From the hottest runways across the globe to Atlanta’s jam-packed roadways, JEZ takes you for a ride in three special-edition autos inspired by some of the world’s top fashion labels.
Cadillac SRX Sport by Dana Buchman
Dana Buchman, a designer best known for dressing some of America’s most powerful businesswomen, partnered with Cadillac on a special-edition of the manufacturer’s seven-passenger SRX.
Buchman personally oversaw the vehicle’s creation down to the tiniest details, which include Gold Mist tri-coat paint and chic interior extras that make the car every bit as versatile and elegant as her clothing designs. Laser-etched Dana Buchman logos grace the richly quilted, brownstone aniline-grained leather seats. The brown seats and dashboard contrast presently with the car’s light cashmere, hokanson-woven silk carpeting (as luxurious as it sounds).
Backseat passengers have access to a rear center console complete with a refrigerated snack-and-beverage drawer, custom Corian cocoa granite and cup holders with polished aluminum rims. They can sip refreshments while enjoying entertainment from the headrest-mounted, 7-inch DVD monitors and Bose sound system with integrated Wi-Fi capability. A unique broadband, portable wireless Internet system comes with a custom-colored Bluetooth wireless keyboard to control the monitors.
Buchman also modified the exterior, using Eibach springs to lower the SRX by 1.5 inches for a more aggressive stance, while seven-spoke, 20-inch wheels reveal Brembo high-performance, four-wheel disc brakes. The design culminates with polished, stainless exhaust tips and that all-important Cadillac crest. No word on what Buchman’s design will cost, but it’s sure to be worth every spruced up penny.
Girard-Perregaux BMW 760Li
Girard-Perregaux, a premium watch manufacturer, commissioned a specially designed BMW 760Li modeled after the company’s flagship boutique in Gstaad, Switzerland. Accordingly, the vehicle sports exotic wenge wood, green leather, titanium and, strangely enough, antlers. BMW conceived of a one-off vehicle that incorporates all of the above listed elements into a super luxurious sedan.
The car’s custom exterior paint, dubbed “Silverstone II,” has a mesmerizing iridescence to it; light green flecks shimmer through the rich base coat. Inside, leather upholstery is an exact match of the green leather that covers the boutique’s Mies van der Rohe chairs. Also noticeable is the extensive use of wenge wood, a species not typically found in vehicles. This tropical wood grows primarily in Cameroon, Mozambique and the Democratic Republic of Congo, and sports a lively grain pattern and warm color that changes from light brown to coffee black. While this wood is used extensively for residential interior design, its use for vehicular interiors is novel and untested. According to BMW designer Christine Angermann, “Shaping this hardwood with veneers for the interior was something absolutely new for us.”
Imagine the difficulty in shaping the wood for the circular steering wheel. Now imagine using antlers for ceiling hand grips; they resemble those used in the aforementioned boutique. This is in addition to the treasure box of extras installed into the center console of the back seat.
If you happen to make it onto the watch company’s VIP customer list, you might be able to hitch a ride in the 760Li. Passengers are treated to a film presentation of Girard-Perregaux’s entire watch collection on massive 9.5-inch screens built into the front seats. Though the interior design is rather understated, take a look at the iDrive controller, where the watch company’s logo is visibly engraved into the knobs, both front and rear. BMW did not release pricing for the vehicle, though JEZ knows it cost a considerable premium above the already pricey $125,000 V12 760Li.
Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG Edition IWC
One of the finest watches and roadsters join forces in this special Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG Edition IWC, of which only 63 will be shipped stateside. When lucky buyers go to the dealership to take delivery of their IWC roadsters, not only will they pick up a brand new set of keys, but also a Grosser Ingenieur watch from noted Swiss watchmaker IWC Schaffhausen.
The SL63 AMG Edition IWC appreciates that, for most of us, time is of the essence, hence the standard 518 horsepower V8 engine, which catapults the roadster from zero to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds. It is no coincidence that the car’s exquisite chronometer just so happens to be the best watch in which to time these hot laps. The watch that owners receive has a large 45.5-millimeter face that complements the SL’s design. Unlike the SL, however, you don’t have to lift up a hood to see what’s moving the IWC watch; just flip it over to see the timepiece’s intricate Pellaton winding system through its sapphire glass housing.
The interior of the limited edition SL looks as if a fine watchmaker designed it. The proof is in the details: brown leather piping on the floor mats, AMG door sills with white illuminated lettering and the IWC logo on the lid of the center console ashtray. These details take time and careful attention during the manufacturing process. The exterior also is uniquely styled. Enhancements include matte, carbon fiber side air dam vents, a rear diffuser and spoiler, as well as matte cashmere white paint. The Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG Edition IWC carries a $12,000 to $15,000 premium over the $132,000 SL63 AMG; good luck finding one.