Porsche launches Macan compact SUV

Maria Sharapova unveils the all-new Porsche Macan

Today at the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show and Tokyo Motor 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.

The most dynamic vehicle in the compact sports utility vehicle segment

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 100 kph in 5.2 seconds and returns up to 12.5 km/liter (NEDC). The 3.6-litre V6 bi-turbo engine in the Macan Turbo produces 400 hp (294 kW) and accelerates the vehicle to 100 kph in 4.8 seconds, with an average fuel consumption of up to 11.2 km/liter (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 16.4 km/liter (NEDC).

The Macan is a Porsche to its core

Porsche is expanding its range to include a whole new sixth model series. The Macan is the first Porsche model to break into the compact SUV segment and is poised to set new standards in the field of driving dynamics and enjoyment – on both paved streets and uneven terrain. The Macan combines the typical handling characteristics that Porsche has represented right from the outset: maximum acceleration and braking values, vast engine power, extreme agility and optimum steering precision. What’s more, all of these features are teamed with a high level of comfort and everyday suitability.

The sporting DNA of the Macan, as with all Porsche vehicles, is also immediately recognisable in the design. The car is unrivalled in its low, broad profile on the road. The wraparound bonnet and gently sloping roof line accentuate the overall impression of sporting elegance and powerful dynamics. Many of the design elements have been taken from other Porsche sportscars and enhanced for the Macan, making it clear to see from the very first glance that the Porsche Macan heralds the first sports car in the compact SUV segment.

The Macan is ‘Made in Germany’, produced at the Leipzig factory. Porsche has invested 500 million Euro in the plant and established an entirely new production line. The line is set up to produce around 50,000 vehicles per year – all manufactured with the utmost precision and to the highest level of quality.

Three models comprise the Macan product range at launch. The Macan S is equipped with a 3.0-litre V6 bi-turbo engine delivering 340 bhp (250 kW) and also features Porsche Traction Management (PTM) active all-wheel drive with an electronically controlled, map-controlled multi-plate clutch. This all-wheel drive is fitted on all Macan models. A seven-speed double-clutch transmission transfers power as required and almost without any interruption in tractive force, enabling acceleration of 0 to 100 kph in 5.4 seconds (or 5.2 seconds with the optional Sport Chrono package fitted). The vehicle reaches a top speed of 254 kph.

The Macan S Diesel is the economical long-distance runner of the three Macan models. Its turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine achieves NEDC fuel consumption figures of between 15.8 and 16.4 km/liter, which correspond to CO₂ emissions of between 164 and 159 g/km. Nevertheless, the Macan S Diesel accelerates from 0 to 100 kph in just 6.3 seconds (or 6.1 seconds with the Sport Chrono package fitted) thanks to its 258 hp (190 kW) engine, and achieves a top speed of 230 kph.

As the top model in the Macan range, the Macan Turbo is set to be the most powerful vehicle in the compact SUV segment. The 3.6-litre V6 bi-turbo engine, which is being used in a Porsche model for the first time, achieves an unrivalled 400 hp (294 kW) and catapults the car from 0 to 100 kph in 4.8 seconds. With the Sport Chrono package fitted, this falls to 4.6 seconds. Top speed is 265 kph.

The latest evolution of Porsche Traction Management

Its name comes from the Indonesian word for tiger. And the Macan really does live up to its name: powerful and ready to pounce at any time, yet light-footed and tenacious on off-road terrain.

The sporting all-wheel drive car is ultimately a Porsche invention, designed and first implemented by Ferdinand Porsche in 1900 in the Lohner-Porsche racing car with its four electric wheel-hub motors.

In 1947, Porsche developed the Type 360, better known as the Cisitalia Grand Prix racing car. The car became a true driving legend, not only as a result of its supercharged 12-cylinder engine and consistent lightweight construction, but also thanks to its permanent all-wheel drive. The design was based on the idea that driving torque around bends, or on roads with low grip, can be converted into propulsion more fully and more reliably if all wheels are driven.

The latest stage of evolution of the all-wheel drive – known as Porsche Traction Management (PTM) – has produced one of the world’s most powerful drive systems. In launching the Macan, Porsche now offers sporting all-wheel-drive vehicles across an unprecedented range.

A glance at the performance specifications reveals that the Macan has been designed with agility in mind. Further unmistakeable hallmarks of the vehicle include its proportions, design and the large diameter wheels featuring wider tyres on the rear axle than on the front. The engines, drive systems and seven-speed Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) bring the dynamic and efficient characteristics of the Macan to the forefront both on and off road, delivering a true Porsche driving experience.

Inside, the driver and passenger seats feature the low position typical of sports cars. The range of equipment fitted on the Macan as standard is extensive, and includes the all-wheel drive, PDK, multi-function sport steering wheel with shift paddles, alloy wheels, high performance audio system and an electrically operated tailgate. The list of optional special equipment offers further highlights, such as the air suspension system, which the Macan brings to this market segment for the first time. There is also Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV Plus), which has been specially tailored to the Macan. This system distributes varying levels of drive torque to the rear wheels and works in conjunction with an electronically controlled rear-axle differential lock.

The available Porsche options also includes the dynamic high beam forming part of the Porsche Dynamic Light System Plus (PDLS Plus), which continuously adjusts the headlight level in keeping with the traffic ahead and any oncoming vehicles.