Difference between Basalt-Black and Black-Metallic

[Martin J.S.]

Not sure how these colors are named internationally, but in Germany there are two black-metallic paints for Porsches. The first one is black-metallic (translated from German word by word) which was used on Porsche cars (Boxster and 996) until 2002.

With MY 2002, a new color, named "Basalt-Black metallic", was introduced (which on photos looks pretty much the same as the "old" black-metallic). However, I am pretty sure that there is a visual difference in real life between "Basalt-Black-Metallic" and the old "Black-Metallic".

Can anyone tell me which of these two colors is more "graphite"-like or which color is brighter? ...or in general what the main visual difference between those two Porsche colors is?

[macsak]

black metallic is sometimes referred to as "root beer" metallic

this is misleading, though in some lights it does appear to have brown undertones

basalt black metallic can best be described as looking at a gravestone, with that shiny, silver-blue look to it

does that help?

if not, ask me more and i'll clarify

aloha

steve

[Hroussard]

Hi, I have a black metallic 1999 ( with Boxter red leather interior) and I have been totally confused why it was called black metallic because this black metallic is not black at all. It's very very dark grey with some brown/rust undertones.

I must say that this paint color looks a foot deep and does not look dusty or dirty quickly. I always have been mightily impressed with the paint on Porsches and how long they last and appear like new. The problem is that touch-ups seem to be very difficult. I spoke to several Porsche dealership and they are telling me that it is better to have little stone chips just covered, they say it is difficult to have things matched up.

HarryR C2 1999

[Martin J.S.]

Thanks for the replies. I was offered a black (non-metallic) and a black-metallic car. I love black non-metallic... but I was told that the metallic effect on a black-metallic car is not so bad and that it looks like a completely black car in most light situations. It's kinda hard to judge upon how good a black-metallic car really looks, when you don't have a real reference. :(

I was looking at cars at our local Porsche dealer, but they only had Basalt black colored cars. Thus I was wondering about the difference between Basalt black and black metallic.

My direct problem is: While the totally black car is older, the black metallic car is a little newer, has a better history and is in best shape. Both cars are priced almost the same. Now I wonder which car to pick... :(

The thing is that the metallic black car is far away from my place... so it won't be easy to check out the color in real life easily and my Porsche dealer can't really help me neither. All they had were basalt black car. :censored:

[Hroussard]

Tough decision. My 2 cents... The metallic black looks much better just because the metallic particles in the paint sparkle and reflect the light better , thus I feel you get a "deeper" shine. Today I parked my car and when I was climbing out, a non-metallic black Carrera with beige interior stopped and parked 2 spaces away. So I had a good chance of looking and comparing. The non metallic black was clearly not as reflective and vibrant in color as a matter of fact it was rather dull. Now it could be that the car had not been washed and waxed of course ( and frankly that's what I was suspecting) because it was really dull. I have seen some black cars ( in one of the 6speedforum.com things where they were talking about Rejex application) that really look shiny. If you are interested , email me and I send you some pictures from my Carrera. Let me know

(email hroussar@yahoo.com)

HarryR