Porsche’s new baby SUV, the Macan, is in the final stages of development ahead of its complete unveiling on 27 November 2013. The sub-Cayenne bruiser’s range, which shares its platform and some of its engines with the Audi Q5, will be topped by a seriously fast Macan Turbo, which our spies have spotted testing outside Germany’s Nurburgring.
What sets the Porsche Macan Turbo apart from lesser Macans?
Of course, the engine, which as powerful as a 3.8-litre Porsche 911 Carrera S. The staple engine of the Macan range, a 3.0-litre V6, is boosted by twin turbochargers, taking output to a stonking 395bhp and 406lb ft – 60bhp and 74lb ft more than the naturally aspirated Macan S. Power is dealt out to all four wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox, rather than the Cayenne’s eight-speed Tiptronic auto. So, set aside a few hundred pounds to option the paddleshift-equipped steering wheel, rather than the silly push-me-pull-you PDK buttons.
This test mule, with sensors affixed to the 21in alloys, is also running ceramic disc brakes – denoted by the huge yellow brake callipers. Likely to be a circa-£5000 option, they’ll offer fade-free stopping power for the 160mph+ Macan Turbo, and reduce the car’s unsprung weight, aiding ride and handling. The Macan is expected to weigh 130kg less that the Audi Q5, too, which will also help.
Are bigger wheels the only visual change for the Porsche Macan Turbo?
No – there’s a wider front grille, deeper side skirts and four box-section exhaust pipes too. Plus, with a dizzying array of optional alloys, ‘Sport Design’ body addenda and more cabin configurations than you can shake a chequebook at, it’s unlikely you’ll find two identical Macan Turbos around.
Don’t sniff at all the add-ons though – the cabin might just need livening up. Like a 911, Panamera, Cayenne ad infinitum, there’s a hooded instrument binnacle with familiar dials, a tall centre console smeared with more buttons than a Cadbury birthday cake, and the usual choice of Bose or Burmester audio systems.
And if I want the Porsche Macan show without the Turbo go?
The cheapest V6 Macan will cost in excess of £40,000, but 2014 heralds the return of four-cylinder Porsches, in the form of a 2.0-litre petrol Macan with 230bhp and 258lb ft – and a sub-£40k price tag. A four-pot diesel with 201bhp and 295lb ft is mooted for 2015, sitting below a 3.0-litre TDI in the Macan range.