Axalta Selected Redefined as 2027 Color of the Year
The ruby-red automotive finish was unveiled this September in Frankfurt.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Car Culture
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Axalta Coating Systems announced its 2027 Global Automotive Color of the Year, choosing a vibrant ruby-red finish titled Redefined. The selection was officially unveiled to the public during the Automechanika Frankfurt event in September 2026.
Why it matters
This annual selection process tracks shifting consumer preferences for vehicles that express unique individual personalities. It serves as an industry barometer for how aesthetic trends influence modern automotive design choices.
The Redefined finish utilizes modern coating technology to achieve specific brightness and depth. The coating reveals a distinct shimmer when light interacts with the material surface.
The players
Axalta Coating Systems
This is a global company that specializes in liquid and powder coatings for the automotive and industrial sectors.
The details
The finish was developed to emphasize depth and light interaction, moving away from previous years' palettes that included shades like Solar Boost and Evergreen Sprint. Axalta maintains the color program to reflect ongoing changes in global style preferences.
Timeline
The series began 13 years ago with the selection of Radiant Red.
Electrolight was chosen as the color of the year in 2021.
Royal Magenta was named the color of the year in 2022.
Techno Blue served as the official selection for 2023.
The 2024 and 2025 colors were Starry Night and Evergreen Sprint.
Roadmap
The introduction of Redefined aligns with a broader industry move toward custom finishes that signal personal identity rather than mass-market uniformity. This shift reflects how modern paint technology enables brands to differentiate their lineups through sophisticated light-reactive coatings.
The introduction of this color signals the palettes that buyers may see in upcoming vehicle trim options and promotional materials. Consumers can expect these finishes to become available as manufacturers update their production paint lines for future model years.
The takeaway
Automotive finishes are increasingly used by manufacturers to facilitate personal expression among car owners. Choosing a specific finish involves balancing current technology with consumer desires for depth and visual interest.
Further reading
Discover more about aesthetic trends in Car Culture.
Source note: This article includes information reported by GM Authority.
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