Porsche Macan

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 unrivaled in its low, broad profile on the road. The wraparound bonnet and gently sloping roofline 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 Euros 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.

The sports car heritage of the Macan is evident in many details of its design. The designers have endeavored to ensure the model's proportions and lines live up to this heritage. The result can be summarised in two words typical of a sports car: broad and low.
The design embodies sportiness, dynamism and precision, together with elegance and lightweight construction. Round lines are combined with strategically positioned precise edges. Its harmonious proportions ensure the Macan appears compact, powerful and close to the road. Even when stationary, design details taken from Porsche sports cars highlight what the Macan has to offer in terms of performance. For instance, the side view window graphics and the sloping roofline at the rear, known at Porsche as the ‘flyline’, are a clear nod to the 911. The rear wheelarches also have the soft profile of the 911. The 918 Spyder is already regarded as a vehicle that has propelled the Porsche design DNA further forward. The Macan adopts this current DNA: for instance, the basic shape of its main headlights is based on that of the 918 Spyder, while the sideblades at the bottom of the front and rear doors are reminiscent of the lower door seams on the hybrid super sports car. Inside, the Macan is fitted with a multi-function sports steering wheel as standard, the design of which is completely new and based on that in the 918 Spyder. 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 accentuates 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 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. 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. As important as it is for the driver to focus on the road, every passenger appreciates being able to glace up to the sky. This is particularly true thanks to the optional, two-part Panoramic Roof System on the Macan, as the front glass element can be uncovered and opened electrically and an electrical roll-up blind dims the entire pane of glass when required. The Macan has a sporting driving position and a more steeply inclined steering column to give it a sports car feel. As a special feature, the front headrests can be adjusted both vertically and longitudinally, while the seat height, seat cushion, backrest angle and the longitudinal position of the standard electrical 8-way comfort seat on the driver's side can also be adjusted. Adaptive sports seats with 18-way adjustment for the driver and front passenger are also available as an option, and are standard on the Macan Turbo. Optional front seat ventilation is available for even greater seating comfort, with three-stage control of the ventilation for the seat surfaces and backrests, independently adjustable for both the right and the left seat. The rear seat system provides space for up to three passengers. The rear seat backrests are split 40:20:40 and can be folded down separately, providing plenty of room for all items of luggage in the luggage compartment. The passenger compartment of the Porsche Macan reflects current Porsche sports car design styling cues, delivering a premium appearance. Among the equipment on offer in the interior is the Burmester® High-End Surround Sound system, available for the first time in a vehicle in this segment. Located high up and in the centre of the console, the CDR Plus audio system with Digital radio, which is fitted as standard and features a high-resolution, 7-inch colour touchscreen display, is clearly visible and offers convenient access to a whole host of functions. Features include a universal USB interface for connecting external storage media and end devices, 11 loudspeakers and a total output of 235 watts. The Porsche Communication Management (PCM) system, which is included, as standard in the Macan Turbo, comprises all of the stated CDR Plus functions. In addition, it offers a navigation module with a hard drive, which boasts a capacity of 40 gigabytes, enough for up to 5000 MP3 files, as well as map data including a perspective map view and 3D navigation map. As the top-of-the-range option when it comes to sound systems, Porsche is also offering a special audio system in the Macan that was developed and made in Germany in cooperation with Burmester®. Building on the feedback acquired from the systems featured in the Panamera, Cayenne, 911 and Cayman models, this audio upgrade achieves a total output and sound quality that are unparalleled in this class of vehicle. The system comprises 16 individually controlled loudspeakers, including an active subwoofer with a 250 mm diaphragm diameter and an integrated 300-watt Class D amplifier. The total system output is more than 1000 watts. The Bose Surround Sound system features 14 loudspeakers, including a 200-watt active subwoofer, a total of nine amplifier channels and a total output of 545 watts. The system taps into the sound spectrum of 5.1 digital surround sound recordings. AudioPilot noise compensation technology guarantees a consistent, balanced aural experience, whatever the driving conditions.

Porsche is offering the Macan with two advanced engines. All combine rich torque with impressive power, trademark Porsche qualities. The engines are also highly efficient and environmentally friendly, with all three versions of the Macan meeting the Euro 6 emissions standard, and BS IV in India.
The Macan Turbo is unrivalled in the compact SUV segment in terms of its driving performance. The 3.6-litre V6 bi-turbo engine unleashes its maximum output of 400 hp at 6,000 rpm. Two turbochargers with a boost pressure of 1.2 bar ensure a powerful intake charge. This power results in acceleration from 0 to 100kmph in just 4.8 seconds and a top speed of 265kmph. The Macan is the first Porsche to feature this engine. The engine is based on a 3.0-litre V6 bi-turbo engine with a stroke that has been increased by 83 mm. All of the dimensions and specifications are based on decades of Porsche experience in developing sport engines. The Porsche VarioCam Plus system ensures that the variable inlet and exhaust camshaft control is continuously and infinitely adjusted, and allows the engine to respond in a flexible manner to the relevant performance requirements. The result is spontaneous acceleration and exceptionally smooth running. The revised direct fuel injection (DFI) concept with multi-hole injectors and a high pressure of 200 bar enables optimum fuel distribution. The jet and taper angles have been optimised with torque, power, fuel consumption and emissions in mind. DFI also improves internal cooling within the combustion chamber as the fuel-air mixture is generated in the cylinder directly. The resulting higher compression ratio provides greater engine power and better engine efficiency. The turbochargers have been specially tailored to the engines and are capable of building up the boost pressure very quickly in response to power requirements. Integrated dry-sump lubrication and a modified oil sump shape have been developed for the petrol engines destined for use in the Macan. These modifications enable optimum engine lubrication – even in extreme driving situations – and contribute to a particularly low centre of gravity while allowing the ground clearance to be increased. The diesel engine relies on a pressure-fed lubrication concept with a wet sump. With its turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine, the Macan S Diesel is a true long-distance sports car that combines excellent performance with minimum fuel consumption. The 258 hp engine, taken from the Cayenne and subsequently enhanced, has been specially designed for the Macan. It also works perfectly alongside the PDK transmission and is consistent with the vehicle's sports car characteristics. The high torque of 580 Nm at between 1,750 and 2,500 rpm allows confident acceleration in every driving situation. The vehicle reaches a top speed of 230kmph, accelerating from 0 to 100kmph in 6.3 seconds (or 6.1 seconds with the Sport Chrono package fitted). The optimised common rail fuel injection system enables quiet combustion development while also allowing high turbine speeds within the turbocharger, even at a low engine speed, thereby creates a higher boost pressure. Some of the results of this arrangement include better volumetric efficiency, increased power and more torque. The advanced diesel engine is equipped with a Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system for lower emissions. All Macan models feature an engine with sports car characteristics and they sound like a sports car, too. The sound of the Macan is robust and emotive, indicating that the vehicle is always ready to demonstrate its capabilities on any terrain. As part of the acoustic design, the petrol models include an exhaust flap, in addition to various other components. The flap is map-controlled and load-dependent, which dictates when it opens and shuts.

Active all-wheel drive is part of the Porsche Traction Management (PTM) system and is standard on 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 monitors traction and safety. PTM has the fastest response time on the market and its design underpins the sports car characteristics of the Macan. The rear axle is always driven, the front axle receives its drive torque from the rear axle, and this torque is dependent on the locking ratio of the electronically controlled multi-plate clutch.
In situations where the rear wheels are on a surface with a significantly lower friction coefficient in comparison to the front axle wheels (for example on ice), which would cause the rear wheels to spin when moving off, up to 100% of the necessary torque can be transferred to the front axle. However, the rear axle is never uncoupled in these situations – instead, 100% of the torque from the rear axle is transferred to the front axle via the multi-plate clutch. The ASR also reduces wheel spin. Exactly the right amount of propulsion force is transferred to the front wheels on corners to achieve optimum lateral support. Working with the newly developed Porsche Stability Management (PSM) system, the PTM interacts with all systems to secure the appropriate distribution of power for excellent propulsion in every driving situation: on long straights, around tight corners or on surfaces with different friction coefficients. Traction is also improved by the ABD on surfaces with different friction coefficients. If a wheel is in danger of spinning, the PTM brakes the relevant wheel via the ABD and in doing so transfers more drive torque to the other wheel on the same axle. Off-road mode comes as standard in the Macan, and the function is activated by pressing a button in the centre console at a speed of between 0 – 80kmph. This function switches all the relevant systems to a traction-oriented off-road programme: For example, the shift revolutions and speeds are geared towards a greater level of traction, the clutch is pre-tensioned to a greater degree in order to provide the front axle with the appropriate drive torque more rapidly, and the standard torque split between the front and rear axle as well as the accelerator pedal response are adapted to off-road conditions. Furthermore, the ground clearance can be increased by 40 mm above its normal level thanks to the optional air suspension, which gives a maximum ground clearance of 230 mm. Another button in the centre console activates downhill assistance from the Porsche Hill Control (PHC) system. The PHC keeps the vehicle speed constant during descents, and can be adjusted to between 3 and 18 mph. Every Macan is fitted with a Sport button as standard, which can be found on the centre 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 more sporting feel for the suspension, and raising agility further. The sophisticated chassis of the Porsche Macan illustrates just how much effort has gone into making the vehicle an imposing figure both on and off road. As a sports car, the Macan sets completely new benchmarks for compact SUVs on asphalt. The chassis components, tuning, weight distribution and brakes allow the Macan to take on an exclusive position as the sports car in its segment. No other vehicle in this market can drive on asphalt with such precision and stability, and especially not at high speeds. The basic geometry of the Macan creates the best conditions for achieving these benchmarks. The low centre of gravity and the wheelbase of 2807 mm plus the front track width of 1655 mm and 1651 mm at the rear provide enhanced driving stability, particularly when cornering. The road performance of the Macan has also been enhanced by its outstanding off-road abilities. The ramp angle of 17.1 degrees (with air suspension at ‘High Level I’: 19 degrees), a ground clearance of 198 mm (230 mm), a front overhang angle of 24.8 degrees (26.6 degrees) and a rear overhang angle of 23.6 degrees (25.3 degrees) also present a consistent message. Overall, the features of the Macan fulfill the exact requirements of many target customers, i.e. the perfect performance on the road plus the special reserve capabilities embodied by all-wheel drive and off-road performance. The brakes of the Porsche Macan match the vehicle's exceptional performance level. In line with the usual high Porsche standard, the Macan is leading the way with the most powerful braking system in its market segment. The Macan relies on six-piston fixed-calliper front brakes with aluminium monobloc callipers. In the Macan S Diesel, the brake callipers press on discs with a diameter of 350 mm, while the brake discs in the Turbo have a diameter of 360 mm. In all models, the braking action at the rear is provided by combined floating calliper brakes with an integrated electric parking brake. The rear discs for the Macan S Diesel have a diameter of 330 mm and the rear discs of the Turbo have a diameter of 356 mm. The electric parking brake offers greater comfort and safety when parking the vehicle. The parking brake is released automatically when moving off. Another feature making its debut is the hold function.

Although expensive at a starting point of Rs. 1 crore, the Macan delivers to its aficionados the best of Porsche in a compact package which can be experienced both on-road and off it!

The Macan has quite a few competitors, though it is at nearly double the price of its closest rivals. There is Range Rover Evoque, Audi Q5, BMW X3 and of course the Volvo XC60, all of them worthy competitors in their own right. Naturally, the Macan is way ahead thanks to its Porsche lineage and sports car like attributes. It will find very few buyers, mainly because of the company’s desire to make a huge profit on each vehicle sold, but then it will offer exclusivity like nothing else.