Solar Boost

2026 Global Automotive Color of the Year

Solar Boost is a radiant orange that is both warm and inviting while simmering with an energy all its own. This boldly dynamic hue, infused with champagne-colored glass flakes, tells a unique story in every curve, angle, and light. Designed for modern vehicles, this color delivers a confident, premium expression that radiates from sunrise to sunset. 

Reflecting the brilliance of sunlight, Axalta’s latest Automotive Color of the Year combines vibrant energy with a touch of sophistication, making Solar Boost a standout option for sports cars, crossovers, and beyond.

“Solar Boost is the result of our team’s deep experience in both the art and science of color,” said Robert Roop, Ph.D., Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer at Axalta. “Elements of human psychology and popular culture inform our choice of color; then we apply our expertise in color science, optics, and coating formulations to transform color into a manufacturable coating that is beautiful, durable and sustainable.”

Read the full press release

This marks the 12th year Axalta has celebrated an Automotive Color of the Year, highlighting 160 years of experience in color design leadership, innovation, and forecasting future mobility coating trends. Axalta’s color experts meet regularly to analyze automotive trends and anticipate how consumer color preferences are evolving. Their guidance helps vehicle manufacturers choose colors that will resonate with buyers.

Color of the Year History

Evergreen Sprint (2025)

Evergreen Sprint is a rich, deep forest green that pays homage to the legendary British racing green and symbolizes speed and performance.

Starry Night (2024)

Starry Night is a strong, contemporary color that evokes the depths of our universe and space exploration. The black shade represents bold imaginations and the drive to reach new heights.

Techno Blue (2023)

Techno Blue, an ultramodern blue with hue-shifting effects, is right on beat with transitional trends between the real and digital world.

Royal Magenta (2022)

Royal Magenta is a luxury color concept that showcases the move toward magenta hues, sustainability and autonomous driving.

ElectroLight (2021)

ElectroLight is an expressively refreshing green-yellow hue with bold, contemporary flavors that echo style, energy and flair.

 

Sea Glass (2020)

A green-blue shade with a versatile appeal, Sea Glass infuses tranquility with confidence, producing a premium, customized style that stands out.

Sahara (2019)

Sahara, a golden bronze tone, radiates warmth, richness and strength for vehicles of all sizes and can serve as the principal color for two-tone possibilities.

StarLite (2018)

StarLite is a light and reflective hue that uses Axalta’s tri-coat process formulated with synthetic pearl flakes to create an eye-catching pearlescent effect.

Gallant Gray (2017)

Gallant Gray is enhanced by blue and silver flakes that produce a unique sparkle effect and dark undertones that enrich the finish, adding sophistication.

Brilliant Blue (2016)

Brilliant Blue is a mid-shade blue that has both depth and vividness with slight turquoise highlights.
 

Radiant Red (2015)

Made from Axalta’s Cromax Mosaic low VOC solvent paint brand, Radiant Red also contains Axalta’s Vermeera™ high chroma technology and a sparkle effect.