The Continental Grand Prix 4000 S ( don't forget that 'S') are very black tires. They contain finely divided (finely powdered) carbon as their special trick ingredient. They call it "black chili" and it acts to both decrease rolling-resistance while increasing the tires' grip on the road. And these tires stay black. They are as bullet-proof as the Gatorskins and have the same tread-pattern, but there the similarities end. These ride like tubulars. So if you want tires that are/stay black...