

Considering we've always had trouble with Teutonic coordinating conjunctions, we're relying on World Car Fans to translate details on Lorinser's new S Class tuner — the Lorinser S 06. First, an engine kit gives it a 30% boost in horsepower, owing to a modified exhaust manifold/catalytic converter unit and sundry hacking of the ECU computer — providing "improved combustion in the upper rotational speed range" — bringing horsepower to 298 for the 3.5-liter V6 and 420 for the 5-liter V8. Vmax for cars with either engine is uprated to 174 mph. A supercharged version is good for 516 hp and 205 mph. Or it comes with extra pants, we're not sure.

Related:
More on Lorinser [internal]

In what manner of sedan would a type-a-busive fashion magazine editor arrive to work, whilst tearing her assistant's proverbial heart out and subequently fisting the resultant orifice? We would have picked the BMW 7-Series, but we'd just be projecting an inner bile toward cars designed in origami. (Ray! Coffee me, fucking NOW!) The honor, as seen in "The Devil Wears Prada," goes to the 2007 Mercedes S-Class. To offset the taint (or assuage the guit), the company organized screenings to support philanthropies that collect clothing and shoes for "businesswomen in need." How terribly modern of them! Motor Trend regurgitates the press release here.

Related:
Jamie Kitman Takes on Product Placement [internal]