Most vehicles on the road today are painted in predictable shades. In 2023, the most common car colors in the US were, yet again, variations of black, silver, and white. These are safe choices, but they hardly make a statement. However, many car manufacturers are now offering a spectrum of adventurous and Unique Car Colors for buyers who want something more distinctive.
In the past year alone, over 30 new paint colors have been introduced to the automotive market. These range from deep greens to vibrant oranges, and a host of other eye-catching hues in between. So, when you’re next in the market for a new car, consider moving beyond the ordinary and explore some of these more expressive options.
Acura
Gotham Gray
The Acura TLX Type S PMC Edition made a striking debut in Gotham Gray, a sophisticated matte finish. While Gotham Gray initially graced the modern NSX, it eventually extended its appeal to the TLX sedan. Acura complemented this unique car color with black trim on the front splitter, door handles, side sills, and exhaust tips, creating a cohesive and menacing aesthetic. This exclusive TLX variant was limited to just 50 units, further enhancing its desirability and unique appeal.
Audi
Goodwood Green Pearl
As the Audi TT approaches its retirement, it’s doing so with a memorable farewell. The Final Edition model is offered in Goodwood Green Pearl, a color that intentionally echoes a similar green available on the original, first-generation TT. Audi pairs this heritage-inspired unique car color with a contrasting gray roof and matte gray bumpers, blending nostalgia with modern design elements.
Bentley
Wasabi Green, Sunbeam Orange, Daybright Blue, Fine Brodgar Silver
Bentley’s Mulliner division, renowned for its bespoke creations, developed a limited series of Baturs in specially curated unique car colors. Customers of the exclusive $2.1-million coupe could specify their vehicle in Wasabi Green, a vibrant and fresh hue; Sunbeam Orange, for a bold and energetic statement; Daybright Blue, offering a sophisticated and cool tone; or Fine Brodgar Silver, a refined and elegant metallic. Each of these unique car colors enhances the Batur’s striking design and luxurious character.
BMW
Urban Green, Anglesey Green Metallic, Petrol Mica Metallic, Sepia Metallic
BMW introduced several new and unique car colors this year, particularly for the XM SUV, adding to its already bold presence. Urban Green, reminiscent of the olive drab seen on military vehicles, gives the XM a rugged and powerful feel. Anglesey Green Metallic, a lighter and more vibrant shade, offers a different take on green. Petrol Mica Metallic is a complex, dark blue with green undertones, resulting in a distinctive teal effect. Sepia Metallic, the last of the BMW Individual shades for the XM, is a unique, vaguely purple color that blends blue and gray tones for a sophisticated and unusual finish.
Cadillac
Cyber Yellow
Celebrating 20 years of performance excellence in 2023, the Cadillac CT4-V and CT5-V Blackwing models received new trim options and a special, never-before-seen unique car color in the Cadillac lineup: Cyber Yellow. This vibrant and energetic yellow is available for both the CT4-V and CT5-V Blackwing, emphasizing their high-performance nature and adding a bold visual punch.
Chevrolet
Panther Black Matte
As the Chevrolet Camaro prepares for its final run, Chevy is creating a limited series of Collector’s Edition models as a swan song. The ZL1 Collector’s Edition, limited to just 350 units, is offered in Panther Black Matte, a first for the Camaro and a unique car color choice from the factory. This matte finish black enhances the Camaro’s aggressive lines and adds a touch of stealthy sophistication.
Ferrari
Gold Mercury
Ferrari unveiled the one-off KC23 track car at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed, and such a unique model demanded an equally special and unique car color. Gold Mercury, with its liquid-metal effect achieved through four layers of paint, creates a stunning, mirror-like finish. This opulent and exclusive color perfectly complements the KC23’s unique design and performance focus.
Ford
Polymimetic Gray
Continuing the liquid-metal effect trend, the Ford Mustang GTD also features a paint finish with a similar appearance. Ford named this unique car color Polymimetic Gray, drawing inspiration from the T-1000 android’s liquid metal form in Terminator 2: Judgement Day. This futuristic and captivating color enhances the Mustang GTD’s high-tech and performance-oriented design.
Infiniti
Black Opal Metallic
Infiniti debuted a special edition Q50 this year featuring a unique car color called Black Opal Metallic. According to Infiniti, this color displays blue, green, or purple hues depending on the viewing angle and lighting conditions. While official photos often present it as closer to dark brown or black, Black Opal Metallic offers a subtle and intriguing color shift, making it a sophisticated and unique choice.
Jeep
Punk’n, Bikini
Jeep introduced two new and unique car colors in 2023. Punk’n orange, a vibrant and unmistakable shade, returned to the Jeep Gladiator lineup after being absent since 2020. As its name suggests, Punk’n is a bold, pumpkin-like orange. Bikini, the second unique car color, is a dark teal, seemingly inspired by the ocean’s depths. Both colors add personality and enhance the adventurous spirit of Jeep vehicles.
Maserati
Night Interaction Blue, Verde Royale, Notte Black
The Maserati Grecale and MC20 are now available in Night Interaction paint, a new and unique car color. This grayish-blue shade with a satin finish is inspired by a hue from the classic 1967 Ghibli coupe, blending heritage with modernity. Verde Royale, another unique car color, is a light green reminiscent of a color offered on the 1986 Maserati Quattroporte, adding a touch of vintage elegance. For a more dramatic MC20, Maserati offers the Notte Black special edition, limited to just 50 examples, providing an even more exclusive and unique car color option.
McLaren
Cerulean Blue, XP Green, Sarigan Quartz, Cyber Yellow
Similar to BMW Individual, McLaren Special Operations (MSO) unveiled a range of special and unique car colors for the GT this year (prior to the updated GTS model). Cerulean Blue, originally from the P1, makes a comeback, appearing teal in certain lighting conditions. XP Green, another heritage color from the iconic F1 supercar, is also now available on the GT. Sarigan Quartz, a more understated silver, debuted on the Speedtail XP2 prototype. For those seeking a more vibrant unique car color for their GT, Cyber Yellow, a newly created shade with a pearlescent finish enhancing the existing Volcano Yellow, is a standout choice.
Mercedes-Benz
Orange Flame Metallic
Orange Flame Metallic is the exclusive and unique car color for the California-inspired Mercedes-AMG SL63 Big Sur edition. This sunset-like shade captures the essence of the Californian coast. The interior complements the exterior with a combination of Mystic Red and Black hand-stitched Nappa leather, creating a cohesive and luxurious theme.
Porsche
Leblon Violet Metallic, Essmanngreen
Porsche’s Sonderwunsch customization division developed Leblon Violet Metallic, a one-off and unique car color for the new Panamera. This dark purple shade with chestnut accents incorporates vaporized gold in the clearcoat for added luster and depth. Through Porsche’s Paint-To-Sample Plus program, customers can create truly custom and unique car colors. Michael Essmann did just that, resulting in Essmanngreen, a vibrant shade with a distinct 1970s vibe, demonstrating the ultimate level of personalization available.
Ram
Baja Yellow
Ram introduced Baja Yellow, a special and unique car color for the 1500 Rebel Havoc Edition, and it’s a striking choice. Black trim provides a strong contrast to the bright yellow, enhancing the off-road pickup’s rugged aesthetic and ensuring it stands out.
Rolls-Royce
Stardust Blue, Pearl Rose, La Rose Noire
Rolls-Royce consistently caters to clients seeking exclusivity, frequently developing new and unique car colors. This year saw multiple additions. The Cullinan Blue Shadow Edition features Stardust Blue, a dark cerulean shade. Rolls-Royce also showcased a unique Cullinan in Pearl Rose, a light shade with a delicate pink hue. The truly exceptional La Rose Noire for the Droptail model is a unique car color inspired by the deep red of fine wine. Adding to its exclusivity, the La Rose Noire Droptail features a bespoke timepiece from Audemars Piguet integrated into the cabin.
Tesla
Ultra Red
For those wanting a crimson shade for their Tesla Model S or X, Tesla introduced Ultra Red this year. This deep red unique car color accentuates the sleek, aerodynamic lines of these popular EVs, adding visual drama and sophistication.
Toyota
Blue Flame, Plasma Orange, Terra
Toyota introduced Blue Flame, a bright and energetic unique car color, for the 2024 GR Corolla. Paired with the car’s black trim, Blue Flame highlights the GR Corolla’s motorsport-inspired design and angular features. For the Supra, Plasma Orange is a particularly eye-catching and unique car color, featured on limited-run models globally. Terra, an exclusive unique car color for the new Tacoma TRD Pro trim, is a deep, earthy orange designed to complement off-road adventures in desert landscapes.
In conclusion, 2023 has brought a vibrant palette of unique car colors to the automotive world. From bold yellows and oranges to sophisticated greens and blues, manufacturers are offering more ways than ever to personalize your vehicle and make a statement on the road. Consider stepping away from the ordinary and embracing one of these unique car colors for your next vehicle.
