Porsche Macan. A new level of passion
In 2021, the Macan was modernized again and became much more powerful.
The Porsche Macan is a luxury compact SUV by Porsche AG (Germany). It has been produced since 2013. You can currently purchase the first generation SUV, the restyled version of which (2018) is offered by Israeli dealers (as of 2021).
Based on the Audi Q5, Porsche’s new SUV was originally named Cajun, derived from “Cayenne Junior”, as it became the second SUV in the manufacturer’s range after the full-size Porsche Cayenne. In fact, its name was changed to the Porsche Macan shortly before its release. The Indonesian word ‘machan’ means ‘tiger’. The resulting vehicle is practical and humble, yet not dull. The SUV with is as graceful as a real tiger, generating an unforgettable driving experience on every meter of asphalt. It has taken Porsche to a new level of sales and has created a new level of passion for brand fans. The compact SUV has a sporty character, which is traditional for all Porsche models, with powerful engines providing accelerating dynamics, informative steering, balanced chassis, comfortable suspension and high-quality assembly. By the way, the supervisory board of Porsche AG has decided that the second generation Macan will be electric. We are looking forward to it, but for now we will tell you about the first generation.
The first generation
It has been produced from 2013 to the present, while its restyling took place in 2018. The new Porsche Macan is built on the MLB/MLP platform that is used for the Audi Q5. However, its design comprises more aluminum parts, which made it possible to reduce the vehicle weight by 130 kg, despite the increased dimensions. Moreover, the first Macan boasts an unusual exterior design, its own suspension settings, new powertrains and an original interior inspired by the Porsche 911. The first-generation 5-door 5-seater SUV is 4,681 mm long, 1,923 mm wide and 1,624 mm high. The wheelbase is 2,807 mm. The trunk volume ranges from 500 to 1,500 liters. The backrest of the backseat folds in a ratio of 40:20:40. The unladen weight is from 1,865 kg. The volume of the fuel tank is 75 liters.
The first generation SUV engine range includes both petrol and diesel engines, working with a 7-speed PDK double-plate clutch transmission. Modifications:
- Porsche Macan S: 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 petrol engine with 340 hp, maximum torque of 460 Nm. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h occurs in 5.4 seconds. The maximum speed is 254 km/h.
- Porsche Macan S Diesel: 3.0-liter V6 turbocharged diesel with 245 hp, maximum torque of 580 Nm. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h occurs in 6.3 seconds. The maximum speed is 230 km/h.
- Porsche Macan GTS: 3-liter twin-turbo V6 petrol engine generating 360 hp and 500 Nm of torque. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h occurs in 5.2 seconds (0.2 seconds faster with the optional SportChrono Package). The maximum speed is 256 km/h.
- Porsche Macan Turbo: 3.6-liter twin-turbo V6 petrol engine producing 400 hp with a maximum torque of 550 Nm. It accelerates 0 to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds, while the maximum speed is 266 km/h.
- The entry-level Porsche Macan, released in 2016: 2-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol engine with 252 hp. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h occurs in 6.7 seconds (with the optional SportChrono package - 6.5 seconds), the maximum speed is 229 km/h.
The 2014/2015/2016 Porsche Macan is equipped with electromechanical power steering, ventilated disc brakes, electronic parking brake, ABS, brake pad wear sensors and an emergency braking system. The vehicle is four-wheel drive (Porsche Traction Management) with an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch. As an option, you can order the Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus system, which redistributes the torque between the wheels to prevent slip and dynamic cornering using the brakes.
The SUV comes with independent suspensions of different types. The multi-link suspension with a wide use of aluminum parts with steel springs and conventional shock absorbers is standard. But there can also be an active air suspension with Porsche Active Suspension Management, which, depending on the condition of the road surface and driving style, constantly changes the stiffness of the shock absorbers. The PASM system works in one of the preset modes: Comfort, Sport, and Sport Plus. Thus, the ground clearance of the Porsche Macan varies from 180 to 230 mm. The angle of approach is 24.8 (26.6) degrees, the angle of departure is 23.6 (25.5) degrees.
2018 restyling
The restyled 2018/2019 Porsche Macan looks quite similar to the Cayenne and Panamera. The taillights are now visually bridged with an integrated brake light. The vehicle has a slightly changed the radiator grille with the horizontal lamellas now protruding above the vertical ones (previously it was the other way around), and the LED headlights are standard.
The 2019/2020 Porsche Macan features a 10.9-inch multimedia system display (it used to be 7). The basic equipment includes voice control of functions and the real-time traffic information. The SUV offers an application for smartphones and an Internet access point. 3-zone climate control is standard. The interior is trimmed with ‘soft’ plastic, natural leather, Alcantara and aluminum. The options include: BOSE Surround Sound and Burmester High End Surround Sound, a GT steering wheel from a 911 coupe, an interior air ionizer for better air purification.
In 2021, Israeli buyers can choose among the following modification of the new Porsche Macan with petrol engines, a 7-speed automated transmission and four-wheel drive.
- The entry-level Porsche Macan: 2-liter turbocharged engine with 252 hp. It accelerates to 100 km in 6.7 seconds, and the maximum speed is 227 km/h.
- Porsche Macan S: 3.0-liter twin-turbo TFSI engine producing 354 hp. Acceleration to 100 km occurs in 5.1 seconds, and the maximum speed is 254 km/h.
- Porsche Macan GTS: 2.9-liter V6 biturbo engine with 380 hp. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h occurs in 4.9 seconds, and the maximum speed is 261 km/h.
- Porsche Macan Turbo: 2.9-liter V6 biturbo engine with 440 hp. It accelerates to 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds, and the maximum speed is electronically limited to 270 km/h.
The 2020/2021 Porsche Macan is equipped with new wheels and a slightly changed chassis. The front axle features spring-loaded aluminum forks instead of the old steel parts, reducing the unsprung weight by about 1.5 kg. The new anti-roll bar setting provides more neutral steering. In addition to the standard spring-link suspension, the SUV can be equipped with air suspension, which has also been optimized for improved handling and comfort. The ground clearance level varies from 180 to 230 mm. Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) adjusts the damping of the shock absorbers depending on the road conditions and driving style. The intelligent Torque Vectoring Plus system improves handling on various types of surfaces.
The upgraded braking system has acquired a metal-plastic pedal and a shortened lever that transmits force to the main brake cylinder in order to accelerate the response to braking and more accurate dosing of the braking force. The Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB) is optional.
