A model of restraint and good taste, the builders focused on adding mechanical function before applying the classy finishes. The new front splitter, an excellent match for the SLR's styling, adds 220 Lbs of downforce at the vehicle's top speed: 217 MPH. That 9 MPH increase is thanks to engine tuning which brings the power up to 999 HP.

At the rear, a small increase in spoiler size and a revised diffuser, accented with gold trim, increase downforce by 80kg.

Of course, going that fast also requires excellent vision and to that effect 500 LEDs have been discretely incorporated in the revised bodywork. Even the functional ducts on the SLRs flanks are capable of lighting up in vibrant color to boost safety.

"Now, wait, gold is hardly an ideal material for automotive applications." I hear you saying. Do not worry! Areas under particular stress have been coated in 24k gold for enhanced durability. In order to avoid melting the gold in the area of the door sills due to increased exhaust gas temperatures, the exhaust pipes have been wrapped in a special insulating blanket. The car's makers have helpfully positioned mirrors on the floor underneath the car so that visitors may be able to view this enhancement.

Neither has the interior been neglected in this comprehensive improvement program. The leather has been painted gold, while buttons are in either gold or ruby.

As a final flourish, the wheel centers have had a simply extravagant gold and ruby SLR logo reimagined in the style of a dollar sign. This hints at the car's value, estimated to be $4.3 million. [via Autoblog.nl]

The Gold Coast Concept doesn't get much in the way of go fast parts, with 280 HP mated to a six speed DSG. It does get some serious whoa parts though, sporting giant ceramic brakes under those gorgeous wheels. Volkswagen, make this car so.

According to the company:

The roof is first polished to provide a shiny surface for the gold leaf to reflect. Skilled craftsmen then place individual gold leaves onto a layer of a special base. Finally an invisible shield is laid down to make the surface scratch-proof – and impossible to pick off. Gold is not affected by air, heat, moisture or oxygen, and so is well-suited to car rooftops.

As a rooftop provides a symbolic protection, it is suitable for such an attention. Each roof is signed, numbered and a certificate of authenticity is supplied, along with a guarantee. If you're determined to go one better you could opt for gemstones set into the gold leaf – or choose a precious film of platinum or palladium.

We'd argue against buying an automotive product from someone who claims that a rooftop provides "symbolic protection."

[GoldenRooftop via CarScoop]

Some say we're living in a new Gilded Age, wherein a small number of unconscionably wealthy and flamboyant individuals lord their riches over the insolvent, who cower in their presence. Then again, maybe it's just that a few knuckleheads with MasterCards keep throwing off the meters. We may never know. Well, maybe we will. – Mike Spinelli

Gold Plated Cars Debuts at Bucharest Luxury Show 2006 [Born Rich]

Related:
It's Money that Matters: 24K Gold Springs [internal]

It's said these 24k gold plated springs were originally fashioned for a customer in Dubai, who wanted his Ferrari F430 Spyder to stand out among the emirate's patently ungilded supercars. Now, H&R Springs, which came up with the plating process, is offering the springs for a premium of 2,000 euros over the cost of stock springs. You just know the next car to sport these will probably be worth a quarter of their value. – Mike Spinelli

Behold! H&R's gold springs [Autoblog]

Related:
50 Cent Chromes Murcielago [internal]

CEO of German marketing agency Visualis, Sven Ulrich, commissioned an artist to gild this Porsche Boxster in 22 carat gold — a prelude, if you will, of a limited-edition model yet to be priced. It's not just the exterior that's gotten its bling on (and yes, "bling" truly is the most appropriate term here), but also the controls, steering wheel and door handles and alloy wheels. According to a press release, "it not only attracts attention, but also makes the hearts of men and women beat faster." We're not sure about that, but we'd imagine there are a few thieves with blowtorches whose hearts just skipped a beat or two. [Thanks to Jeb for the tip.]

Official images of the Gold Boxster

Related:
MTM's Polished Audi A8 [internal]

Forget what you thought you knew about fashion in da club. Lil' Jon-style goblets? Over. Diamond- encrusted knucks? Can we call you Radio Raheem? Swingin' pendants proclaiming your general steez and/or degree of playatasticness? Okay, Mr. Gordon Gekko of the ghetto. No, what all the kids are gonna be rockin' when back to not-going-to-school comes around this year comes down to this: a 14k gold Bricklin charm. After all, ol' Mal pimped us Subaru, did he not?

Bricklin [World of Charms]

Related:
Failed 1970s Sports Car, the Bricklin, Subject of New Movie [Internal]