A new Porsche Macan model joins the team, designated by the letter T. It stands for 'Touring' and identifies the new model, featuring a dynamic set-up and a lightweight, two-litre turbo engine. This combined with a typically Porsche design and a range of standard equipment that is ideal for a sporty driving style, places the T nicely between the base model and the S version. At the top of the range the GTS reigns supreme as ever.
How Is The Macan T different From Other Versions
Well, it’s the only Porsche model to feature steel suspension with, of course, Porsche Active Suspension Management as standard and combined with the body being lowered by 15mm. The anti-roll bars on the front axle are more rigid and the car’s chassis tuning has been optimised to create the perfect suspension for the vehicle and power-train, resulting in very responsive steering behaviour and agile handling, we learn.
The Macan T has an output of 265 PS (261bhp) and 400Nm of torque delivering an exhilarating drive, say the brand. Couple this engine with a fast-shifting seven-speed dual clutch transmission and the Porsche Traction Management all-wheel drive system for absolute control. A broad spread of torque provides responsive acceleration in all driving situations. Add the Sport Chrono Package including the mode switch and Sport Response button on the steering wheel and the Macan T accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.2 seconds and reaches a top speed of 144mph (232 km/h).
The interior, has its own distinct ambience to distinguish it further from the other models. The standard, eight-way electrically adjustable heated sports seats feature exclusive upholstery. The contrasting colour from the exterior continues inside the vehicle in the form of decorative silver stitching on the seats, headrests and steering wheel.
Standard equipment also includes a multifunction GT heated sports steering wheel and the Sport Chrono stopwatch in the upper part of the dashboard. The door entry guards come in black aluminium as standard and feature a Macan T logo. Optional extras include a multifunction GT sports steering wheel in Race-Tex with carbon trims and an ioniser, for air purification presumably.
Macan Exterior
Porsche has further sharpened the visuals of its prestige compact sport utility vehicle (SUV) with a number of specific changes. The redesigned nose with an inlay in the exterior colour emphasises the width, making the car look more imposing than previously. Each model has distinct design cues: On the GTS for example, the centre of the nose section as well as other elements are finished in black. The rear is now rounded off towards the road by a striking diffuser in a particularly technical design.
Across all variants however, the LED headlights with the Porsche Dynamic Light System and Sport Design exterior mirrors are now standard on all models. GTS gets 21” wheels while the S model has 20” alloys. The GTS benefits from a 2.9-litre V6 bi-turbo engine, which, at full chat, will hit 62mph (100kph) in just 4.3 seconds. Other models share the two-litre power-plant with varying outputs.
Macan Interior
Besides the dynamic benefits and black highlights on the range-topper exterior, the GTS Sport package available only for the top model also contains specific and exclusive equipment for the interior. This includes 18-way sport seats, the Carbon interior package, Race-Tex upholstery with extended leather elements, various items with contrast stitching and GTS lettering in Python Green.
That said, the interior of all variants are typically Porsche, luxurious and superbly put together. It’s worth poring over the choices and options available within the different models to suit individual needs.
On The Road
The Macan is undoubtedly a sporting car but the suspension varies model to model. Air suspension comes as standard on the range-topping GTS (optional elsewhere), but it's a lowered version. If you want to, you can opt for the more comfort-oriented air suspension that's available on other versions of the Macan.
Previous experience with the current Macan has shown that handling is, as ever, second-to-none. Confidence-inspiring, perfectly weighted steering couples with superb handling in corners making the Macan, in any guise, the perfect small family car that also satisfies the sporting driver within us all. Clients wishing to import a Porsche Macan model from the UK should get in touch with us here at MHH International to find out about our comprehensive service.
