One-off examples of unusual design to mark the sales launch of the second co-branded Capsule Collection
Affalterbach/London. Following last year’s successful start of the cooperation between Mercedes‑AMG and the British skateboard and streetwear brand Palace, this creative cooperation is entering its second round. While past year’s presentation as part of the 24‑hour race at the Nürburgring focussed on the motorsport theme of the first joint Capsule Collection, the focus now moves from the racetrack to the street, and the lifestyle in our major cities. This is also emphasised by the four Art Cars from the Mercedes‑AMG product portfolio that accompany the sales launch of the collection. The one‑off examples, each with an individual design, are inspired by the cosmopolitan flair of London, Los Angeles, New York and Tokyo, the locations of the four Palace flagship stores. The new collection is accompanied by the campaign “Affalterbach to the world”, which – with a healthy dose of self-irony – puts the rather tranquil home of Mercedes‑AMG on a par with the four pulsating metropolises.
Exclusivity hand in hand with an unconventional outlook on life – this is what connects Mercedes‑AMG and the skateboard and streetwear brand Palace, with an aesthetic appeal that is a new departure in the sports and fashion world. In addition, high‑performance sports cars and street skateboarding have some basic characteristics in common: in both areas, it’s all about performance and speed; adrenaline and coolness form an unbeatable combination. Last year, the two companies launched their collaboration with the first co-branded collection of apparel and accessories to be designed by Palace together with a car brand. The kick‑off took place on the occasion of the legendary “Nürburgring 24 Hours”, where a GT3 racing car from the Mercedes‑AMG Team HRT with a Palace-designed vehicle livery lined up for the start.
Mercedes‑AMG and Palace Skateboards are now continuing the well-tried combination of stylish clothing and trendy accessories with spectacularly designed cars following the same theme. To mark the sales launch of the new collection, four standard Mercedes‑AMG models have been transformed into unique Art Cars. When creating their designs, Lev Tanju, the founder of Palace Skateboards, and his design team were inspired by the atmosphere of the flagship store locations: the world metropolises of London, Los Angeles, New York and Tokyo. The Art Cars pick up motifs that can also be found in the 23‑piece collection.
The trousers, hoodies, jackets, T‑shirts, gilets as well as beanies and caps are stylistically oriented towards a ‘motor mechanic’ look. The collection celebrates this style as everyday fashion that is not just for functional purposes. Going on sale on 25 March 2022, 12:00 CET, all pieces will be available at Palace’s four flagship stores as well as online at palaceskateboards.com.
Eye-catching Art Cars from the AMG Performance Studio in Affalterbach
The four Mercedes‑AMG series models transformed into Art Cars to mark the new collection are a Mercedes‑AMG A 45 S (fuel consumption combined: 9.1‑8.7 l/100 km, combined CO2 emissions: 207‑198 g/km)[1], a Mercedes‑AMG GT 63 4MATIC+ (combined fuel consumption: 13.5‑12.5 l/100 km, combined CO2 emissions: 308‑284 g/km)1, a Mercedes‑AMG SL 63 4MATIC+ (fuel consumption combined: 13.0‑12.3 l/100 km, combined CO2 emissions: 294‑278 g/km)1 and a Mercedes‑AMG G 63 (fuel consumption combined: 14.4 l/100 km, combined CO2 emissions: 330 g/km)1.
They all sport a seven-layer fade paint finish, i.e. with a colour-changing effect. Other features common to all are the AMG emblems and Palace logos, which are distributed over the entire body. The interiors are also characterised by the cool aesthetic that distinguishes Palace clothing. Numerous details contribute to this: the exclusive special colours for the seat upholstery and the door centre panels, individually designed floor mats, head restraints and handrest with embossed logo, as well as LED door projectors that display the cooperation logo on the ground when the door is opened.
The one-off models were painted and customised at the AMG Performance Studio in Affalterbach. The SL 63 was built as a special body at the Mercedes‑Benz plant in Bremen. The components required for the special paint job in Affalterbach were transferred out of the line and then reintroduced into the just-in-sequence production process.
Flair of the metropolises as inspiration for the designers
With the design of the four Art Cars, Lev Tanju and his design team pay homage to the four metropolises of London, Los Angeles, New York and Tokyo and their very own flair. Each vehicle pays tribute to the specific city’s special features with its title and various artistic details.
- Mercedes‑AMG A 45 S PALACE Edition/”Tiger London”: The bold, multicolour paintwork, the large head of a white tiger on the bonnet and the large AMG emblem on the sides of the car pay homage to the vibrant and diverse custom car scene in the UK in the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s.
- Mercedes‑AMG SL 63 4MATIC+ PALACE Edition/”Sunset LA”: With paintwork that shimmers between bright yellow and deep red, the 2+2‑seater roadster represents the perpetual Californian summer.
- Mercedes‑AMG GT 63 4MATIC+ PALACE Edition/”Neon Fade New York”: The colour scheme, which transitions from black to neon yellow, represents the two sides of the megacity on the Hudson River. “The city that never sleeps” delivers a fascinating contrast between the rough pavements of some areas and the bright lights of directly neighbouring districts.
- Mercedes‑AMG G 63 PALACE Edition/”Space Horse Tokyo”: The horse galloping through space on the vehicle’s flank pays tribute to the fantasy culture so popular in Japan.
Humorous campaign to prepare for the presentation of the Art Cars and Collection
Mercedes‑AMG and Palace have developed a joint campaign to present the Art Cars and the second joint Capsule Collection. With the playfulness and self-irony so typical of Palace, the slogan “Affalterbach to the world” elevates “little” Affalterbach to the rank of a world metropolis – on a par with London, Los Angeles, New York and Tokyo. The campaign will run from 21 March until 25 March 2022.
[1] The stated figures are the measured “WLTP CO2 figures” in accordance with Article 2 No. 3 Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/1153. The fuel consumption figures were calculated on the basis of these figures.
