A car color has emerged in the last decade, sparking passionate debates and dividing car enthusiasts. It’s a shade that attracts admiration and desire from many, while simultaneously facing dismissal and aversion from others. What automotive paint color possesses such polarizing power?
…Gray.
More precisely, we’re talking about Nardo Gray.
Let’s delve into the story of how this seemingly understated Audi color evolved into a truly iconic element in automotive history.
What Makes Nardo Gray So Special?
In 2013, Audi introduced the RS7, a striking model that blended the A7’s silhouette with a twin-turbo V8 engine. Among its ten color options were two new grays: Daytona Gray and Nardo Gray. Over the subsequent decade, Nardo Gray surged in popularity, becoming almost ubiquitous. Its appeal lies in its assertive yet refined character. Despite being sometimes mistakenly called a “flat gray,” Nardo Gray is not a flat paint. The term “flat” usually refers to a matte clear coat in automotive paint terminology. Nardo Gray actually boasts a glossy top coat. This gray hue is deceptively complex, featuring subtle blue undertones and a noticeable gloss, adding to its unique appeal.
Nardo Gray quickly became an internet sensation, dominating platforms like Instagram and Twitter. Enthusiasts hailed it as “one of the greatest car colors ever,” while critics dismissed it as “essentially primer.” This strong reaction didn’t go unnoticed by other automakers. Intriguingly, similar shades of gray began appearing across various brands in the automotive market, a testament to Nardo Gray’s influence.
Achieving the Nardo Gray Look
The most straightforward way to get Nardo Gray is to purchase an Audi. However, there’s a catch. Audi typically reserves Nardo Gray for its high-performance RS models. As of 2022, you could find it on models like the RS5, RS6, RS7, and RSQ8. If an Audi RS isn’t your current option, thankfully, there are alternative routes to achieve a similar aesthetic.
As mentioned earlier, the immense popularity of Nardo Gray led to the emergence of numerous imitator colors. It’s important to clarify: Nardo Gray is exclusively an Audi color. However, its widespread recognition has turned “Nardo Gray” into a generic descriptor for medium-toned, non-metallic grays commonly seen on sporty vehicles.
Many vehicles sporting a Nardo Gray-like appearance aren’t painted in that shade at all. They are often wrapped. Vehicle wrapping involves applying a vinyl film over the car’s original paint. Initially developed in the 1920s, vinyl wraps gained traction in the 1950s for commercial advertising on vehicles. As the technology became more affordable, car wrapping became a popular method for changing vehicle colors or adding custom designs. A significant number of vehicles showcased on social media as “Nardo Gray” are actually cars wrapped in Nardo Gray vinyl. Numerous vinyl wrap brands offer colors that closely resemble Nardo Gray.
These Nardo Gray alternatives include colors like:
While various options exist to capture a version of this captivating color, for the genuine Nardo Gray, your destination should be an Audi dealership or sources like TouchUpDirect for authentic touch-up paint.
