TTAutoGuide had the pleasure of attending the launch of the all-new Porsche Macan in Port of Spain, Trinidad.
The new Macan comes with an efficient 2.0-liter, four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine with improved combustion chamber geometry and gasoline particulate filter. It delivers a performance of 180 kW (245 hp) and has a maximum torque of 370 Nm. In combination with its seven-gear PDK dual-clutch gearbox, the compact SUV can go from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.7 seconds and reach a top speed of 225 km/h. Its consumption rate is 8.1 l/100 km according to the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) (see footnote). With the model having received a full makeover, the most prominent new features in terms of design, comfort, connectivity and driving dynamics include the three-dimensional LED light panel at the rear and the new fully interconnected Porsche Communication Management system with 10.9-inch touchscreen inside the vehicle. The new Macan received its European début at the Paris Motor Show.
Newly tuned chassis for enhanced balance
The vehicle dynamics of the Macan remain its core feature. The overhauled chassis increases comfort and makes the Macan even more enjoyable to drive. As is typical for a sports car, it comes with mixed-size tires, enabling the driver to take full advantage of the benefits of the intelligent all-wheel drive Porsche Traction Management (PTM) system and adopt a dynamic driving style. Newly developed tires with improved performance characteristics allow for even better lateral dynamics. The wheel diameters range from 18 inches as standard to an optional 21 inches.
A more streamlined design with full LED lights and new colors
In keeping with Porsche’s design DNA, the new Macan features a three-dimensional LED light panel on the rear of the vehicle. The brake lights with their four-point design are another excellent embodiment of the brand’s identity. LED technology is incorporated as standard into the newly designed main headlights, while the Porsche Dynamic Light System Plus (PDLS Plus) option can be used to control light distribution adaptively. The Macan’s front end has been thoroughly redesigned and now appears wider. Drivers now have more scope to express their personality thanks to the addition of four new exterior colors – Mamba Green Metallic, Dolomite Silver Metallic, Miami Blue and Crayon.
Fully interconnected: Porsche Connect Plus and online navigation as standard
The Macan offers a range of digital possibilities through the use of the new Porsche Communication Management (PCM) system. The full-HD touchscreen is now 10.9 inches in width (previously 7.2 inches). As in the Panamera and Cayenne, the user interface can be adapted to suit personal requirements via predefined tiles. Fully interconnected as standard, the new system features online navigation, mobile phone preparation, two audio interfaces and intelligent voice control. Other features provided on board as standard include Porsche Connect Plus (with LTE phone module and SIM card reader), a WLAN hotspot and an array of Porsche Connect services. The ability to connect to Here Cloud, which is used for navigational purposes, is essential. The cloud provides the driver with up-to-date online data at all times, thereby allowing the route to be calculated rapidly. The Porsche Connect app and Porsche Car Connect app enable the driver to communicate with the Macan via their smartphone. The Offroad Precision app can be used to make the off-road experience in the Macan even more visceral and record it.
New options: GT sports steering wheel, air ionizer and traffic assistant
An expanded range of options with enhanced assist systems is available to choose from with the new Macan. The optional GT sports steering wheel echoes the style of the Porsche 911. A mode switch integrated into the steering wheel – including sport response button – is part of the optional Sport Chrono package that can be fitted in the Macan. The new traffic assist system uses adaptive cruise control to allow the vehicle to travel at speeds of up to 60 km/h for a more pleasant and relaxing drive. As well as being able to accelerate and brake semi-automatically, the system helps the driver to stay in their lane in traffic jams and poorly flowing traffic. Porsche has extended the list of options designed to enhance convenience, which now includes a heated windshield and an air ionizer that – together with the fine particulate air filter (fitted as standard) – improves the quality of the air inside the vehicle.
The consumption and CO2 emission values were determined in accordance with the new Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP). The NEDC values derived from this should continue to be specified for the time being. These values cannot be compared to the values determined in accordance with the NEDC measuring procedure used up to now.
Further information on the official fuel consumption and official, specific CO2 emissions of new passenger cars is available in the “Guidelines on fuel consumption, CO2 emissions and power consumption of new passenger cars” [Leitfaden über den Kraftstoffverbrauch, die CO2-Emissionen und den Stromverbrauch neuer Personenkraftwagen], which are available free of charge from all sales outlets and from Deutsche Automobil Treuhand GmbH (DAT).
Note: Copy courtesy the Porsche Newsroom (http://newsroom.porsche.com/en) and in the Porsche press database (https://press.pla.porsche.com).
Macan: Fuel consumption combined 8.1 l/100 km; CO2 emissions combined 185 g/km
