by Infiniti’s New Shade of Red Uses Real Gold
The new Infiniti QX65 has received an exclusive paint called Sunfire Red, which could compete with the famous Soul Red from Mazda. The secret of this color lies in a special application technology that includes real gold particles.
The Technology Behind Creating the Unique Color
Inspired by a “fiery morning sunrise,” this color is created using a transparent mid-layer of paint, into which tiny glass flakes coated in gold are added. This layer is applied over a red base layer, allowing the paint to play in the sunlight and change shade depending on the lighting.
Official photographs demonstrate how Sunfire Red highlights the smooth lines and curves of the QX65’s body, particularly accentuating the rear fenders and tailgate.
Cost and Production Logistics
Although the exact amount of gold used to paint one car is not disclosed, it is enough for the manufacturers to take special security measures. Infiniti’s suppliers are forced to use armored trucks to transport the gold flakes to the paint production site.
The gold pigment is very valuable, it needs to be delivered carefully. When it’s mixed into the paint, it behaves like any other pigment, but the process of delivering it is a significant procedure
— noted David Lipka, Senior Manager of Materials Science at Nissan Technical Center North America.
He also added that the depth and richness of the color require the application of several layers, as a two-layer coating would not fully reveal the golden effect.
Historical Ties and Availability
This painting technology has historical roots: a similar color called Regal Red was offered for the Nissan GT-R as far back as 2015. Like Sunfire Red, it also contained real gold accents in the red paint. The new color for the QX65, like six other shades from the palette, is combined with a glossy black roof.
Infiniti has not yet released an online configurator for the QX65, so the exact cost of the Sunfire Red option is unknown. However, it can be confidently assumed that it will be one of the most expensive, if not the most expensive, paint option in the model range.
The appearance of such a color in the Infiniti lineup underscores a general trend in the automotive industry, where exclusivity and personalization are becoming increasingly important factors for premium brands. The use of precious materials in production is not just a marketing ploy, but a way to create a unique product that stands out from the competition. Such decisions often become a hallmark of a model, attracting the attention of not only car enthusiasts but also collectors. In the future, we can expect other manufacturers to also begin experimenting with similar complex and expensive painting technologies to emphasize the status of their cars.
