Today at the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show, Porsche celebrates the world premiere of the all-new Macan, a model that sees the German sports car manufacturer expand its range in to a whole new vehicle segment.
Available to order from today, and arriving in Porsche Centres in the UK and Ireland from April 2014, the Macan brings proven Porsche values of maximum acceleration and braking performance, vast engine power, extreme agility and optimum steering precision for the first time to the compact sports utility vehicle (SUV) segment. And all of these features are combined with a high level of comfort and versatility.
As the first Porsche in the compact SUV segment, the Macan will set new standards in terms of dynamic performance, on both paved streets and uneven terrain. This is because the Macan combines the typical handling characteristics that Porsche has represented right from the outset. The sporting DNA of the Macan, as with all Porsche vehicles, is immediately recognisable in the design, with several styling cues being taken from other Porsche sports cars and then enhanced for the Macan. It is therefore clear to see from the very first glance that the Porsche Macan is the first compact SUV that is also a sports car.
The Macan will be available in three versions from launch. Technical highlights include Porsche Traction Management (PTM) active all-wheel drive and the Porsche PDK double-clutch transmission fitted as standard. The body conceals highly efficient six-cylinder engines, which provide powerful propulsion while achieving favourable fuel consumption figures.
The Macan S is powered by a 3.0-litre V6 bi-turbo engine that delivers 340 hp (250 kW), accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in 5.2 seconds and returns up to 32.5 mpg (NEDC). The 3.6-litre V6 bi-turbo engine in the Macan Turbo produces 400 hp (294 kW) and accelerates the vehicle to 62 mph in 4.8 seconds, with an average fuel consumption of up to 31.7 mpg (NEDC). With a turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine and 258 hp (190 kW), the Macan S Diesel is the long-distance sports car. The engine accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in 6.3 seconds and returns an average of 46.3 mpg (NEDC).
The impressive, assertive front view of the Macan is a distinctive component of the design. The large air intakes are typical of Porsche and highlight the performance class to which the brand’s vehicles typically belong. In the Macan Turbo, stylistic elements known as ‘C-blades’ fitted in the air intakes on the right and left of the vehicle accentuate the sporting demeanour and provide a sophisticated aerodynamic solution.
The wraparound bonnet creates an impressive design detail, enclosing the headlights and extending down to the wheel arches. The imposing size of the bonnet and its precision lines running to the front of the vehicle give the Macan a broad and powerful appearance, while the seamless surface of the bonnet presents a clean front to the vehicle.
The side view with its sporting, sloping roof line creates a sharp silhouette and emphasises the dynamic nature of the vehicle, while the design lines running to the rear of the vehicle accentuate the broad, sculpted wings. Together with what are known as the window graphics – the edges of all lateral glass surfaces – and the shape of the D-pillar, these design lines are a further visual reference to the design of the 911.
A further design highlight of the profile, and another means of customising the vehicle, are the sideblades at the bottom of the front and rear doors – these are dynamically formed inserts that are available in different materials as an option. The design of these sideblades is reminiscent of the lower door seams on the 918 Spyder, as is the front door entry guard. Combined with the sophisticated door handles, this makes the doors appear narrower and the sides significantly more sporting and streamlined.
On the Macan S and Macan S Diesel, the sideblades are painted Lava Black as standard. The Macan Turbo features sideblades painted in the same colour as the exterior (optional for Macan S and Macan S Diesel), adding to the classic elegance of its look. Sideblades in Genuine Carbon, available for all models as an option, add extra emphasis to the sporting character of the Macan. A further striking design detail of the Macan is its continuous side sill. Together with the long black roof spoiler, this feature adds to the vehicle’s flowing design. The mixed width tyres are up to 265 mm wide on the front axle and 295 mm wide on the rear axle. Combined with alloy wheels of up to 21 inches diameter, the tyres also underline the sporting intent of the Macan.
With its subtle lines and harmonious curves, the rear end fuses sportiness and elegance. It has been consciously designed as a large, mainly undisturbed area to give the vehicle a broader look. To maintain this clean look, the switch for the powerlift tailgate has been concealed at the foot of the windscreen wiper arm, and the number plate is located in the lower valance.
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.
The focus on agility continues into the Porsche Macan interior. Sophisticated lines, precise transitions and high-quality workmanship create a harmonious fusion of sportiness, quality and elegance while also subtly and stylishly emphasising the broad stance of the car.
From the low front seats, the sloping centre console, the display and operation concept through to the extensive range of customisation options, the interior offers both a sense of familiarity and striking new features. The driver’s seat features all the character familiar from a sports car. The eye is immediately drawn to the new multi-function sports steering wheel, the design of which is based on the 918 Spyder. Additional multi-function buttons fitted as standard for the telephone, radio and on-board computer, together with the ergonomically-positioned shift paddles, ensure that the drivers’ hands are free to stay on the steering wheel and their concentration on the road.
Three round dials with a centrally positioned tachometer combine to form the instrument cluster. The right-hand tube is home to the high-resolution, 4.8-inch colour display. The forward-sloping centre console with the high-set gear selector typical of racing cars draws the driver even further into the cockpit. The buttons for the most important functions are clustered in logical groups on the centre console, allowing for simple and intuitive operation of individual functions.
The standard equipment on the Macan S with the Piano Black interior package and the comfort seats with Alcantara seat trim combine to create an ambience of sportiness and quality. The Macan Turbo is fitted with adaptive sports seats as standard in leather, including 18-way power seats with memory package and a brushed aluminium interior package. In addition, all models are available with the Dark Burl Walnut and Carbon decors as an option.
