Porsche launches compact SUV Macan with diesel option

Porsche is expanding its range to include a new class of vehicle with the Macan, which is the first Porsche model to break into the compact SUV segment. The Macan is “Made in Germany”, produced at the Leipzig plant. Porsche invested €500 million (US$674 million) in the plant and has established an entire production line there with a capacity of around 50,000 vehicles per year.

Three models comprise the Macan product range at market launch. The Macan S Diesel is the economical long-distance runner of the three Macan models. Its 3.0-liter V6 turbo diesel engine achieves NEDC fuel consumption figures of between just 6.3 and 6.1 liters/100 km (37.3 and 38.6 mpg_US), which corresponds to a CO₂value of between 164 and 159 g/km. Nevertheless, the Macan S Diesel accelerates from 0 to 100 km in just 6.3 seconds (or 6.1 seconds with the Sport Chrono package fitted) with its 258-bhp (190-kW) engine, and achieves a top speed of 230 km/h (143 mph).

Macan phantom view. Click to enlarge.

The Macan S is equipped with a 3.0-liter V6 biturbo engine delivering 340 bhp (250 kW) and also features an 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 the vehicle to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.4 seconds (or 5.2 seconds with the optional Sport Chrono package fitted). The vehicle reaches a top speed of 254 km/h (158 mph), and its NEDC) fuel consumption figures are between 9.0 and 8.7 liters/100 km (26.1 to 27 mpg_US), which corresponds to a CO₂ emissions level of between 212 and 204 g/km.

As the top model in the Macan model line, the Macan Turbo is set to be the most powerful vehicle in the compact SUV segment. The 3.6-liter V6 biturbo engine, which is being used in a Porsche model for the very first time, achieves an unrivaled 400 bhp (294 kW) and catapults the vehicle from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds. With the Sport Chrono package fitted, it is even possible to achieve such a speed in 4.6 seconds. Although the top speed is 266 km/h (165 mph), the Macan Turbo delivers NEDC fuel consumption figures of between just 9.2 and 8.9 liters/100 km (25.6 and 26.4 mpg_US), which equates to a CO₂ value of between 216 and 208 g/km.

For the first time in a new Porsche model range, all variants of the Macan feature the high-performance seven-speed Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) as standard. The advantages of this transmission design include excellent start-up performance, extremely fast gear changes without any interruption in tractive force, short reaction times, low fuel consumption and outstanding shift comfort.

As in virtually all Porsche vehicles that feature the PDK, there are two shifting gates: On the right, the required switching level is engaged via a typical Porsche gear selector, while the left-hand gate can be engaged manually, or with the standard shift paddles on the steering wheel.

Active all-wheel drive is part of the Porsche Traction Management (PTM) system and comes as standard for all Macan models. Together with the other elements of the system—the electronically controlled, map-controlled multi-plate clutch, the Automatic Brake Differential (ABD) and Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR)—the all-wheel drive looks after traction and safety.

The optional Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV Plus) system has been specially tailored to the Macan in order to improve driving dynamics and driving stability. The PTV Plus uses a variable standard torque split at the rear wheels combined with an electronically controlled rear-axle differential lock. In response to the steering angle, steering speed, accelerator pedal position, yaw rate and vehicle speed, the PTV Plus improves steering behavior and steering precision through targeted brake interventions on the inside rear wheel to enhance agility. This gives the outside rear wheel a greater propulsion force and enables an additional turning impulse in the steered direction. The result is direct and dynamic steering into the bend. The PTV Plus also makes a positive impact when the Macan is taken off-road: On loose ground, rear wheel spin is reduced through targeted locking and braking interventions.

All Macan models are fitted with a Sport button as standard, which can be found on the center console to the left of the gear selector. When the Sport button is pressed, the electronic engine management system makes the engine even more responsive: A touch on the accelerator pedal results in a noticeably more direct response from the engine, the rev-limiter is set to a more specific level and the engine dynamics take on a motorsport feel. In addition, the PDK enables the shift points to be moved towards the upper speed range, adding an even sportier touch.

The response times are shorter, while the gear changes are tighter and instantaneous, particularly for double-clutch downshifts. The engine sound is also adapted to sound even more robust. In addition, the Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) chassis control system (part of the standard equipment in the Macan Turbo) is set to sport mode to achieve a sportier feel for the suspension and direct steering, therefore offering even more agile handling characteristics.

The electromechanical power steering system—the first to be found in a Porsche SUV—offers a number of fuel consumption benefits: In comparison to conventional hydraulic steering systems, electromechanical steering saves up to 0.1 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers because the system only requires energy for steering. An important effect of the system is the fact that the Macan can be fitted with a lane departure warning system that works with the electro-mechanical power steering and controls the active steering interventions when they are necessary.

In Germany the Macan S and Macan S Diesel cost €57,930 (US$78,000), including VAT. The top model Macan Turbo costs €79,826 (US$108,000) including VAT. The models can be collected from dealers from 5 April 2014.

Source: Green Car Congress