Porsche is expanding its range with what the company boldly calls, “a whole new class of vehicle” in the shape of the high-performance all-wheel-drive Macan, set for launch in Australia mid-2014.
The segment may be new for the German company, but the compact – some would say small – SUV market is booming and even though they are newcomers, Porsche reckon the Macan will make its mark as the first sports car in this sector. With the decision to release a compact performance SUV, Porsche is obviously hoping to ape the success of its Cayenne SUV which breathed new life (read money, and lots of it) into the company.
Porsche says the Macan combines the typical handling characteristics Porsche owners would already be familiar with: maximum acceleration and braking abilities, vast engine power, extreme agility and optimum steering precision.
Three models will be available at launch. The Macan S with a 3.0-litre V6 twin turbo engine delivering 250kW will, like all other Macans, feature active all-wheel drive with an electronically controlled, map-controlled multi-plate clutch. A seven-speed double-clutch automatic transmission is fitted.
Porsche figures have the Macan S accelerating from 0 to 100kph in 5.4 seconds (or 5.2 seconds with the optional extra cost Sport Chrono package). The Macan S has a claimed top speed of 254kph, and its official fuel consumption figures show between 9.0 and 8.7L per 100km.
The Macan S Diesel uses a 3.0-litre V6 turbo engine producing190kW and a top speed of 230kph, with official fuel consumption figures of between 6.3 and 6.1L/100km. The diesel is claimed to cover the 0-100km sprint in 6.3 seconds (or 6.1 seconds with the Sport Chrono package).
Top model in the lineup is the Macan Turbo which Porsche says is set to be the most powerful vehicle in this market segment. They could well be right because the 3.6-litre V6 twin turbo, seen for the very first time in the Macan, pumps out a stonking 294kW, catapulting this model from 0-100 kph in 4.8 seconds. With the Sport Chrono package fitted, it is possible to achieve that sprint in 4.6 seconds, says Porsche. Top speed is a claimed 266kph and official fuel consumption figures are between 9.2 and 8.9L/100 km.
The range of standard equipment includes multi-function sport steering wheel with shift paddles, large wheels, high-performance audio system and an electrically operated tailgate. Optional extra cost equipment will include an air suspension system – a first in this segment – plus Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV Plus), which has been specially tailored to the Macan, and which distributes varying levels of drive torque to the rear wheels, working together with an electronically controlled rear-axle differential lock. Porsche Dynamic Light System Plus (PDLS Plus), which continuously adjusts the headlight level in keeping with the traffic ahead and any oncoming traffic, is another optional extra.
The Macan – it’s name is Indonesian for tiger, apparently – goes on sale in Australia midway through 2014. Australian pricing will be released within weeks.
