A first-ever nameplate calls for a color that stands out instantly. The all-new 2027 INFINITI QX651 (expected availability summer 2026) debuts in striking Sunfire Red2: a deep, radiant red infused with real gold-coated glass flecks.
"This color had to feel special enough for INFINITI. Sunfire Red isn't something you'd see everywhere; it's something people will remember," said Yasuhito Oba, color designer in the Advanced Design Department.
Inspired by the rising sun
Creating a strong first impression was a priority for INFINITI QX65 designers, and Sunfire Red was key to delivering it.
"It needed to feel extraordinary from the very beginning," said Taisuke Nakamura, head of INFINITI Design. "Having genuine gold in the paint adds a unique richness and helps provide the powerful presence QX65 deserves."
INFINITI designers frequently look to nature when creating a new vehicle. That's especially true in QX65, which includes details like a grille inspired by a bamboo forest.
"This color's inspiration is the fiery morning sunrise. That's why it carries this warm, glowing energy," Oba said. "We wanted a tone that's warm and expressive, something that shifts depending on where you're standing and how the sun hits it."
Indeed, different shades of deep red and gold vary greatly depending on the viewing angle, lighting and time of day. The color was specifically designed to enhance QX65's daring lines.
"The design team treats this paint almost like jewelry. The level of detail that goes into the finish is the same mindset we bring to the entire exterior design," Oba said.
A meticulous production process
Sourcing materials for such unique paint is a challenge. Naturally, manufacturing anything with real gold requires heightened security and diligent inventory monitoring. To this end, INFINITI's suppliers used armored trucks to transport the gold used in the paint.
"The gold pigment is very valuable – it needs to be delivered carefully. Once it's mixed into the paint, it behaves like any other pigment, but getting it there is a substantial process," said David Lipka, senior manager of Materials Engineering at Nissan Technical Center North America.
A sample of the real gold-coated glass flecks used in Sunfire Red. Credit: NSG Group.
To achieve Sunfire Red's unique depth and sparkle, INFINITI uses a tri-coat process. This includes a red ground-coat, a transparent mid-coat with tiny flakes of gold-coated glass, and a clearcoat.
"The color is so deep and rich that it requires multiple layers. A two-coat version would have washed out the gold effect," Lipka explained. "Because the gold is bonded to microscopic glass flakes, the visual impact spreads across every body panel. It gives QX65 a color identity that stands apart from other red paints on the market."
The all-new 2027 INFINITI QX65 will be assembled in Smyrna, Tenn.3, joining the INFINITI QX60. The plant employs a hyper-sterile environment to help prevent contamination, and uses artificial intelligence to detect even the smallest imperfections. Overall, INFINITI will use roughly two gallons of paint to coat each QX65.
A deep red with GT-R roots
When approaching QX65, its sporty nature is immediately apparent, thanks to its wide stance and sweeping roofline.
Sunfire Red reinforces this attitude, especially for those with an eye for legendary sports cars. The iconic Nissan GT-R was available in Regal Red starting in the 2015 model year. Just like Sunfire Red, it incorporated real gold into a deep red paint, providing an unmistakable look.
"The connection to GT-R is intentional, material storytelling," Oba said. "In these vehicles, the gold flake is carefully layered to create emotion."
The 2015 Nissan GT-R in Regal Red.
A bold choice for a bold crossover
INFINITI and Nissan are bucking the trend of shifting to more neutral colors by offering vibrant, unique hues, which is why Sunfire Red is such a natural fit for QX65's debut.
"It's a premium shade that provides the kind of finish that immediately feels right for an INFINITI product. It gives QX65 an elevated, crafted presence," Oba said.
Sunfire Red is one of nine colors offered on the 2027 INFINITI QX65, with seven available with a black roof. Bold color options are also offered for the interior, including Vermillion Red leather-appointed seating on QX65 AUTOGRAPH.
To learn more about the first-ever QX65, visit its website here.
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About Taisuke Nakamura
Taisuke Nakamura is head of INFINITI Design. He joined Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. in 1993 after graduating from Kyoto City University of Arts with a B.A. in Product Design. He has worked on many INFINITI and Nissan vehicles and worked at Nissan Design Europe in London as a design manager. He is responsible for the design of iconic EV concepts such as INFINITI QX Inspiration, Prototype 10 and Qs Inspiration, among many other vehicles.
About Yasuhito Oba
Yasuhito Oba is a color manager in the Advanced Design Department. He has been with the company since 2017 and holds a degree in textile design from Tokyo Zokei University. He has helped develop paint colors for many models, including Aurora Blue Metallic on the Nissan Murano, and Yuzu Yellow Metallic and Arctic Ice Blue Metallic on the Nissan Kicks.
About David Lipka
David Lipka is senior manager of Materials Engineering at Nissan Technical Center North America in Farmington Hills, Michigan. He holds a B.S. in Engineering from the University of Akron. Lipka has been with Nissan since 2011.
Eric Ruble
Senior Specialist, Brand Storytelling, Nissan & INFINITI U.S.
Eric.ruble@nissan-usa.com
- Pre-production vehicle shown with available features. Actual production model may vary.
- Sunfire Red is an extra-cost option.
- Assembled in the U.S. with domestic and imported parts.
