The new Porsche Macan is set to be Stuttgart’s latest cash cow. The rakish SUV will sit below the Cayenne in the range, and battle the Range Rover Evoque, BMW X4 and even its Audi SQ5 stepsister from 2014. Here’s our first look inside the new Macan.
Porsche Macan – the interior uncovered
Despite the best efforts of Porsche’s laptop-wielding test drivers, it’s clear the Porsche Macan’s cabin is related to the Cayenne and Panamera. The tall, button-festooned centre console is typically modern Porsche, though the storage cubby below the touchscreen is new – that’ll be the ‘utility’ in Sport Utility Vehicle then.
Note a few details: this particular Macan is equipped with the seven-speed PDK transmission and paddleshifters (a six-speed manual will also be available, unlike on the Cayenne). Also, the dashboard-topping stopwatch shows it’s fitted with the Sports Chrono pack, which includes analogue and digital timers and a lap data-recording function in the infotainment centre.
Porsche Macan – the dynamics
According to Porsche design chief Michael Mauer, the Macan will still put Porsche dynamics ahead of fashionista styling. ‘I’m not saying that a Cayenne or a Macan is a 911 sports car, but among its competitors [the Macan] is the sports car.’
The Macan will be offered with four- and six-cylinder drivetrains, and the aforementioned six-speed manual or seven-speed PDK twin-clutch gearboxes. Here’s the expected engine range:
Diesels:
• 2.0 TDI 4-cyl, 187bhp/258lb ft
• 3.0 TDI V6, 261bhp/369lb ft
Petrols:
• 2.0 TFSI 4-cyl, 237bhp/258lb ft
• 3.0 TFSI V6, 288bhp/295lb ft
Naturally, there’ll be a range-topping forced-induction version too: the Macan Turbo will use a 345bhp twin-turbo 3.0-litre V6. Also confirmed is a Macan Hybrid, which will share its drivetrain with the Audi Q5 Hybrid Quattro.
When can I buy a Porsche Macan?
The new Porsche SUV will go on sale in autumn 2014, costing from £35,000. Porsche is targeting healthy sales of 75,000 per year.