Cooperation between Mercedes-AMG and innovator and world star will.i.am reaches a new level: the targeted cooperation on a recently designed vehicle pushes boundaries. The Flip will premiere during the Formula 1™ Grand Prix USA weekend in Miami. The collaboration between Mercedes-AMG and the American, multi-platinum tech entrepreneur, philanthropist and TIME 100 IMPACT Award winner will.i.am has grown ever closer since it started in September 2021. It is now culminating in an extraordinary project that will open on May 5, 2022 in Miami and on www.will.i.am is presented. “The Flip” was created in strict secrecy, an automotive masterpiece with an expressive design and a far-reaching message. The one-off, called "WILL.I.AMG", is not only a visible symbol of the goals of Mercedes-AMG and will.i.am to courageously advance new ideas, push boundaries and dare the impossible.
Mercedes AMG "The Flip"
For this project, will.i.am has teamed up with West Coast Customs for the sixth time to realize his vision for The Flip. It also sets an example for the future: The aim of the joint project "The Flip" is to give students from disadvantaged backgrounds easier access to MINT subjects (mathematics, computer science, natural sciences and technology). In this way, they acquire skills for future-oriented professions and the development of new technologies. “The Flip” celebrates its world premiere at the Formula 1™ Grand Prix USA in Miami/Florida (USA) with prominent guests such as record world champion Lewis Hamilton. The expressively designed sports car is based on the Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupé, but has been extensively modified.
Base vehicle: Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupé
“I grew up in a ghetto. I grew up listening to hip hop. I've seen famous musicians rap in a Mercedes. It was a dream for me to own a Mercedes. For many kids in big cities, owning a Mercedes is a symbol of progress and advancement,” explains will.i.am. “Now I have reached my goal and taken it even further by re-imagining and creating my own vision of an AMG model. I didn't touch the engine because AMG makes the best engines. The story of the founders of AMG inspired me. I like people who always want to improve something.”
“Our collaboration with will.i.am reaches new heights with 'The Flip'. We mutually inspired and motivated each other in the realization of this holistic concept, which is much more than an extraordinary one-off automobile. We take our responsibility to society seriously. The success of Mercedes-AMG as a performance luxury brand also depends to a large extent on inspiring the next generation and giving them easy access to the latest technologies and digital progress. It is part of our tradition to be pioneers again and again and to dare something new. Together with will.i.am and 'The Flip' we are carrying this legacy into the future", says Philipp Schiemer, Chairman of the Management Board of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.
Design elements from the G-Class and SLS
All actions relating to the unique vehicle based on the AMG GT 4-door coupé, inspired by design elements of the G-Class and the legendary SLS gullwing, benefit the will.i.am Foundation i.am/Angel Foundation. She helps create a STEM talent pool that helps lift families and communities out of disadvantage. Mercedes-AMG enthusiastically supports this project because it also fulfills a lifelong dream of will.i.am: he is a car guy through and through and a Mercedes-AMG enthusiast who has always dreamed of realizing his personal Mercedes-AMG . Inspired by the Mercedes star and the vehicle sound, will.i.am designed an icon with a bear-like face, named "BEAR WITNESS".
This icon is also the focus of the BEAR WITNESS collection of limited-edition apparel and accessories, available at the Mercedes-AMG Experience Center in Miami and online. The BEAR WITNESS Collection Drop 1 – Limited Edition will be available from 6th May 2022 at 18:00 CEST on https://will.i.am. A portion of the proceeds will also benefit the i.am/Angel Foundation. The extensive conversion and construction of the extraordinary car is recorded in the extensive documentation "DRIVE" with six episodes. It will be featured as a sneak preview at the vehicle's Miami premiere. DRIVE will then premiere (screens out of competition) at the Cannes Film Festival (May 17-28, 2022).
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