By Sam McEachern, GM News
Love is in the air – and on the road! For decades our customers have enjoyed showing off their GM vehicles in various shades of red, and this Valentine’s Day, we’re highlighting some of the most head-turning and unique red hues from GM’s past and present.
Torch Red (1993 to present model year Corvette)
[IMAGE 1 - Corvette]
CAPTION: 1993 Corvette in Torch Red
An undeniably iconic shade of red in GM’s color palette is Torch Red, says Brittany Moss, who works in GM’s CMF Advanced & Global Exterior Color organization. Torch Red, which is an eye catching bright glossy red, was first introduced on the C4 Corvette for the 1993 model year and has been a mainstay on the nameplate ever since – and for good reason! It remains a hugely popular choice among the Corvette buyer base to this day.
Cardinal Red (current generation GMC Sierra 1500)
[IMAGE 2 - Sierra]
CAPTION: 2025 GMC Sierra 1500 Elevation in Cardinal Red
Cardinal Red is a standard bright glossy red that has been offered on certain trim levels of the previous and current generation GMC Sierra 1500. This head-turning red isn’t available on the current Sierra 1500 Denali, SLT or AT4 trims, but is offered on the Pro, SLE and Elevation. “There are instances where we may want to be more bold or more subdued,” Moss says of the decision-making process behind introducing certain shades of red for certain trims or vehicles.
Matador Red (1953-1954 model year Buick Roadmaster)
[IMAGE 3 - Roadmaster]
CAPTION: 1953 Buick Roadmaster in Matador Red
Matador Red was introduced as a bold option for one of Buick’s most iconic vehicles, the Buick Roadmaster, for the 1953 model year and lasted through to the next generation of the vehicle in 1954. Matador Red made the Roadmaster, already a head-turning vehicle that sat atop the Buick portfolio as its halo model, stand out even more.
Radiant Red Tintcoat (2025 Cadillac Escalade + many more!)
[IMAGE 4 - Escalade]
CAPTION: 2025 Cadillac Escalade-V in Radiant Red Tintcoat
Completing our list is a standout of GM’s current color palette – Radiant Red Tintcoat – which is offered on numerous current GM models across our brands, from trucks like the Chevy Colorado, to EVs like the Chevy Blazer EV and luxury sedans like the Cadillac CT5. It’s pictured here on the 2025 Cadillac Escalade-V – where it helps play into and emphasize the full-size SUV’s sporty yet luxurious character.
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Love is in the air – and on the road! For decades our customers have enjoyed showing off their GM vehicles in various shades of red, and this Valentine’s Day, we’re highlighting some of the most head-turning and unique red hues from GM’s past and present.
Torch Red (1993 to present model year Corvette)
An undeniably iconic shade of red in GM’s color palette is Torch Red, says Brittany Moss, who works in GM’s CMF Advanced & Global Exterior Color organization. Torch Red, which is an eye catching bright glossy red, was first introduced on the C4 Corvette for the 1993 model year and has been a mainstay on the nameplate ever since – and for good reason! It remains a hugely popular choice among the Corvette buyer base to this day.
Cardinal Red (current generation GMC Sierra 1500)
Cardinal Red is a standard bright glossy red that has been offered on certain trim levels of the previous and current generation GMC Sierra 1500. This head-turning red isn’t available on the current Sierra 1500 Denali, SLT or AT4 trims, but is offered on the Pro, SLE and Elevation. “There are instances where we may want to be more bold or more subdued,” Moss says of the decision-making process behind introducing certain shades of red for certain trims or vehicles.
Matador Red (1953-1954 model year Buick Roadmaster)
Matador Red was introduced as a bold option for one of Buick’s most iconic vehicles, the Buick Roadmaster, for the 1953 model year and lasted through to the next generation of the vehicle in 1954. Matador Red made the Roadmaster, already a head-turning vehicle that sat atop the Buick portfolio as its halo model, stand out even more.
Radiant Red Tintcoat (2025 Cadillac Escalade + many more!)
Completing our list is a standout of GM’s current color palette – Radiant Red Tintcoat – which is offered on numerous current GM models across our brands, from trucks like the Chevy Colorado, to EVs like the Chevy Blazer EV and luxury sedans like the Cadillac CT5. It’s pictured here on the 2025 Cadillac Escalade-V – where it helps play into and emphasize the full-size SUV’s sporty yet luxurious character.
Check out these stories to see more red-hot GM vehicles: