2023 Porsche Macan T Sharpens Compact SUV’s Reflexes
One year after a series of tweaks and updates, and one year before we see the first-ever all-electric Macan, Porsche is giving fans of its sporty compact crossover more reasons to be excited. Say hello to the new 2023 Macan T.
This is the first time that the German automaker uses the special designation on something other than a 911 or 718. The letter T, which stands for Touring, has represented a unique form of dynamic driving at Porsche since the 1960s, identifying models that offer a more authentic driving experience thanks to precise tuning, exclusive equipment and efficient engines.
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Better Balance
The 2023 Porsche Macan T boasts the same turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine as the base model, which weighs 58.8 kilograms less on the front axle than the twin-turbo 2.9-litre V6 in the Macan S and GTS. This gives the vehicle an excellent start-off performance and optimum cornering ability, the company claims.
The 261 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque are handled once again by Porsche’s seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and all-wheel drive system. With the Sport Chrono Package fitted as standard, which includes the mode switch and Sport Response button on the steering wheel, the Macan T accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 6.2 seconds and reaches a top track speed of 232 km/h.
The difference with the entry-level Macan lies in the chassis. Porsche’s active suspension comes standard and is paired with a traction management system that has been specifically tuned with a bias of power distribution to the rear axle to help the Macan T accelerate out of corners even more assertively.
When equipped with the optional adaptive air suspension, the vehicle also gets stiffer, model-specific stabilizer bars that reduce body roll and increase handling sharpness. Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus, which is adapted to the agile characteristics of the T model, can also be specified. This all sounds pretty sweet.
Distinctive Yet Understated
On the outside, design elements painted in Agate Grey Metallic differentiate the Macan T from its siblings. The exclusive contrasting colour appears on the painted front trim, mirror caps, side blades, roof spoiler and logos on the rear. Sport tailpipes and side window trims in high gloss black add another distinctive touch, not to mention the 20-inch Macan S wheels exclusively in dark titanium.
The interior of the Macan T gets a special treatment, too, with sport seats featuring exclusive upholstery based on the Black leather package. The middle sections of the front seats and the outer rear seats are delivered with the Sport-Tex Stripe pattern and the front headrests each have an embossed Porsche crest. The contrasting colour from the exterior continues inside the vehicle in the form of decorative silver stitching on the seats, headrests and GT-style steering wheel.
Don’t miss our photo gallery for a closer look at the 2023 Porsche Macan T, which can be ordered in Canada starting in early spring. The price has yet to be announced but should be just a tad over $60,000.