Basalt Black Metallic

Basalt Black Metallic is one of Porsche's most enduring and beloved metallic blacks — a deep, ink-like black metallic at #3f3d4a that reveals blue-purple undertones in certain light, and a fine gold-tone metallic shimmer in direct sun. Porsche's own description calls it "a natural-looking colour" reminiscent of volcanic basalt rock, noting it "ranges from a light grey to a dark charcoal in certain lighting conditions." Named after basalt, the dense volcanic rock that forms much of the earth's ocean floor. Basalt Black Metallic (Basaltschwarz Metallic, code C9Z) has been offered continuously since the late 1990s across the 911, 918 Spyder, Boxster, Cayman, Cayenne, and Panamera — one of the most widely available colors in the modern Porsche catalogue. A landmark moment came in 2011–12 with the limited 997.2 Black Edition, where Basalt Black Metallic was one of only two colors offered on a 1,911-unit special model. With 962 documented community examples it is by far the most photographed color in this entire database.

Lighting & Paint Reference

Model availability (96)

Model Generation Years Tier

718 Generation982 Years2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 Standard

911 Generation996, 997, 991, 992 Years2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2024 Metallic, Standard

Boxster Generation986, 987, 981 Years2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 Metallic, Standard

Cayenne Generation9PA, 92A, 9YA/9YB Years2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 Metallic, Standard

Cayman Generation987C, 981C Years2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 Standard

Panamera Generation970, 971 Years2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 Standard

Taycan GenerationY1A Years2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 Standard

Macan Generation95B Years2024 Standard

Code history (3)

Understanding Porsche paint codes

Format	Example	Era	Notes
4-digit number	6082	1950s–60s	1950s–60s original numbering system. No prefix required.
3-digit alphanumeric	80K	1970s to present	Most common format. The L prefix on the sticker is interchangeable — you can enter it with or without the L.
L + 3 digits	L700	1970s to present	The L prefix is interchangeable — L700 and 700 return the same result.
M + 2 digits	M50	2010s to present	Modern metallic, pearl, and special-effect paint format. Note: O is not zero.
2–3 digits + letter	39Z	1990s–2000s	Used in the 993 and 996 eras. The L prefix on the sticker is optional.
3-digit new code	2BS	2020s to present	Latest-generation code, used for the 992 era and Taycan colors.

6082 4-digit number 1950s–60s

1950s–60s original numbering system. No prefix required.

80K 3-digit alphanumeric 1970s to present

Most common format. The L prefix on the sticker is interchangeable — you can enter it with or without the L.

L700 L + 3 digits 1970s to present

The L prefix is interchangeable — L700 and 700 return the same result.

M50 M + 2 digits 2010s to present

Modern metallic, pearl, and special-effect paint format. Note: O is not zero.

39Z 2–3 digits + letter 1990s–2000s

Used in the 993 and 996 eras. The L prefix on the sticker is optional.

2BS 3-digit new code 2020s to present

Latest-generation code, used for the 992 era and Taycan colors.

Similar Colors

Community photos Total 197 photos

FAQ (11)

What is Porsche paint code C9Z?

C9Z is the Porsche paint code for Basalt Black Metallic, a metallic factory color offered since 2012.

What color is Porsche Basalt Black Metallic?

Basalt Black Metallic is a metallic Porsche paint color in the black family (hex #3F3D4A). Its paint code is C9Z.

What years was Porsche Basalt Black Metallic available?

Basalt Black Metallic has been offered since 2012 and is still in production.

Is Porsche Basalt Black Metallic still available?

Yes. Basalt Black Metallic is currently in production.

Which Porsche models came in Basalt Black Metallic?

Basalt Black Metallic was offered on the Porsche 911, 718, Boxster, Cayenne, Cayman, Panamera, Taycan, Macan.

What does Porsche Basalt Black Metallic look like on a 911?

See real photos of Basalt Black Metallic (C9Z) on the Porsche 911 at https://colors.stuttcars.com/colors/basalt-black-metallic/911.

What does Porsche Basalt Black Metallic look like on a 718?

See real photos of Basalt Black Metallic (C9Z) on the Porsche 718 at https://colors.stuttcars.com/colors/basalt-black-metallic/718.

What does Porsche Basalt Black Metallic look like on a Boxster?

See real photos of Basalt Black Metallic (C9Z) on the Porsche Boxster at https://colors.stuttcars.com/colors/basalt-black-metallic/boxster.

Is Basalt Black Metallic a Paint to Sample (PTS) color?

No. Basalt Black Metallic was offered as a standard factory color, not as a Paint to Sample option.

What is the hex code for Porsche Basalt Black Metallic?

The hex code for Basalt Black Metallic is #3F3D4A. Keep in mind that automotive paint shifts with lighting and finish, so on-screen hex is only an approximation.

Is Porsche Basalt Black Metallic metallic or non-metallic?

Basalt Black Metallic is a metallic finish — it contains aluminum flake, so it shifts brightness with lighting angle.