@gridwalker: Agree that the shade of red may have changed, but if memory serves, Ferarri F1 cars were red with white way back in the 70's (specifically recall the flat 12 family having red body, white wings and gold wheels). The change from one red to another may have been to satisfy a sponsor, but could also relate to making the cars look better on TV.
I repeat, though: the masses who PM might be after know nothing and care less about this whole topic.