The release of a brand new Porsche is always going to be hotly anticipated and the unveiling of the Macan is no exception.
It is one of three new models from the manufacturer that is currently being shown off at three of the world’s top motoring shows – Los Angeles, Tokyo and Guangzhou.
The compact SUV is intended to be one of the leading lights in the sector, with Porsche bringing their skills to the area for the first time.
It is the headline model for the brand in LA, where the car made its official global unveiling, with the model taking pride of place on the Porsche stand in Petree Hall.
The premiere of the vehicle was broadcast live via an internet stream on November 19th, with many logging-on to witness the unmasking of the family’s latest model.
Three variants of the model will be made available, in the form of an S model, a Turbo version and one featuring a diesel engine.
Porsche is determined not to follow the tried and tested formula of standard SUVs, instead offering the driver something that feels entirely new.
The intention is to offer a car that delivers an “up close and personal” feel when on the road, an intense driving experience and plenty of space for customers to transport items on their way to take part hobbies and sports.
According to Porsche, the new Macan is: “Compact, concentrated and intense, but still powerful. Practical but never ordinary.”
The design has been created to deliver impressive speeds, but the manufacturer has acknowledged that this can’t be achieved by just increasing the power. Therefore, the Macan focuses on providing an agile drive with incredible efficiency.
That can definitely be seen in the Turbo edition. The car comes with a 3.6 litre V6 biturbo engine under the bonnet, able to reach speeds of 294 kW (400 hp) at 6,000 rpm. This helps to achieve 0-62mph in just 4.8 seconds before eventually climbing to the dizzy heights of 165 mph.
Looking at the car’s image, it obviously takes some cues from the 2013 Porsche Cayenne, the manufacturer’s mid-size luxury crossover. It has a similar smooth body shape and muscular tones. However, it all comes in a more compact form.
And it’s fine. Really. But just fine. It’s got the Porsche badge, certainly, and the performance under the hood is bound to be superior, but the model doesn’t exude the kind of class we would usually associate with the German luxury brand.
The company says the car is built for an “intensive life” in which to cater for “thrills and spills”. However, this excitement is not really delivered on the exterior.
When behind the wheel though, I’m sure the Macan will be a different beast altogether and will demonstrate the quality performance synonymous with Porsche.
For a car that seems to be pushing itself out under the “Life, intensified” ideology, it really needs to prove this when on the road and on the track.
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