BMW’s i models look distinctly different
from just about anything else on the road, which is part of their appeal.
However, these two here stand out even among other futuristic-looking
electrified vehicles.
Together they’re called the Starlight
Edition, and they were created by BMW’s local division in the Czech Republic.
The matching i3 hatchback and i8 sports car have been painted not just in a
gold tone, but with actual 24-carat gold.
The gold dust, furnished by Liebscher
Blattgold GmbH, was applied by painter Miroslav Špičák, designer Zoltán
Matuška, and local paint partner Toplac in a gradient finish. Consisting of
hundreds of thousands of golden drops and applied in four layers (over the
existing six-layer coat), the paint fades to black towards the rear of each
vehicle to give the appearance of a starry sky.
The gold theme continues inside, where
the vents, center panels, steering wheel hubs, and door sills were painted to
match the bodywork. Otherwise the plug-in hybrids are mechanically identical to
any other i3 and i8, although you may have some trouble getting your hands on
either.
Only one example of each has been made,
and they’re set to be auctioned off for charity. Proceeds are earmarked to
benefit the VIZE 97 Prize, awarded each year to groundbreaking scientific
researchers by the Dagmar and Václav Havel Foundation. The pair were recently
exhibited at the Invelt showroom in Prague and will soon be featured at the
Karlovy Vary International Film Festival.
