In cooperation with the Swiss watchmaker IWC Schaffhausen, Mercedes-AMG has developed an exclusive model known as the CLS 55 AMG "IWC Ingenieur". Only 55 units of the unique four-door coupe will be produced. The car has a powerful AMG 5.5-litre supercharged V8 engine and boasts exclusive equipment details. The design of the newly designed AMG instrument cluster is based on the new "Ingenieur" watch family from IWC, which is making its world debut at the Geneva watch show in April 2005. The 55 units of the CLS 55 AMG "IWC Ingenieur" will each be customised at AMG in Affalterbach, Germany, and the first deliveries will be made in autumn 2005.

The CLS 55 AMG "IWC Ingenieur" features an exclusive dark titanium grey metallic paint job. All of the exterior decorative elements, including the radiator grille louvres, fog light rings, side window bezels, handle inserts and rear trim, come in the same matt titanium colour, which matches the top-quality titanium case of the new "Ingenieur AMG" watch from IWC.

The side view of the vehicle is also visually appealing. Its 19-inch AMG light-alloy wheels in a five-spoke design also have a matt titanium look, harmonising with the vehicle’s paint job. In combination with the tyres (255/35 R 19 at the front and 285/30 R 19 at the rear), the AMG wheels not only provide a look to be coveted, but also guarantee optimised handling.

In addition, the superlative coupe design of the CLS 55 AMG "IWC Ingenieur" is defined by the muscular AMG styling, including the dynamically contoured front apron with large air inlets and circular fog lights, side-skirt panels and a distinctive rear apron with a particularly sporty diffuser. The oval twin tailpipes of the AMG sports exhaust system make a strong final impression. The stylishly integrated AMG spoiler lip in the boot lid reduces the lift acting on the rear axle by about 30 percent, which contributes to better driving stability at high speeds.

The exclusive nature of the new CLS 55 AMG "IWC Ingenieur" is also apparent in its interior. One striking feature here is the completely redesigned AMG instrument cluster. With rhodanised and silver needles, white lighting and black dials with a new typographical style, the cluster’s analogue clock, speedometer and tachometer are designed in line with IWC’s new "Ingenieur AMG" watch. The titanium shade of the watchcase is repeated in the edge trim and the decorative rings of the AMG instrument cluster. The IWC logo integrated into the analogue clock refers to the partnership with Mercedes-AMG.

In contrast to the series-produced version of the CLS 55 AMG, the limited-edition vehicle boasts decorative elements in high-quality piano lacquer. The intricate paint job, which involves applying several layers of black and varnish, results in a particular deep, luscious sheen. Furthermore, the "IWC Ingenieur" lettering is inlaid on the cover of the storage compartment in the centre console, adding an extra touch of exclusivity.

A new watch named the IWC "Ingenieur AMG" has been launched to complement the CLS 55 AMG "IWC Ingenieur". This robust, sporty timepiece is available in five variants: an "Ingenieur Automatic AMG" in titanium with a titanium strap or a soft black strap; an "Ingenieur Chronograph AMG" in titanium with a titanium strap or a soft black strap; and a limited-edition "IWC Ingenieur Automatik CLS 55 AMG", of which only 55 have been made. This model is available exclusively to customers of the CLS 55 AMG "IWC Ingenieur". Each timepiece has a red minute graduation and a titanium casing with the AMG logo engraved on the back. The "Ingenieur Automatik AMG" additionally has a red second hand, while the "Ingenieur Chronograph AMG" features a red stop hand. Like every "IWC Ingenieur", these models are equipped with a robust high-precision movement, and their sophisticated waterproofing system means that they are waterproof to depths of up to 120 metres. The very first IWC "Ingenieur" was produced in 1955, and only 1,000 were ever made. Today they are sought-after collectors’ items.

Text/Photos: DaimlerChrysler