Facelifted Macan targets Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio with new range-topper
Porsche has bestowed the new Macan Turbo with a 440hp version of its 2.9-litre V6, making the new model 10 per cent more powerful than the 3.6-litre-equipped pre-facelift car. Available to order now from for £68,530, the just-revealed Macan is the most potent model in the updated line-up, surpassing the 354hp S that uses a lower-spec version of the same V6 – but leaving the Alfa Romeo Quadrifoglio with a 70hp advantage in the class.
The new Macan Turbo is considerably quicker than its predecessor, with the Sport Chrono Package-equipped car capable of sprinting from 0-62mph in 4.3 seconds, three tenths up than the old car, and on to a top speed of 167mph. It also leaves the Macan S behind with 0.8-second and 11mph advantages for those respective measures, thanks in part to the arrival of 406lb ft of torque from 1,800-5,600rpm. Of course, the other benefits of the new V6 include better efficiency, the Macan Turbo now capable of up to 24.8mpg combined and 224g/km of CO2.
The Turbo gets Porsche’s seven-speed PDK gearbox as standard, as well as a set of powerful Surface Coated Brakes – which wear a layer of performance and durability-enhancing tungsten carbide on the discs – held behind 20-inch Turbo wheels. Buyers can option in height-adjustable air suspension with shocks specific to the model for improved adjustability, while Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus and even more powerful Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes further improve performance.
Throw in body trim that’s bespoke to the Turbo, including more prominent bumper features, thicker skirts and a bigger roof spoiler, as well as a louder exhaust system, and you have the most purposeful variant of the Macan yet. It’s also the plushest, with 18-way electrically adjustable sports seats and lots of leather and Alcantara, along with an optional steering wheel pinched from the 992. It’s also the most technically advanced, too, with a long list of driver assist technology, the Porsche Communication Management system within a 10.9-inch HD touchscreen and a Bose audio, to name just a few features, giving the Porsche a significant tech advantage over its arch-rival from Italy.
That being said, the Alfa’s more potent six-cylinder leaves it with a healthy gap in the power stakes, while there’s little doubt the motor will remain the most audible in the segment as well. It seems Porsche is less concerned with topping tables and more intent on making its flagship Macan a broadly capable (and less focussed) offering in the world of mid-sized SUVs. Heck, it’s certainly worked before. Expect to see the first Macan Turbos on roads this autumn.
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