Cadillac, a leading luxury auto brand, is set to offer this spring its CTS-V and CTS-V coupe models featuring an exclusive tri-coat paint called Black Diamond.

The Black Diamond Edition will be the first use by an automaker of California-based optical firm JDSU’s proprietary SpectraFlair pigment in North America.

In the CTS-V Black Diamond, a dark tri-coat paint is embedded with SpectraFlair bright silver pigment. While other luxury makers offer metallic paints, Black Diamond is created through a meticulous process that gives the paint added dimension, according to a statement.

Instead of simply containing small bits of metal, the SpectraFlair pigment in Black Diamond uses aluminum flakes encapsulated in a glass-like substance called magnesium fluoride. The result is a paint that has a diamond-like sparkle as light hits the surface from different angles.

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

Black Diamond helps Cadillac meet growing demand by luxury buyers for paints that are set apart not just by their colour but also by their special effects.

“Auto makers and consumers are looking to differentiate the color black, a ubiquitous color in automotive,” said John Book, custom colour solutions product manager at JDSU.

“Black Diamond offers the discerning Cadillac customer a special option color that stands out and remains true to their sense of luxury and style,” he added.

The special edition also features satin graphite 19-inch wheels with yellow Brembo brake calipers. These six-piston front, four-piston back brake calipers provide exceptional stopping capabilities.

Its Recaro seats feature 14 adjustable elements, French-stitched leather and microfiber suede inserts in the center sections of the cushions and seatbacks.

“We’ve already established V-Series as a serious sub-brand for Cadillac,” said Rich Pinto, Cadillac creative designer.

“Black Diamond further establishes V-Series in the market as a performance-minded line of vehicles with a luxury twist,” he added.

The CTS-V Black Diamond will arrive in local dealerships in the second quarter of 2011, the statement said. – TradeArabia News Service