INFINITI Introduces Gold-Infused Sunfire Red Paint for All-New QX65

INFINITI is leaning into material storytelling for the debut of its newest crossover, unveiling a distinctive paint finish that incorporates real gold as part of the all-new INFINITI QX65. Called Sunfire Red, the color arrives as a signature element of the QX65 ahead of its expected summer 2026 launch.

Developed specifically for the model’s introduction, Sunfire Red is designed to create an immediate visual identity. The finish is a deep, radiant red embedded with gold-coated glass flakes, producing a layered effect that shifts depending on lighting and viewing angle. According to INFINITI’s design team, the goal was to create a color that feels both expressive and memorable—something that stands apart in an increasingly neutral automotive landscape.

The inspiration draws heavily from nature, particularly the warmth and intensity of a sunrise. Designers describe the effect as intentionally dynamic, with tones that evolve from deep crimson to shimmering gold highlights as light moves across the bodywork. The paint is also engineered to accentuate the QX65’s form, emphasizing its wide stance and sweeping coupe-like roofline.

Achieving that effect required a complex tri-coat process. The application begins with a red base layer, followed by a transparent mid-coat infused with microscopic flakes of gold-coated glass, and is finished with a protective clearcoat. The layering is critical—not only for depth, but for preserving the brilliance of the gold particles. Engineers note that a simpler two-coat system would diminish the intended visual richness.

The inclusion of real gold introduces additional complexity before the paint even reaches the production line. Suppliers must transport the raw material under heightened security, including armored delivery, before it is processed into pigment. Once integrated into the paint, however, it behaves like a conventional material, allowing it to be applied consistently across the vehicle’s surfaces.

Production of the QX65 will take place in Smyrna, Tennessee, alongside the INFINITI QX60. The facility employs a controlled, contamination-resistant environment and uses AI-assisted inspection systems to identify even minor imperfections in the finish. Each vehicle requires roughly two gallons of paint to achieve the final result.

While Sunfire Red is new to INFINITI, its conceptual roots trace back to performance heritage within Nissan. The Nissan GT-R previously offered a similar gold-infused red—Regal Red—introduced in 2015. That connection is intentional, linking the QX65’s visual identity to a broader narrative of craftsmanship and performance across the brand’s portfolio.

The decision to launch the QX65 with such a bold finish also signals a broader positioning strategy. As many automakers shift toward grayscale palettes, INFINITI is emphasizing color as a differentiator—particularly in the premium space where material quality and visual distinction carry increasing weight.

Sunfire Red will be one of nine available exterior colors for the QX65, with several configurations offering contrasting black roof treatments. Inside, similarly expressive options continue the theme, including Vermillion Red leather upholstery on higher trims.

For INFINITI, the message is clear: the QX65 isn’t just a new nameplate—it’s an opportunity to reassert design identity through materials, craftsmanship and a willingness to stand out.