Cadillac Design Uses Special Paint

Although one of the ways that luxury car manufacturers are differentiating themselves is through the installation of all manner of infotainment devices on the inside of their vehicles, Cadillac—while no slouch in that arena—is applying some advanced technology in a different way: Applying it to the outside of a special-edition CTS-V sedan, wagon, and coupe.

Cadillac is using a pigment developed by JDSU—a company that specializes in optical solutions of a variety of applications and industries, ranging from semiconductors to aerospace—called “SpectraFlair Bright Silver” in DuPont paint with the result being called “Black Diamond.”

Specifically, the pigment uses aluminum flakes that are encapsulated in magnesium fluoride, a glass-like substance. The result is a paint that appears black from some angles and diamond-like from others.

As Cadillac exterior paint designer Michelle Killen describes it, “The CTS-V Black Diamond Edition is like a finely crafted, tailored tuxedo. The base color may be a simple black, but the details and richness of the material set it apart.”

And, yes, the special edition cars come with other extras Satin Graphite 19-in wheels through which yellow Brembo brake calipers can be seen and Recaro seats.

But this clever color is one that you won’t see coming and going.