My 996tt is "black metallic" (L744) and it appears to have specs of metallic grey rather than brown like with basalt. I absolutely love it in the sun. Obviously its not as deep as gloss black, but it looks classy when it sparkles...fair trade off. Also, its the first black car Ive owned that I dont mind driving in direct sunlight as the imperfections are less visible.

 

I agree with some posters here. I have basalt black on my TT and its more of a very very dark charcoal color. I have never seen "brown" in it - but I suspect it depends on the ambient light you have it against.

If you put them side by side (basalt and black I mean) - it is about 1 or 2 shades lighter than true black.