Porsche Debuts New Compact SUV “Macan”

Porsche is expanding its range by adding a compact SUV into Porsche’s class of vehicle. The Macan is the first Porsche model to break into the compact SUV segment and is poised to set new standards in the field of driving dynamics and enjoyment.

The Macan combines the typical handling characteristics that Porsche has represented right from the outset: maximum acceleration and braking values, vast engine power, extreme agility and optimum steering precision. What’s more, all of these features are teamed with a high level of comfort and everyday suitability. The sporty DNA of the Macan, as with all Porsche vehicles, is also immediately recognisable in the design. The Sports Utility Vehicle is unrivalled in its flat and broad profile on the road. The wraparound bonnet and gently sloping roof line accentuate the overall impression of sporty elegance and powerful dynamics.

Many of the design elements have been taken from other Porsche sportscars and enhanced for the Macan, making it clear to see from the very first glance that the Porsche Macan heralds the first sportscar in the compact SUV segment. The Macan is “Made in Germany”, produced at the Leipzig plant. Porsche has invested 500 million euro in the plant and has established an entire production line there. The line is set up to produce around 50,000 vehicles per year – all manufactured with the utmost precision and to the highest level of quality. Just what you would expect from Porsche.

Three models comprise the Macan product range at market launch. Namely, Macan S, Macan S Diesel and Macan Turbo.

The Macan S is equipped with a 3.0-litre V6 biturbo engine delivering 340bhp (250kW) and also features an active all-wheel drive with an electronically controlled, map-controlled multi-plate clutch. This all-wheel drive is fitted on all Macan models. A seven-speed double-clutch transmission transfers power as required and almost without any interruption in tractive force, enabling the vehicle to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.4 seconds (or 5.2 seconds with the optional Sport Chrono package fitted). The vehicle reaches a top speed of 254 km/h, and its NEDC* fuel consumption figures are between 9.0 and 8.7 litres/100 km, which corresponds to a CO2 emissions level of between 212 and 204 g/km.

The Macan S Diesel is the economical long-distance runner of the three Macan models. Its 3.0-litre V6 turbo diesel engine achieves NEDC fuel consumption figures of between just 6.3 and 6.1 litres/100 km, which corresponds to a CO2 value of between 164 and 159 g/km. Nevertheless, the Macan S Diesel accelerates from 0-100 km in 6.3 seconds (or 6.1 seconds with the Sport Chrono package fitted) thanks to its 258bhp (190kW) engine, and achieves a top speed of 230 km/h.

As the top model in the Macan model line, the Macan Turbo is set to be the most powerful vehicle in the compact SUV segment. The 3.6-litre V6 biturbo engine, which is being used in a Porsche model for the very first time, achieves an unrivalled 400bhp (294kW) and catapults the vehicle from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds. With the Sport Chrono package fitted, it is even possible to achieve such a speed in 4.6 seconds. Although the top speed is 266 km/h, the Macan Turbo delivers NEDC fuel consumption figures of between just 9.2 and 8.9 litres/100 km, which equates to a CO2 value of between 216 and 208 g/km.

The “Macan” name comes from the Indonesian word for tiger. And the Macan really does live up to its name: powerful and ready to pounce at any time, yet light-footed and tenacious on off-road terrain. The latest stage of evolution of the all-wheel drive – known as Porsche Traction Management (PTM) – has produced one of the world’s most powerful drive systems. In launching the Macan, Porsche now offers sporty all-wheel-drive vehicles across an unprecedented range.

A glance at the performance specifications reveals that the Macan has been designed with agility in mind. Further unmistakable hallmarks of the vehicle include its proportions, design and the mixed tyres on large wheels. The engines, drive systems and seven-speed Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) bring the vehicle’s characteristics to bear in dynamic and efficient fashion both on and off road, making for a true Porsche driving experience. The driver and passenger seats feature the low position typical of sports cars. 

The range of equipment fitted on the Macan as standard is extensive, and includes the all-wheel drive, PDK, multi-function sport steering wheel with shift paddles, large wheels, high-performance audio system and an electrically operated tailgate. The list of optional special equipment offers further highlights, such as the air suspension system, which the Macan features as the only vehicle in its segment. There is also the Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV Plus) system, which has been specially tailored to the Macan. This system distributes varying levels of drive torque to the rear wheels and works in conjunction with an electronically controlled rear-axle differential lock. The list of Porsche options includes the much sought-after dynamic high beam forming part of the Porsche Dynamic Light System Plus (PDLS Plus), which continuously adjusts the headlight level in keeping with the traffic ahead and any oncoming traffic.

Photo Gallery: 2014 Porsche Macan