Porsche Macan: Revealed

All-new Porsche Macan officially unveiled in LA with 400hp Turbo heading up the range

There are a lot of numbers in the press pack for the new Porsche Macan, unveiled today in LA. Two stand out - 500 million and 50,000. The former is the number of euros invested by Porsche into the Leipzig factory currently home to the Panamera and Cayenne to build it. And the second is how many Macans that production line is set up to build in a year.

Macan S petrol and diesels kick off the range

Consider, if realised, that'll increase Porsche's overall sales by as much as a third and you get an idea of how big a deal this car is.

Do we like it? We can talk about that in the coming days. But in the meantime let's inform that forthcoming debate with the facts about the Macan.

First up, it's pronounced 'mer-carn' so if you're unapologetic enough to desire one you can follow that up by sounding extra pretentious when people ask what it is you've just ordered.

Sorry, we weren't going to do opinions yet were we.

Moving on, the second thing you'll note about the Macan is that it's flipping quick and puts a decisive Porsche marker down on the segment. PH eyes will inevitably be drawn to the 400hp Turbo and its 4.6-second 0-62 potential. But even the diesel slowcoach has 258hp and 6.1-second 0-62 ability. But before we get bogged down with stats let's attempt a walk-through of the range.

Contrasting side blades to customise the look

Every Macan runs the same basic package of a V6-powered, Porsche Traction Management (PTM) controlled four-wheel drive chassis that defaults to rear-wheel drive but can redistribute up to 100 per cent of drive torque back to the front wheels if needed. All models also get seven-speed PDK, steel-sprung passively damped suspension, off-road and Sport modes and contrasting black 'side blades' running up the edges of the doors.

Opt for the Turbo and these are body coloured as standard, an 18mm longer nose with 'C-blade' intakes, standard xenon lights and squared off exhausts marking you out as the big daddy. As standard Turbos also get steel-sprung suspension with the PASM adjustable dampers optional on other models, bigger brakes, fancier seats and a host of other upgrades.

This is just the start of course and your friendly Porsche dealer is ready and waiting with a capacious extras list. Air-sprung suspension with PASM and variable ride heights is optional on all models, likewise Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus with an active rear differential, a Sport Chrono pack for another couple of tenths off your standing start bragging rights, carbon side blades and a range of wheels up to and including 21-inch forged items.

Turbo gets different nose with 'C-blade' intakes

We'll get the diesel out of the way first, the 'S' badging a giveaway for the inevitable arrival of less fruity ones in due course. For now though it's seemingly a 258hp/428lb ft version of the V6 single-turbo from Panamera and the SQ5 driving through the same basic powertrain as the petrol models. Interestingly party politics have permitted the Audi 313hp and 479lb ft - and the eight-speed ZF auto. This makes the SQ5 faster off the line by a whole second to 62mph (5.1 against Sport Chrono assisted 6.1 in the Macan) even if it's heavier and not as sporty in set-up. The BMW X4 is some way off joining the party yet but an X3 35d packs 313hp, 466lb ft and will do 0-62 in 5.8 for £43K. And that's before Alpina has got its hands on it, the 350hp XD3 in a different league again.

If the spec sheet cat fight is close for those fuelling from the black pump with the petrol engines Porsche has given itself a decisive lead. The two V6s are more interesting given that Porsche has decided to dry sump them both in an effort to reduce the centre of gravity ... having raised it to cater to our insatiable demand for SUV ride height. Go figure, and all that, but it's a very Porsche bit of engineering pragmatism. Both are twin-turbos, the S displacing 3.0 litres and good for 340hp and 341lb ft. Short of stroke and chunky of bore, Porsche credits this engine as being especially revvy, though the redline cuts in at just 6,700 and the best is in the meaty mid-range. The Turbo gets essentially a longer-stroke version of the same engine, boost pressure increased from 1.0 to 1.2 bar too and contributing to the burly 400hp and 406lb ft.

Interior follows modern Porsche template

Prices start at £43,300 for the S and S Diesel, the Turbo starting at £59,300 and performance stats not the only big numbers Macan buyers will have to crunch compared with the competition. Orders are open and deliveries start in April of next year.

Purists can grumble all they like but few would bet against Leipzig's new production line fulfilling its potential of 50,000 cars per year and Porsche, by this time next year, being a builder of 4x4s with a small sideline in sports cars.

Full specs:

PORSCHE MACAN S DIESEL
Engine: 2,967cc turbo V6
Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch auto (PDK), four-wheel drive
Power (hp): 258@4,000rpm
Torque (lb ft): 428@1,750-2,500rpm
0-62mph: 6.3sec (6.1 with Sport Chrono)
Top speed: 143mph
Weight: 1,880kg
MPG: 44.8-46.3mpg (NEDC combined, varies according to tyres)
CO2: 164-159g/km (varies according to tyres)
Price: £43,300

PORSCHE MACAN S
Engine: 2,997cc V6 twin-turbo
Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch auto (PDK), four-wheel drive
Power (hp): 340@5,500rpm
Torque (lb ft): 341@1,450-5,000rpm
0-62mph: 5.4sec (5.2 with Sport Chrono)
Top speed: 158mph
Weight: 1,865kg
MPG: 31.4-32.5mpg (NEDC combined, varies according to tyres)
CO2: 212-204g/km (varies according to tyres)
Price: £43,300

PORSCHE MACAN TURBO
Engine: 3,604cc V6 twin-turbo
Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch auto (PDK), four-wheel drive
Power (hp): 400@6,000rpm
Torque (lb ft): 406@1,350-4,000rpm
0-62mph: 4.8sec (4.6sec with Sport Chrono)
Top speed: 165mph
Weight: 1,925kg
MPG: 30.7-31.7mpg (NEDC combined, varies according to tyres)
CO2: 216-208g/km (varies according to tyres)
Price: £59,300