Hmm. Totally unnecessary but since i have so much time between oil changes and i get them done at the dealer anyway i might as well try this out simply do to the better quality. Looks like its manufactured in the US as well.
LOL...in reality, "red" o-rings commonly indicate "Viton". It is a flouropolymer elastomer and synthetic rubber compound. In a nutshell, it with stands temperatures beyond 210*C and can still maintain its strength and shape.
FWIW...K&N filters for the 4Runner come with the viton rings for the housing and the bottom cover. The TRD (champion Labs) uses them on the sealing edge on both ends of the filter.
They are a better product than Nitrile rubber for this type of application.
And are, significantly more expensive than Nitrile.