2015 Porsche Macan: Cayenne’s Little Brother is Born!
Tuesday evening, in a parallel event to the Los Angeles Auto Show, Porsche revealed the much anticipated Macan, its first compact SUV.
Built on an all-new platform (which will also underpin the next Audi Q5), the Macan will be offered in S and Turbo versions. If demand is there, more trims may be offered. The S is powered by a new twin-turbo 340 hp 3.0 litre V6, while the Turbo receives a stroked version of the same engine, whose 3.6 litre displacement offers up an even 400 horses. Both versions feature the requisite PDK 7-speed automated manual. All-wheel drive is of course standard.
The Macan won’t make tire tracks in Canadian showrooms before the end of spring 2014. The price of entry for a Macan S is set at 54,300$, while the Turbo commands 82,200$. Before adding on the options, of course…
To give yourself a more detailed impression of the new Macan, we suggest that you read the following press release.
New compact sport utility vehicle unveiled at the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show
Los Angeles. Its name comes from the Indonesian word for tiger. As the first
Porsche in the compact SUV segment, the Macan combines the handling
characteristics that typify Porsche. The Porsche Macan is the first compact SUV that
is also a sports car.
The vehicle will be available in two versions: Macan S and Macan Turbo. Standard
features include active all-wheel drive and the Porsche double-clutch transmission
(PDK). The Macan S is powered by a new Porsche-designed 3.0-litre V6 bi-turbo
engine that delivers 340 hp, can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.4 seconds (5.2
with the Sport Chrono package) and consumes 9.0 to 8.7 litres of fuel per 100
kilometres. The 3.6-litre V6 bi-turbo engine in the Macan Turbo is based on the 3.0-
litre V6 unit, with a stroke that has been increased by 83 millimetres. It produces 400
hp and accelerates the vehicle to 100 km/h in as low as 4.8 seconds (4.6 with Sport
Chrono), with an average fuel consumption of 9.2 to 8.9 litres per 100 kilometres.
Low-speed fuel efficiency is maximized with the standard engine Start/Stop system.
The all-wheel drive system features a constantly-driven rear axle. If the rear wheels
slip, up to 100% of the torque can be transferred to the front via an electronically
controlled multi-plate clutch. An off-road mode is standard in the Macan, and can be
activated by pressing a button in the centre console at speeds up to 80 km/h. This
function switches all relevant systems to a traction-oriented mode. Shift pattern, front
and rear torque split, as well as accelerator pedal response are then geared towards
a greater level of traction for off-road conditions. The clutch is also pre-tensioned to a
greater degree in order to provide the front axle with the appropriate torque more
rapidly. With the optional air suspension, ground clearance can be increased by 40
mm to a maximum ground clearance of 230 millimetres on both Macan models.
The Macan S offers standard 18-inch wheels while 19-inch wheels are standard for
the Macan Turbo. A vast range of wheels (up to 21 inches in size) are available on all
Macan models. The use of mixed tires with different front and rear dimensions is
typical of a sports car. On Macan S, 235/60 R 18 (front) and 255/55 R 18 (rear) tires
are standard, while Macan Turbo features 235/55 R 19 (front) and 255/50 R 19
(rear). The low centre of gravity and 2,807-millimetre wheelbase, combined with the
1,655-millimetre front and 1,651-millimetres rear track, provide further stability.
Around a quarter of all accidents resulting in injury are referred to as “multi-collision
accidents", where a second collision follows the first. Macan’s multi-collision brake
system is designed to reduce the residual kinetic energy following an initial collision
by applying braking power. The feature is triggered if airbag sensors detect an initial
impact, at which point the system initiates maximum braking to a maximum
deceleration force of 0.6 g, ensuring that the driver can maintain control of the
vehicle. The system would brake the vehicle until it reaches 10 km/h, allowing to
reach a safe location following the braking action. If at any time the driver
accelerates or brakes at a higher threshold, multi-collision brake is then deactivated.
The front section is a distinctive component of the Macan’s design. The basic shape
of its headlights is reminiscent of the 918 Spyder hybrid super sports car. Bi-Xenon
main headlights are available as an option (standard on Macan Turbo) and include
static and dynamic cornering lights (Porsche Dynamic Light System [PDLS]). The
wraparound aluminium hood encloses the headlights and extends to the wheel
arches. On Macan Turbo, “C-blade” stylistic elements are fitted in the air intakes on
the right and left of the vehicle. Another highlight is the presence of “side blades” at
the bottom of the front and rear doors. These are finished in Lava Black on Macan S,
painted in body colour on Macan Turbo, and can be specified in genuine carbon as
an option. The Macan tail lights are another striking feature, with three-dimensional
design and LED technology – a further reference to the 918 Spyder. The rear diffuser
is flanked on both sides by twin tailpipes – round on the Macan S and square on the
Turbo.
From the forward-sloping centre console to the extensive range of customization
options, the interior offers a sense of familiarity and striking new features. A multi-
function sport steering wheel with shift paddles, based on the one found in the 918
Spyder, is standard. Three round dials with a centrally positioned tachometer form
the instrument cluster. The right-hand receptacle houses a high-resolution, 4.8-inch
colour display. Located high up and in the centre of the console is the 235-watt CDR
Plus audio system which features a high-resolution, 7-inch colour touchscreen
display that offers access to a host of functions. The Porsche Communication
Management (PCM) system, standard in the Macan Turbo, adds a navigation module
with a 40 GB hard drive and 3D navigation map. Two audio systems are available as
an option: a 545-watt Bose Surround Sound and a 1000-watt Burmester® high-end
unit. The Macan Turbo offers standard 18-way adaptive leather sport seats with
memory and brushed aluminium interior trim. Optional Dark Burl Walnut or Carbon
interior finishes are available on all models.
A wide range of assistance systems are available for the Porsche Macan. These
include the lane departure warning and lane change assist system. The Active Cruise
Control (ACC) system with Porsche Active Safe (PAS) supports the driver by
preconditioning the braking system should an impending hazard situation be
detected. Visual and audible warnings are emitted and, if required, a brake jolt is
initiated. If the driver responds with an inadequate braking action, the system
can increase the brake pressure up to full braking, depending on the situation
in question to help avoid a collision – even when ACC is switched off.
The new Macan will arrive in Canadian dealerships in late spring 2014. Pricing will
start at $54,300 for Macan S and $82,200 for Macan Turbo.