Discover Porsche’s new camera‑powered color‑changing paint that lets owners snap any shade and instantly transform the car’s exterior. Learn more now!
Car enthusiasts may soon be able to switch the hue of their sports car with a simple photo. A recent patent filing from Porsche reveals a bold vision for a paint system that can replicate any colour the owner points a camera at – from a bright orange jacket to a golden‑leafed autumn road.
How the technology works
The proposed system uses a digital camera – either the driver’s smartphone or a built‑in sensor on the vehicle – to capture an image of any object. Advanced software then extracts the exact colour values (RGB or CIELAB) from the photo and sends a signal to a special coating layer on the car’s body.
That coating, which Porsche likens to a thin film rather than traditional paint, is electrically responsive. When the signal is received, the film changes its pigment’s orientation, instantly shifting the exterior to the captured shade. In tests described in the patent, the transition occurs in a matter of seconds.
Beyond BMW’s E‑Ink experiments
BMW previously showcased a concept using E‑Ink (electronic ink) panels that could toggle between black‑and‑white or a limited colour palette on the i Vision Dee concept. Porsche’s approach differs by letting the driver choose any colour from the real world, rather than being confined to a preset range.
Practical benefits for owners and dealers
For Porsche’s dealer network, the technology could become a powerful sales tool. Instead of scrolling through tiny paint swatches or 3‑D renderings, sales staff could demonstrate a live colour change on a showroom model, matching the exact hue a customer brings in. This is especially relevant for Porsche’s high‑margin “Paint to Sample” program, where bespoke colours can cost upwards of $32,000.
Because the colour‑changing layer is a removable film, updates, repairs or complete replacements would be simpler and cheaper than traditional repainting. Owners could theoretically adjust the car’s appearance daily – matching a new suit, a seasonal trend, or even creating eye‑catching schemes like VW’s Golf Harlequin without a single splash of liquid paint.
What’s next?
It’s important to note that the filing is currently a patent, not a production roadmap. Automakers often protect ideas early, and the practical rollout may face challenges such as durability, energy consumption, and regulatory approval. Nonetheless, if Porsche brings this to market, it could redefine automotive personalization and set a new benchmark for dynamic vehicle finishes.
Bottom line
The concept promises a future where a car’s colour is as fluid as a fashion choice – captured with a click, displayed instantly, and swapped at will. Keep an eye on Porsche’s announcements; the next generation 911 or a future model could be the first to wear this “chameleon‑style” coating.