You may still think of Porsche as a manufacturer of sportscars and indeed, with model lines like the Boxster, Cayman, 911 and 918 Spyder, it principally is. But it has long since expanded from two-door models to include other bodystyles in an effort to reach a broader market. The Cayenne crossover was the first to arrive in 2002, followed by the Panamera sedan in 2009. And now Porsche has reached out even further with the introduction of the new Macan.
A long time in the making, the Porsche Macan was revealed just a few weeks ago at the Los Angeles Auto Show. A smaller counterpart to the larger Cayenne, the new Macan is sized to compete with the likes of the Audi Q5 (with which it shares some of its underpinnings) and the Range Rover Evoque. While a diesel version will be offered in certain markets, buyers in the United States will be able to choose from two versions. The Macan S packs a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 with 340 horsepower to propel it from 0 to 60mph in a scant 5.2 seconds and top out at 156mph. Mighty impressive for a crossover, but enthusiasts will be more attracted to the Macan Turbo, which uses a larger 3.6-liter engine — also a V6 with twin turbochargers — to deliver 400 horsepower for a 4.6-second 0-60 time and a 164mph top speed. An optional Sport Chrono package drops that figure down to 4.4 seconds, which is approaching proper supercar levels of performance.
Both engines are mated to a seven-speed PDK dual-clutch transmission with all-wheel drive enhanced by Porsche Traction Management. Combined with systems like Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus, Porsche Stability Management and Porsche VarioCam Plus, the array of electronic systems are designed to keep the Macan on the edge without going over it. All of which is packed into a nimble form that, despite being applied to a new type of vehicle, is instantly recognizable as a Porsche. And the interior, of course, lives up to what you'd expect of a high-end German automobile, with an array of upholstery and trim choices to satisfy even the most discerning tastes.
Pricing starts at $49,900 for the base Macan S, and climbs to $72,300 for the Macan Turbo. Take some liberties with the options list and choose items like the Burmester surround sound system ($4,290) and the 21-inch wheels ($3,300), and you can quickly reach and even exceed the $100k mark.
