Volkswagen Tornado Red (LY3D/G2) Touch Up Paint

The Look

This color is the heartbeat of the brand. If you drive a GTI or a Scirocco, you know this shade by sight even if you didn't know the name. It is a bold, aggressive red that defined the hot hatch era and remained a staple for over thirty years. Whether it is on a boxy eighties Cabriolet or a modern Jetta, this shade provides a sharp, high-contrast look that demands attention. It is a pure red that does not hide in the background, making it the definitive choice for anyone who wants their car to look fast even when it is parked in the driveway.

Technical Details

This is a solid finish, which means it contains no metallic flakes or pearlescent particles. The advantage is a deep, uniform color that is easier to match than complex metallics. However, solid red pigments are historically sensitive to the sun. Over the decades, these finishes often undergo a transformation known as "Tornado Pink" where the surface oxidizes and loses its punch. If your car has spent years outside, your existing paint might look lighter or chalkier than the fresh paint in your hand. This is why a solid color requires careful blending and a good cleaning of the surrounding area to bridge the gap between old and new.

Best Practices

To confirm your match, look for a paper sticker in your trunk, usually located near the spare tire well or under the floor carpet. Before you apply Volkswagen Tornado Red (check for code LY3D/G2), you must shake the container for at least two minutes. Red pigments are heavy and will settle at the bottom, so thorough mixing is the only way to get the correct hue. Test the color on the included card to see how it looks against your car's current condition. Whether you are using a nozzle or a brush, keep the container moving to avoid pooling. Work in a Garage or the Shade to keep the surface cool, and allow plenty of drying time between layers to build up the proper depth.