What Is a Vantablack Car?
Don't expect this super-dark hue as a factory option anytime soon.
BMW
In 2019, BMW showcased its X6 SUV covered in a material called Vantablack, and the results were stunning. Since the coating absorbs more than 99% of light shined on it, the material makes the vehicle look like a visual black hole.
Though Vantablack was revealed in 2014, this was the first time it had been used in an automotive application. Given the popularity of blackout packages, this might seem like a finish automakers would add to their palette. However, getting this extremely dark finish on a vehicle is difficult.
BMW
Vantablack Was Designed for Research Applications
Vantablack is the product of Surrey NanoSystems and is used in scientific settings. For example, its ability to absorb light makes it ideal for telescopes. The coating gets its name from the composition of the finish itself, a vertically aligned nanotube array. A nanotube is a tiny atomic cylinder exponentially thinner than a human hair, and these miniscule structures were initially "grown" onto surfaces to give the Vantablack treatment.
Since then, Surrey NanoSystems has developed a spray-on version of the coating called VBx2 that's more like a paint, which is what BMW used on the X6. The coating absorbs so much light that it emits virtually no reflection, making whatever it's used on look almost two dimensional.
BMW
The Legality of a Vantablack Car Is Unclear
The niche nature — and relative newness — of Vantablack means there are likely few regulations that address it specifically. Anyone interested in coating their ride in the super-black finish should consult their local authorities to ensure it doesn't violate any restriction regarding vehicle visibility.
Even if there are no restrictions in place, however, Surrey NanoSystems has licensed the artistic use of Vantablack exclusively to painter and sculptor Anish Kapoor. This makes it virtually impossible for members of the public to get their hands on the coating.
While its use as exterior paint is limited, Vantablack can be used to improve the performance of driver-assistance systems, specifically cameras. Since cameras can be temporarily blinded by glare or stray light, a Vantablack coating in a camera array can absorb the light and improve the system's visibility.
BMW
Alternatives to Vantablack
The decision to exclusively license Vantablack to Kapoor caused one artist to develop a similar ultra-black paint. Stuart Semple developed Black 2.0, 3.0, and 4.0 in response to the Vantablack exclusivity deal, with the latest product seemingly capable of matching the Surrey NanoSystems coating.
At the time of publication, a 150-milliliter bottle of Black 4.0 is available for $49.99. But Semple's finish is an acrylic paint, which isn't ideal for automotive applications. Another super-black option is Musou Black Paint, which absorbs 99.4% of visible light and 1.0-liter bottles are currently available for around $260. However, like Black 4.0, it's an acrylic paint and not recommended for automotive use.
Those limitations haven't stopped YouTube creators, custom-car builders, and painters from using the ultra-black black paints on vehicles. YouTube channel DipYourCar coated a Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution in the Musou Black paint for a video and used Black 4.0 on a Ford Mustang.
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Edited by humans.
Sami Haj-AssaadSami Haj-Assaad is an award-winning automotive journalist who has contributed to several automotive, electric vehicle, luxury lifestyle, and technology publications. His work isn't just limited to the written word, as he's also hosted YouTube videos and podcasts. Having grown up in the '90s, he has a strong sense of attachment to that era's style, though he also loves to geek out about the modern, futuristic tech and powertrains rolling out today.
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