Modifying new cars is an art, and like all art, its beauty is in the eye of the beholder. The only thing certain with the Carlsson Aigner CK55 RS Rascasse is that the beholder's eye will be full, and very busy.

Based around the Mercedes-Benz GL500, the 5.5L V8 engine gets some serious tuning to boost output from 388hp (289kW) to 456hp (340kW) and bump up the torque from 391lb-ft (530Nm) to 472lb-ft (640Nm). The gains come from new cylinder heads, high-lift cams, and high-flow catalytic converters and exhaust.

The two-tone paint job is sure to catch notice, the wine-colored lower adding snap to the glossy black upper. Busy lines in the lower fascia, hood and side skirt all add to the effect. LED accent lights and massive 23in multi-spoke bright alloy wheels give the bottom layer of the car even more shine. At the back, a quad-tipped exhaust spouts a more aggressive soundtrack than the stock vehicle while adding more bling as well.

Inside, the car gets the usual leather and Alcantara treatment on doors, dash, seats and center stack. The rear cargo area, that was once the location of the two rear-most seats has been replaced with a hidden set of Carlsson Aigner wine glasses, complementing the car's color theme.

As a special limited edition, only 20 of the CK55 RS Rascasse will be made, starting at a base price of €228,500 ($288,000). The Rascasse, like the Eau Rouge and Blanchimont before it, is named after a famous racing circuit bend, though unlike its forerunners, named after turns at Spa Francorchamps, the Rascasse name comes from Monaco.