Cadillac ATS-V (FE4) Paint Colors and Descriptions
Data from Cadillac
This is the best known information available regarding the paint colors for the Cadillac ATS-V 4 year model series from 2016 through 2019. Grok AI was used to add the Cadillac paint colors to the picture of my Phantom Grey Metallic coupe to generate the images, so the colors may vary slightly from the original Cadillac colors, but it gives you a very good idea what the color looks like on a car.
The colors are sorted by the most to the least sales. For a complete list of colors and counts by year and model, click this link.
Raven Black (1301 Vehicles)
Raven Black was available on the Cadillac ATS-V for the full model run from 2016-2019 as a no-charge/standard color. This is a deep, rich solid black with excellent depth and a glossy finish - the most popular no-cost exterior colors on the ATS-V. It gives the car a sleek, aggressive appearance that highlights its lines and V-Series badging. Many ATS-V owners consider Raven Black one of the best "forever" colors because it looks timeless, mean, and premium without being flashy.
Key Characteristics:
Appearance: It delivers a very dark, almost jet-black look with excellent depth and gloss. Unlike many modern blacks that lean slightly toward charcoal or have a blue undertone, Raven Black is a true, neutral deep black.
Finish: High-gloss solid black with strong reflectivity. It creates dramatic, mirror-like reflections in direct light, making the car's sharp lines and body contours really stand out.
Character: Clean, aggressive, and stealthy. It gives the ATS-V a sinister, high-performance appearance that emphasizes its aggressive V-Series styling (the blacked-out grille, rear diffuser, and wheels pop beautifully against it).
Practical notes: As a solid (non-metallic) color, it tends to hide minor swirl marks and light scratches better than some metallics or tricoats, but it still shows dust and water spots quite easily. It pairs exceptionally well with the black wheels, red brake calipers, and carbon fiber accents commonly found on ATS-Vs.
How it looks in different lighting:
In bright sunlight: Extremely deep and glossy with sharp, clean reflections.
In indoor/showroom lighting (like your photo): It develops rich, dark highlights and looks luxurious and commanding.
At night: It can appear almost invisible except for the reflections from lights and the shine on the body panels.
Quick Reference:
Primary Color Code: GBA - It is also commonly referenced with the GM/WA code WA8555 (often listed as WA8555/GBA, U8555, or 41/WA8555)
WA Code: WA8555 (used for touch-up paint matching; sometimes shown as 41U in older GM references)
For touch-up paint or bodywork:
Search for "GBA" or "WA8555 Black Raven" from suppliers like Touch-Up Direct, AutomotiveTouchup, Scratches Happen, or your local GM dealer. This is a very common GM black, so availability is excellent and matching is generally straightforward. Always confirm the exact code from your vehicle's sticker for the best match.
Crystal White Tricoat (932 Vehicles)
This is a premium tricoat pearl white that was an extra-cost option on the ATS-V, and only ranks behind Black Raven for the 2nd most colors sold. It appears in all four model years on ATS-V models (and carried over to later Cadillacs like the CT4/CT5). Many ATS-V owners love Crystal White Tricoat for its timeless luxury appeal and the way it highlights the cars styling details (especially against black wheels, red calipers, and dark interiors).
Key Characteristics:
Appearance: A bright, clean white with a subtle iridescent pearl effect built into the mid-coat layer. It delivers exceptional depth and a soft, sparkling glow rather than a flat or plain white look.
Finish: High-gloss tricoat with three layers (base + pearl mid-coat + clear) that creates rich, liquid-like reflections and a luxurious shimmer. The pearl flakes give it a gentle color shift and extra dimension in sunlight.
Character: Elegant, modern, and eye-catching. It makes the ATS-V's aggressive V-Series lines pop beautifully while maintaining a sophisticated, premium presence. It's bright enough to stand out but refined enough to avoid looking basic.
Practical notes: As a tricoat, it’s more complex (and expensive) to repair than solid colors, but it’s highly durable and resists fading well. It shows dirt and water spots more visibly than darker colors, but the pearl effect helps hide minor imperfections better than a pure solid white.
How it looks in different lighting:
In bright sunlight: The pearl flakes come alive with a beautiful, subtle sparkle and depth, making the car look almost luminous.
In indoor/showroom lighting (like your photo): It appears crisp, clean, and high-end with soft, glossy highlights that emphasize the body contours.
At night: It reflects ambient lights cleanly and maintains a bright, premium appearance without looking washed out.
Quick Reference:
Primary Color Code: G1W
WA Code: WA140X It is also commonly referenced with the GM/WA code WA140X (sometimes listed as WA140X/WA472B or similar variations depending on the supplier or exact formulation).
For touch-up paint or bodywork:
Search for "G1W" or "WA140X Crystal White Tricoat" from suppliers like Touch-Up Direct, AutomotiveTouchup, or GM/ACDelco dealers. Always confirm the exact code from your vehicle's sticker for the best match, as minor variations in tricoat application can occur.
Phantom Grey Metallic (425 Vehicles)
This is a sophisticated, medium-dark grey metallic with subtle silver undertones and good depth - a popular extra-cost color on the ATS-V that gives a stealthy yet premium look. This color was available on 2016, 2017, and 2018 ATS-V models. Many ATS-V owners consider Phantom Grey Metallic one of the best “daily driver” premium colors because it looks classy, hides dirt well, and makes the car’s aggressive styling stand out without being too loud.
Key Characteristics:
Appearance: A medium-dark grey with subtle silver undertones and fine metallic flakes that give it excellent depth and a stealthy, modern look.
Finish: High-gloss metallic with a smooth, refined sparkle. The metallic effect creates a soft shifting quality that changes slightly depending on the angle and lighting without being overly flashy.
Character: Elegant, understated, and aggressive. It perfectly complements the ATS-V’s sharp lines and V-Series styling, giving the car a premium, sinister presence that looks both luxurious and performance-oriented.
Practical notes: The metallic finish helps hide minor swirl marks and light scratches better than solid colors, while still showing excellent depth. It’s relatively easy to maintain and pairs beautifully with black wheels, carbon accents, and red brake calipers.
How it looks in different lighting:
In bright sunlight: The silver metallic flakes come alive, creating nice depth and a subtle shimmer across the body panels.
In indoor/showroom lighting (like your photo): It appears rich, dark, and sophisticated with smooth, even reflections that emphasize the car’s contours.
At night: It takes on a stealthy, almost black-like appearance while still reflecting lights cleanly for a premium look.
Quick Reference:
Primary Color Code: G7Q
WA Code: WA139X
For touch-up paint or bodywork:
Search for "G7Q" or "WA139X Phantom Grey Metallic" (or "Phantom Gray Metallic") from suppliers like Touch-Up Direct, AutomotiveTouchup, Scratches Happen, or your local GM dealer. Always double-check the exact code on your vehicle's sticker for the best match, as minor formulation differences can occur.
Red Obsession Tintcoat (347 Vehicles)
A rich, deep red with the luxurious tintcoat depth. This color was available on 2016, 2017, and 2018 ATS-V models. This deep red tintcoat (a type of tricoat/metallic with red pigment in the clearcoat for extra depth and richness) causes a subtle metallic shift under the lights. It was a premium extra-cost option and gives a more sophisticated, liquid-like appearance compared to the brighter solid Velocity Red. Many ATS-V owners consider Red Obsession Tintcoat one of the most striking and desirable colors because it offers a perfect balance between aggressive red energy and sophisticated elegance.
Key Characteristics:
Appearance: A deep, sophisticated burgundy-red with strong depth and a subtle metallic shift. The tintcoat technology adds a transparent red layer in the clearcoat, giving it a liquid, jewel-like richness that changes character depending on the light.
Finish: High-gloss tintcoat with exceptional depth and a smooth, luxurious sheen. It has more complexity and “wet” appearance than a standard solid red.
Character: Elegant, aggressive, and commanding. It enhances the ATS-V’s sharp lines and V-Series styling, delivering a premium, sinister presence that feels both sporty and sophisticated - more refined than the brighter Velocity Red.
Practical notes: As a tintcoat, it requires more careful application during repairs to match the depth correctly. It shows swirl marks more easily than darker solids but rewards proper maintenance with stunning visual impact.
How it looks in different lighting:
In bright sunlight: The red becomes more vibrant with beautiful depth and a subtle metallic glow that makes the car look expensive and alive.
In indoor/showroom lighting (like your photo): It appears rich, dark, and glossy with dramatic reflections that emphasize the body contours and give it a luxurious, almost black-red tone in the shadows.
At night: It reflects lights with a deep, jewel-like intensity, maintaining a bold and premium appearance.
Quick Reference:
Primary Color Code: G7E
WA Code: WA132X (used for touch-up paint matching)
For touch-up paint or bodywork:
Search for "G7E" or "WA132X Red Obsession Tintcoat" from suppliers like Touch-Up Direct, AutomotiveTouchup, Scratches Happen, or your local GM dealer. Because it's a tintcoat, proper application (base + mid-coat + clear) is important for the best match — always verify the exact code from your vehicle's sticker, as slight variations can occur between batches or years.
Vector Blue Metallic (318 Vehicles)
This is a vibrant, deep metallic blue with strong silver/pearl flakes that give it excellent depth and a shifting appearance under different lighting. It was a popular premium color on the ATS-V, often praised for making the car's aggressive styling pop. Many ATS-V owners love Vector Blue Metallic for its eye-catching appeal and the way it makes the car look modern, performance-oriented, and uniquely Cadillac.
Key Characteristics:
Appearance: A deep, rich blue with strong silver and pearl metallic flakes that create excellent depth and a dramatic sparkling effect.
Finish: High-gloss metallic with a pronounced flake that gives it a shifting, almost three-dimensional look under light. The silver flakes make the blue pop and add noticeable shimmer.
Character: Bold, energetic, and premium. It enhances the ATS-V’s aggressive V-Series styling, giving the car a sporty yet sophisticated presence that stands out without being overly flashy.
Practical notes: The metallic finish helps hide minor swirl marks better than solid colors, while the strong flake adds visual interest. It maintains its vibrancy well over time and pairs beautifully with black wheels and red brake calipers.
How it looks in different lighting:
In bright sunlight: The silver metallic flakes sparkle intensely, creating beautiful depth and a dynamic shifting effect across the body panels.
In indoor/showroom lighting (like your photo): It appears rich, vibrant, and glossy with smooth, even reflections that highlight the car’s sharp lines and contours.
At night: It reflects lights with a deep, jewel-like intensity while still looking bold and commanding.
Quick Reference:
Primary Color Code: G7E
WA Code: WA132X (used for touch-up paint matching)
For touch-up paint or bodywork:
Search for "G7E" or "WA132X Red Obsession Tintcoat" from suppliers like Touch-Up Direct, AutomotiveTouchup, Scratches Happen, or your local GM dealer. Because it's a tintcoat, proper application (base + mid-coat + clear) is important for the best match — always verify the exact code from your vehicle's sticker, as slight variations can occur between batches or years.
Radiant Silver Metallic (167 Vehicles)
This is a bright, clean silver metallic with good sparkle and a modern look. It was one of the standard (no extra cost) exterior colors on the ATS-V, offering a crisp, high-end appearance that pairs well with the car's aggressive styling. Many ATS-V owners appreciate Radiant Silver Metallic as a practical yet stylish choice — it looks sharp with black wheels and red calipers while being one of the easier colors to live with on a daily basis.
Key Characteristics:
Appearance: A crisp, modern silver with fine metallic flakes that deliver good sparkle and a fresh, high-tech look. It sits between a light silver and a brighter metallic grey.
Finish: High-gloss metallic with smooth, even reflectivity and a subtle shimmer that catches light nicely without being overly dramatic.
Character: Clean, premium, and versatile. It highlights the ATS-V’s sharp body lines and aggressive V-Series styling while maintaining an elegant, understated appearance that works well for both daily driving and show.
Practical notes: The metallic finish helps mask minor swirl marks and light scratches better than solid colors. It’s relatively easy to maintain and shows dirt less obviously than white or black.
How it looks in different lighting:
In bright sunlight: The metallic flakes sparkle cleanly, giving the car a bright, crisp appearance with nice depth and reflection.
In indoor/showroom lighting (like your photo): It appears modern, glossy, and sophisticated with smooth, even highlights that emphasize the car’s contours.
At night: It reflects ambient lights sharply and maintains a clean, premium look that stands out without being flashy.
Quick Reference:
Primary Color Code: GAN
WA Code: WA636R (used for touch-up paint matching)
For touch-up paint or bodywork:
Search for "GAN" or "WA636R Radiant Silver Metallic" (sometimes called Quicksilver or Switchblade Silver in aftermarket lines) from suppliers like Touch-Up Direct, AutomotiveTouchup, Scratches Happen, or your local GM dealer. Always confirm the exact code from your vehicle's sticker for the best match, as minor batch variations can occur.
Velocity Red (103 Vehicles)
This is a vibrant, solid (non-metallic/non-tricoat) bright red, often described as a "fire engine red" or "pull-me-over red." It was introduced as a new color option for the ATS-V around 2016 and remained available through the end of ATS-V production.
Key Characteristics:
Appearance: A bold, fire-engine bright red with high saturation and excellent purity. It is a true solid (non-metallic, non-tricoat) color that delivers a clean, energetic look without any pearl or flake effect.
Finish: High-gloss solid red with strong reflectivity and a smooth, uniform appearance. It creates sharp, mirror-like reflections that emphasize the car's body lines.
Character: Aggressive, sporty, and attention-grabbing. It perfectly matches the ATS-V’s performance-oriented styling, giving the car a loud, confident, and “pull-me-over” presence that highlights its sharp creases and V-Series details.
Practical notes: As a solid color, it is generally easier and less expensive to repair or touch up than metallics or tricoats. It shows swirl marks and water spots relatively easily but delivers maximum visual impact with simple maintenance.
How it looks in different lighting:
In bright sunlight: Extremely vibrant and saturated, almost glowing with energy and making the car look fast even when parked.
In indoor/showroom lighting (like your photo): It appears bold, rich, and glossy with clean, dramatic reflections that make the bodywork pop against darker backgrounds.
At night: It reflects lights sharply and maintains a bright, commanding presence that stands out in any environment.
Quick Reference:
Primary Color Code: G7C
WA Code: WA130X (used for touch-up paint matching)
For touch-up paint or bodywork:
Search for "G7C" or "WA130X Velocity Red" from suppliers like Touch-Up Direct, AutomotiveTouchup, or your local GM dealer. Confirm the exact code from your vehicle's sticker, as minor batch or formulation differences can exist.
Crystal White Frost (72 Vehicles)
This is a bright, clean silver metallic with good sparkle and a modern look. It was one of the standard (no extra cost) exterior colors on the ATS-V, offering a crisp, high-end appearance that pairs well with the car's aggressive styling.This is a matte-finish (flat/satin) pearl white, distinct from the glossy Crystal White Tricoat (G1W / WA140X). It was a very limited, extra-cost option available only as part of the special Crystal White Frost Edition package on the 2016 ATS-V (and CTS-V). Very few were produced (40 ATS-V coupes/sedans total in this color). Many ATS-V owners consider Crystal White Frost one of the most unique and desirable colors because of its rarity (only a handful were produced) and the way it gives the car a truly special, limited-edition character. Note on care: As a matte paint, it requires special maintenance — avoid traditional waxes, polishes, or abrasive cleaners that can create shine or swirl marks. Use matte-specific products and gentle washing methods.
Key Characteristics:
Appearance: A soft, flat white with a subtle pearl effect and very low gloss. It has a distinctive satin/matte finish that avoids the high-shine look of standard whites, giving it a unique, stealthy, and sophisticated appearance.
Finish: Matte (satin) with minimal reflectivity. The surface diffuses light rather than mirroring it, creating a soft, velvety texture while still showing a gentle pearl shimmer in certain lighting.
Character: Exclusive, modern, and understated-aggressive. It gives the ATS-V a special-edition, high-end presence that emphasizes its aggressive V-Series styling in a more refined and stealthy way compared to glossy whites.
Practical notes: As a matte finish, it requires special care — traditional waxes, polishes, and abrasive cleaners must be avoided to prevent creating shiny spots. Minor scratches and swirl marks are more visible, and repairs are more challenging and expensive to match correctly.
How it looks in different lighting:
In bright sunlight: The matte surface softens reflections while the subtle pearl adds a gentle, sophisticated glow without harsh shine.
In indoor/showroom lighting (like your photo): It appears clean, soft, and premium with a distinctive satin texture that stands out against glossy surroundings.
At night: It takes on a stealthy, almost ghostly appearance with diffused light reflections, maintaining an exclusive and mysterious look.
Quick Reference:
Primary Color Code: G7V
WA Code: WA144X (used for touch-up paint matching)
For touch-up paint or bodywork:
Search for "G7V" or "WA144X Crystal White Frost" (sometimes cross-referenced as a matte or frost white variant). Suppliers like AutomotiveTouchup, Touch-Up Direct, or GM dealers may carry it, but due to its rarity, availability can be limited — you may need to special-order. Always confirm the exact code from your vehicle's sticker for the best match, and note that matte finishes are trickier to blend/repair than gloss paints.
Satin Steel Metallic (29 Vehicles)
This is a sophisticated, medium grey metallic with a subtle satin-like sheen and fine silver flakes. It provides a modern, understated premium look that complements the ATS-V’s aggressive styling without being overly flashy. It was one of the available metallic greys alongside Phantom Grey Metallic. Many ATS-V owners appreciate Satin Steel Metallic for its balanced, high-end look - it’s modern and refined without drawing too much attention, making it an excellent choice for those who want a subtle yet premium color.
Key Characteristics:
Appearance: A medium grey with fine silver metallic flakes and a soft, satin-like quality that gives it understated depth and elegance.
Finish: High-gloss metallic with a refined, velvety sheen rather than a bright sparkle. The finish sits between a traditional metallic and a softer satin appearance.
Character: Modern, premium, and restrained. It complements the ATS-V’s sharp lines and V-Series styling beautifully, delivering a stealthy yet luxurious look that feels both sporty and sophisticated.
Practical notes: The metallic finish helps hide minor swirl marks and light scratches better than solid colors. It maintains its refined appearance well and pairs exceptionally well with black wheels, red brake calipers, and dark interiors.
How it looks in different lighting:
In bright sunlight: The fine silver flakes create a soft, elegant shimmer with nice depth across the body panels.
In indoor/showroom lighting (like your photo): It appears rich, smooth, and sophisticated with even, muted reflections that emphasize the car’s contours without being flashy.
At night: It takes on a stealthier, darker tone while still reflecting lights cleanly for a premium, composed appearance.
Quick Reference:
Primary Color Code: G9K
WA Code: WA464C (used for touch-up paint matching)
For touch-up paint or bodywork:
Search for "G9K" or "WA464C Satin Steel Metallic" (sometimes called Satin Steel Gray Metallic) from suppliers like Touch-Up Direct, AutomotiveTouchup, Scratches Happen, or your local GM dealer. Availability is good as this color was used across multiple GM vehicles. Always confirm the exact code from your vehicle's sticker for the best match, as minor batch variations can occur.
Bronze Sand Metallic (21 Vehicles)
This is a warm, metallic bronze/gold-brown with subtle metallic flakes that give it depth and a sophisticated, earthy tone. It was a very limited, extra-cost color introduced specifically for the 2019 ATS-V and CTS-V Pedestal Edition (only 300 total units built across both models for the U.S., Canada, and Middle East). The same color was later used on the C8 Corvette as Zeus Bronze. Many ATS-V owners (especially those with the rare Pedestal Edition) consider Bronze Sand Metallic one of the most unique and desirable colors because of its rarity and the way it gives the car a truly distinctive, luxurious character.
Key Characteristics:
Appearance: A rich, earthy bronze with subtle gold-brown tones and fine metallic flakes that give it depth and a sophisticated metallic shift.
Finish: High-gloss metallic with a warm, lustrous quality. The flakes create a gentle shimmer that makes the color appear to change slightly depending on the angle and lighting.
Character: Luxurious, distinctive, and elegant. It gives the ATS-V a unique, high-end presence that stands out from traditional colors while perfectly complementing the car’s aggressive V-Series styling with a refined, almost exotic feel.
Practical notes: The metallic finish helps mask minor swirl marks and light scratches better than solid colors. As a low-volume special color, touch-up paint can be harder to find, but the finish is durable and ages gracefully.
How it looks in different lighting:
In bright sunlight: The bronze tones warm up beautifully with a noticeable metallic glow and subtle gold highlights.
In indoor/showroom lighting (like your photo): It appears rich, deep, and sophisticated with smooth, warm reflections that give the car a premium, expensive look.
At night: It reflects lights with a warm, jewel-like intensity while maintaining a stealthy and commanding presence.
Quick Reference:
Primary Color Code: GUI
WA Code: WA615D (used for touch-up paint matching)
For touch-up paint or bodywork:
Search for "GUI" or "WA615D Bronze Sand Metallic" (sometimes cross-referenced as Zeus Bronze on aftermarket sites) from suppliers like Touch-Up Direct, Scratches Happen, AutomotiveTouchup, or your local GM dealer. Because this was a low-volume special color, availability may require special ordering, but the WA615D code is well-documented for matching. Always confirm the exact code from your vehicle's sticker for the best match, as minor batch variations can occur.
Wave Metallic (16 Vehicles)
This is a vibrant, modern metallic blue (sometimes described as a bright "wave" or ocean-inspired blue with strong metallic flake). It replaced Vector Blue Metallic for the final year of the ATS-V and was the only blue offered on the 2019 ATS-V coupe where only 16 were made. It carries over as a color option on later Cadillac models like the CT4-V Blackwing and CT5. Many ATS-V owners love Wave Metallic for its fresh, modern appeal and the way it makes the car look energetic and unique, especially as one of the final color options offered on the ATS-V.
Key Characteristics:
Appearance: A bright, energetic blue with strong silver metallic flakes that create excellent depth, sparkle, and a dynamic shifting effect.
Finish: High-gloss metallic with pronounced flake that gives the color a lively, almost ocean-wave-like shimmer under light.
Character: Fresh, bold, and performance-oriented. It enhances the ATS-V’s aggressive V-Series styling, giving the car a sporty, modern, and eye-catching presence that feels contemporary and fun.
Practical notes: The metallic finish helps hide minor swirl marks and light scratches better than solid colors. The strong flake adds visual interest while remaining durable and relatively easy to maintain.
How it looks in different lighting:
In bright sunlight: The silver metallic flakes sparkle intensely, creating beautiful depth and a lively, shifting “wave” effect across the body panels.
In indoor/showroom lighting (like your photo): It appears vibrant, rich, and glossy with smooth, even reflections that make the car’s lines pop.
At night: It reflects lights with a deep, jewel-like intensity while staying bold and commanding.
Quick Reference:
Primary Color Code: GKK
WA Code: WA627D (used for touch-up paint matching)
For touch-up paint or bodywork:
Search for "GKK" or "WA627D Wave Metallic" from suppliers like Touch-Up Direct, Scratches Happen, AutomotiveTouchup, or your local GM dealer. Availability is good since the color has been used on multiple Cadillac models. Always confirm the exact code from your vehicle's sticker for the best match, as minor batch variations can occur.
ATS-V Color Matching Tips
Getting an accurate paint match on your ATS-V can be tricky due to the variety of solid, metallic, tricoat, and matte finishes. Follow these tips to achieve the best possible results for touch-ups, spot repairs, or full panel work.
1. Always start with Your Exact Factory Paint Code
Locate the Service Parts Identification (SPI / RPO) sticker on your vehicle (usually in the glovebox, trunk right-side panel, or driver’s door jamb).
Note both the G-code (e.g., GBA, G1W, G7E) and the WA-code (e.g., WA8555, WA140X, WA132X). Both are important for accurate mixing.
Take a clear photo of the sticker — this is your most reliable reference, as slight batch variations can occur.
2. Understand Your Paint Type
Matching difficulty depends heavily on the paint technology used: