Porsche celebrated the world premiere of the all new Macan, at the Los Angeles Auto Show - a model that sees the sports car manufacturer expanding its range to a whole new vehicle segment. The name is derived from the Indonesian word for tiger - and Porsche believes the compact SUV will live up to its name - powerful and ready to pounce at any time, yet light-footed and tenacious on off-road terrain.
Technical highlights include Porsche Traction Management (PTM) active all-wheel drive and the Porsche PDK double-clutch transmission fitted as standard. The body conceals the highly efficient six-cylinder engines, which provide powerful propulsion while achieving favourable fuel consumption figures.
The Macan has the sportiest proportions in its segment, sitting 1,923mm wide (excluding exterior mirrors), standing 1,624mm tall and measuring 4,681mm (Macan Turbo: 4,699mm) long.
A turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine rated at 258bhp, accelerates the SUV from nought to 100km/h in 6.3 seconds and returns an average of 19.7km/L. The Macan S is powered by a 3.0-litre V6 bi-turbo engine that delivers 340bhp, accelerates to 100km/h in 5.2 seconds and returns up to 13.8km/L.
The range toping 3.6-litre V6 bi-turbo engine in the Macan Turbo produces 400bhp and accelerates to 100km/h in 4.8 seconds or 4.6 seconds with the Sport Chrono package fitted. Although the top speed is 265km/h, the Macan Turbo delivers fuel consumption figures of up to 13.4km/L, which equates to a CO2 value as low as 208g/km.
The sporting DNA of the Macan, is also immediately recognisable in the design. For instance, the side view window graphics and the sloping roof line at the rear, are clear nods to the 911. The rear wheelarches also have the soft profile of the 911. The basic shape of its main headlights is based on that of the 918 Spyder, while the sideblades at the bottom of the front and rear doors are reminiscent of the lower door seams on the hybrid super sports car.
The rear lights on the Macan are another striking feature, boasting an extremely compact three-dimensional design and LED technology - a further reference to the 918 Spyder.
On all models, the rear diffuser is flanked on both sides by twin tailpipes - round on the Macan S and Macan S Diesel and square on the Turbo. All models are available with chrome-plated stainless steel sport tailpipes as an option.
Inside, the Macan is fitted with a multi-function sports steering wheel as standard, the design of which is completely new and based on that in the 918 Spyder. The driver and passenger seats feature the low position typical of sports cars.
Multiple technologies contribute to the vehicle's low fuel consumption level alongside the standard PDK and the intelligent mix of materials used to construct the Macan. The standard automatic Start Stop function shuts off the engine and is restarted when the brake is released.
A coasting function decouples the engine to allow the vehicle to roll over a longer distance than if the engine was engaged. As soon as the accelerator pedal or brake is actuated again, the PDK selects the appropriate gear and engages the clutch. Up to 1.0 litre/100km of fuel can be saved in everyday driving situations.
The cargo load is 500 litres, which can be expanded to a generous 1,500 litres when the back seats are folded down fully.
