Axalta Selected Redefined as 2027 Car Color
The ruby-red finish reflects a growing consumer desire for vehicles that express individual personality.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Car Culture
Live Poll
Does vehicle color play a major role in your choice when purchasing a new car?
Axalta Coating Systems unveiled its 2027 Global Automotive Color of the Year, a ruby-red finish named Redefined, at Automechanika Frankfurt in September 2026. This selection marks the 13th year of the company annual series.
Why it matters
The choice of Redefined highlights a shift toward vehicle finishes that allow owners to project their individual personalities. This trend reflects the evolving ways families use their cars as personal extensions of their household identity.
Axalta Coating Systems has tracked annual color trends for 13 years. This year represents a transition from previous annual colors, including the 2026 choice Solar Boost and 2025 choice Evergreen Sprint.
The players
Axalta Coating Systems
A global manufacturer of liquid and powder coatings that provides finish solutions for the automotive industry.
The details
The Redefined finish utilizes modern coating technology designed to maximize brightness and depth. When light interacts with the surface, the coating reveals a distinct shimmer that enhances the ruby-red hue. These technical properties are engineered to give the paint a dynamic appearance that changes based on lighting conditions.
Timeline
September 2026: The Redefined color was officially unveiled at Automechanika Frankfurt.
2021: Axalta selected Electrolight as its color of the year.
2022: The company chose Royal Magenta for the annual series.
2023: Techno Blue was named as the color of the year.
2025: Evergreen Sprint was selected as the automotive color of the year.
The Home Front
This development follows the long-standing industry precedent set by the Axalta Global Automotive Color of the Year series. It marks a significant shift in consumer preference that often influences the resale value and aesthetic standards for future vehicle generations.
When considering your next vehicle purchase or a custom paint job, look for finishes that provide high-depth coating technology. While this ruby-red color is a trend indicator, always verify the long-term maintenance requirements for specialized shimmer coatings with your professional detailer.
The takeaway
The selection of Redefined signals a move toward bolder, more personalized vehicle aesthetics that break from previous years like Solar Boost or Techno Blue. When researching potential vehicle purchases, keep a record of the paint codes to ensure you can properly match and maintain the finish.
Further reading
For more information on how design trends influence your vehicle choices, browse our Car Culture archives.
Source note: This article includes information reported by GM Authority.
Live Poll
Does vehicle color play a major role in your choice when purchasing a new car?
