RE: Porsche Macan: (not) Driven
Thursday 19th December 2013
"The Porsche Macan is the sports car of the compact SUV segment," reads the press release. Hang on... how is something based on the Audi Q5 a sports car? And since when has the compact SUV segment even needed a sports car?
School run suddenly got more excitingIn an effort to find out, we shrugged our shoulders and accepted the invitation to a German test track for the industry standard 'ridealong' pre-launch teaser to see what more we could learn about this much hyped new Porsche. After all, there's only so much you can tell from a bit of tyre kicking at a motor show. Braced for an inevitable hairdryering by marketing types about the lifestyle choices of SUV buyers we instead got a morning's technical briefing before being bundled into a Macan Turbo with two other journalists and a Porsche test driver, and driven out onto the circuit.
With a bit of provocation the Macan will do thisLike four-wheel drive versions of the 911, the Macan uses an active all-wheel drive transmission that sends most of the torque to the rear wheels under normal driving conditions - 80 per cent, in fact. When sensors monitoring all four wheels detect slip, the system sends more torque to the wheels with the most grip, pulling the SUV in line. Unless you turn the traction management off, of course. Which our driver did.
While optional - natch - air springs let you do thisAt first, the result is a teensy bit disappointing. "Watch this," our driver utters - never a good idea - before hitting the accelerator while halfway through a bend and ... understeering towards the barrier. "Oh, I've never tried it with a car full of passengers." Even a host of acronyms and a professional driver can't defy physics.
400hp Turbo is the stand-out Macan modelIt'll also be getting electro-mechanical power steering, like the 991. Obviously, it's a bit tricky to assess the steering feel from the passenger seat, but Porsche does a better job of electric assistance than most - despite a little criticism from the purists.
Porsche Macan: (not) Driven
Love it or loathe it the Macan is coming - here's the view from inevitable ridealong teaser
School run suddenly got more exciting
Sideways glances
The top-spec £59,300 Macan Turbo packs a 400hp 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged V6 engine, and will hit 62mph in 4.8 seconds. That's faster than a Porsche Cayman S - and as fast as a 991 Carrera. And, with addition of the Sport Chrono pack (featuring launch control), you can shave another two tenths off that time. It goes on to a top speed of 165mph.
With a bit of provocation the Macan will do this
Lost in translation
"Ah, zis is what you Brits call a dab of oppo," he tells us as he flicks the near two-tonne Macan sideways over a crest. Blimey. How'd he manage that?
Porsche says its torque vectoring PTV Plus system improves driving dynamics and stability, but basically it lets ham-fisted drivers get away with sideways tomfoolery without getting too out of shape. With the PTV Plus option ticked the Macan uses an electronically-controlled rear locking diff to shift torque between the rear wheels, combined with tiny brake interventions to encourage the nimblest of direction changes.
While optional - natch - air springs let you do this
Swedish massage
But any doubts about the Macan's oversteering capabilities are put to rest at the next bend. With a point to prove, our man gives the Macan the old Scandinavian flick and woahh... we're looking out of the side windows. It's not so much a dab of oppo this time, but great armfuls of it.
Enough of that oversteery nonsense - what's the deal with the gearbox? Well, the Macan is the first ever Porsche to feature the PDK gearbox as standard across the entire range. Given the target audience don't expect much wailing from the purists this time around, Porsche's seven-speed twin-clutch 'box reacting faster than any 'normal' Macan buyer would want.
400hp Turbo is the stand-out Macan model
Muddy feet
The Macan is definitely more suited to the track than it is off-road - but that's not to say it can't cope with tricky conditions. Or at least a carefully contrived impression thereof. We hitched a ride in a 258hp Macan Diesel as its driver pointed it up a gravel track. With the optional air suspension in 'off-road' mode giving 230mm of ground clearance, the Macan successfully broached some challenging break-over angles. You couldn't do that in a 911. Not that many buyers will be bothered.
Let's not get ahead of ourselves - this was a ride in a Macan and not a drive - but the writing is on the wall and while Porsche folk remain commendably modest it's clear that annual 50,000-unit capacity on the Leipzig production line won't be a difficult target to hit. And anyone who isn't convinced an SUV can act like a sports car should spend a day with some Porsche test drivers - it's impressive stuff.
Promo vid detailing Macan chassis tech, most of which you'll have to pay extra for...
Discussion
FerdiZ28 said:
Love to.
It;; have its haters, sure, but most of that will stem from jealousy.
Strange thing to say. I've always hated anything Porsche have done due to how they look. I've no desire to own one, and it doesn't stem from jealously. They're stuck in a rut with their styling (i use the term styling very loosely when talking about Porsche), but that's my opinion. Well engineered they may well be, but it's about time they varied things.It;; have its haters, sure, but most of that will stem from jealousy.
Edited by fatboy b on Thursday 19th December 11:57
fatboy b said:
Well engineered they may well be, but it's about time they varied things.
Why? Porsche are in rude health financially and this car is only going to bolster their coffers further. There are only 60 of these Macans coming to the UK for the first 6 months of next year (according to my local friendly dealer) and demand is waaaaaaaaay outstripping supply. So in other words, there's nothing that needs to be varied as customers don't care - they just want one!Edited by mrclav on Thursday 19th December 12:09
mrclav said:
hy? Porsche are in rude health financially and this car is only going to bolster their coffers further. There are only 60 of these Macans coming to the UK for the first 6 months of next year (according to my local friendly dealer) and demand is waaaaaaaaay outstripping supply. So in other words, there nothing that needs to be varied as customers don't care - they just want one!
Exactly- it's a winning recipe and about time people realised they are a 'for profit' business. If you don't like it, don't buy one.bqf said:
When did a baby SUV get to be so expensive? Thats proper money.
Considering a Carrera sells for over £73k with no options, and that the Macan would keep up with it you could look at it the other way and say it's a relative bargain? Also, don't be fooled by the "baby" tag; it's not that much smaller than a Cayenne!bqf said:
£60,000? Jesus H Christ - I'll bet they don't sell many in that spec. When did a baby SUV get to be so expensive? Thats proper money.
Will still fly out of the showrooms here. The new Range Rover has been very popular and most coming out of the local dealer are specced to around £100k... I just don't get it and find it hard to explain why.
From a sales point of view a 4x4 'off-road' Porsche has been a success, but it shouldn't be if the world was normal and people didn't have more money than sense.
If you need (?) an off-roader / soft-roader, be it work horse (Defender) or Luxury (Rangie / Land Cruiser / Q5/7 / X5) then all the bases are covered and can't really be bettered.
So who is buying the Cayenne to make the Macan a viable proposition for a prestigious Sports Car maker? And more importantly, why are they buying it? Even the Panamera makes a little more sense.
Nobody in a Porsche with a high roof line and arch clearances has my respect because they haven't used their brain to buy a car that suits their needs. That is my opinion though and I would love to hear reasons from a Cayenne owner that might help me change my viewpoint....
Actually, forget my argument - people buy what they want for whatever reason they have - I don't agree, but that's life. If I ever have the money to buy a Porsche it certainly won't be wasted on an ugly tall soft-roader - it will be spent on a Sportscar.
From a sales point of view a 4x4 'off-road' Porsche has been a success, but it shouldn't be if the world was normal and people didn't have more money than sense.
If you need (?) an off-roader / soft-roader, be it work horse (Defender) or Luxury (Rangie / Land Cruiser / Q5/7 / X5) then all the bases are covered and can't really be bettered.
So who is buying the Cayenne to make the Macan a viable proposition for a prestigious Sports Car maker? And more importantly, why are they buying it? Even the Panamera makes a little more sense.
Nobody in a Porsche with a high roof line and arch clearances has my respect because they haven't used their brain to buy a car that suits their needs. That is my opinion though and I would love to hear reasons from a Cayenne owner that might help me change my viewpoint....
Actually, forget my argument - people buy what they want for whatever reason they have - I don't agree, but that's life. If I ever have the money to buy a Porsche it certainly won't be wasted on an ugly tall soft-roader - it will be spent on a Sportscar.
Edited by Zircon on Thursday 19th December 12:20
Quite probably one of the most stupid uninformed posts on this forum I have yet seen.. and having owned a Boxster S, a C2 and a Cayenne S...I and other owners of Cayenne's and no doubt many soon to be Macan owners (because they'll sell in their bucket loads) don't give sh*t...apart from squarely suiting my needs did you read the performance figures even..?
Zircon said:
I just don't get it and find it hard to explain why.
From a sales point of view a 4x4 'off-road' Porsche has been a success, but it shouldn't be if the world made sense and People didn't have more money than sense.
If you need (?) an off-roader be it work horse (Defender) or Luxury (Rangie / Land Cruiser) then all the bases are covered and can't really be bettered.
So who is buying the Cayenne to make the Macan a viable proposition for a prestigious Sports Car maker? And more importantly, why are they buying it? Even the Panamera makes a little more sense.
Nobody in a Porsche with a high roof line and arch clearances has my respect because they haven't used their brain to buy a car that suits their needs.
From a sales point of view a 4x4 'off-road' Porsche has been a success, but it shouldn't be if the world made sense and People didn't have more money than sense.
If you need (?) an off-roader be it work horse (Defender) or Luxury (Rangie / Land Cruiser) then all the bases are covered and can't really be bettered.
So who is buying the Cayenne to make the Macan a viable proposition for a prestigious Sports Car maker? And more importantly, why are they buying it? Even the Panamera makes a little more sense.
Nobody in a Porsche with a high roof line and arch clearances has my respect because they haven't used their brain to buy a car that suits their needs.
EdM said:
Quite probably one of the most stupid,uninformed posts on this forum I have yet seen.. and having owned a Boxster S, a C2 and a Cayenne S, I and other owners of Cayennes and no doubt many soon to be Macan owners (because they'll sell in their bucket loads) don't give a sh*t...apart from squarely suiting my needs. Did you read the performance figures even..?
Wow Ed - you are a lovely bloke aren't you? Thanks for entertaining an answer to my post without making any reference to what I actually said. You must be blind, but then you bought a Cayenne so that seems to tally.Zircon said:
I just don't get it and find it hard to explain why.
From a sales point of view a 4x4 'off-road' Porsche has been a success, but it shouldn't be if the world made sense and People didn't have more money than sense.
If you need (?) an off-roader be it work horse (Defender) or Luxury (Rangie / Land Cruiser) then all the bases are covered and can't really be bettered.
So who is buying the Cayenne to make the Macan a viable proposition for a prestigious Sports Car maker? And more importantly, why are they buying it? Even the Panamera makes a little more sense.
Nobody in a Porsche with a high roof line and arch clearances has my respect because they haven't used their brain to buy a car that suits their needs.
From a sales point of view a 4x4 'off-road' Porsche has been a success, but it shouldn't be if the world made sense and People didn't have more money than sense.
If you need (?) an off-roader be it work horse (Defender) or Luxury (Rangie / Land Cruiser) then all the bases are covered and can't really be bettered.
So who is buying the Cayenne to make the Macan a viable proposition for a prestigious Sports Car maker? And more importantly, why are they buying it? Even the Panamera makes a little more sense.
Nobody in a Porsche with a high roof line and arch clearances has my respect because they haven't used their brain to buy a car that suits their needs.
Still - you fit the image I have of the average Cayenne owner perfectly - Merry Christmas to you sir.
Ps - this stupid forum user has corrected your uneducated grammar mistakes.
Edited by Zircon on Thursday 19th December 12:40
Zircon said:
EdM said:
Quite probably one of the most stupid uninformed posts on this forum I have yet seen.. and having owned a Boxster S, a C2 and a Cayenne S...I and other owners of Cayenne's and no doubt many soon to be Macan owners (because they'll sell in their bucket loads) don't give sh*t...apart from squarely suiting my needs did you read the performance figures even..?
Wow Ed - you are a lovely bloke aren't you? Thanks for entertaining an answer to my post without making any reference to what I actually said. You must be blind, but then you bought a Cayenne so that seems to tally.Zircon said:
I just don't get it and find it hard to explain why.
From a sales point of view a 4x4 'off-road' Porsche has been a success, but it shouldn't be if the world made sense and People didn't have more money than sense.
If you need (?) an off-roader be it work horse (Defender) or Luxury (Rangie / Land Cruiser) then all the bases are covered and can't really be bettered.
So who is buying the Cayenne to make the Macan a viable proposition for a prestigious Sports Car maker? And more importantly, why are they buying it? Even the Panamera makes a little more sense.
Nobody in a Porsche with a high roof line and arch clearances has my respect because they haven't used their brain to buy a car that suits their needs.
From a sales point of view a 4x4 'off-road' Porsche has been a success, but it shouldn't be if the world made sense and People didn't have more money than sense.
If you need (?) an off-roader be it work horse (Defender) or Luxury (Rangie / Land Cruiser) then all the bases are covered and can't really be bettered.
So who is buying the Cayenne to make the Macan a viable proposition for a prestigious Sports Car maker? And more importantly, why are they buying it? Even the Panamera makes a little more sense.
Nobody in a Porsche with a high roof line and arch clearances has my respect because they haven't used their brain to buy a car that suits their needs.
Still - you fit the image I have of the average Cayenne owner perfectly - Merry Christmas to you sir.
Any owners want to give an intelligent response?
Is it just a need for something fast with more space?
Zircon said:
I just don't get it and find it hard to explain why.
From a sales point of view a 4x4 'off-road' Porsche has been a success, but it shouldn't be if the world was normal and people didn't have more money than sense.
If you need (?) an off-roader / soft-roader, be it work horse (Defender) or Luxury (Rangie / Land Cruiser / Q5/7 / X5) then all the bases are covered and can't really be bettered.
So who is buying the Cayenne to make the Macan a viable proposition for a prestigious Sports Car maker? And more importantly, why are they buying it? Even the Panamera makes a little more sense.
Nobody in a Porsche with a high roof line and arch clearances has my respect because they haven't used their brain to buy a car that suits their needs. That is my opinion though and I would love to hear reasons from a Cayenne owner that might help me change my viewpoint....
I think you are trying to rationalise the human condition of 1) liking new shiny things, 2) being able to show off and 3) the power of a brand... even if the Porsche was bettered by the new Dacia, people would still pay thru the nose for the Porsche regardless.From a sales point of view a 4x4 'off-road' Porsche has been a success, but it shouldn't be if the world was normal and people didn't have more money than sense.
If you need (?) an off-roader / soft-roader, be it work horse (Defender) or Luxury (Rangie / Land Cruiser / Q5/7 / X5) then all the bases are covered and can't really be bettered.
So who is buying the Cayenne to make the Macan a viable proposition for a prestigious Sports Car maker? And more importantly, why are they buying it? Even the Panamera makes a little more sense.
Nobody in a Porsche with a high roof line and arch clearances has my respect because they haven't used their brain to buy a car that suits their needs. That is my opinion though and I would love to hear reasons from a Cayenne owner that might help me change my viewpoint....
As for the point about people not using their brain - well the Porsche is more than capable both on and off road, so not sure where your hang up is... Just because you feel you dont need a luxury, sporty off-roader, who is to say it isnt what another person feels they need...
Its like saying we dont need x-factor as we have mozart... clearly there is a place for it (although my personaly feeling is everyone associated with X-factor needs to be sectioned, but thats just appears to be my own issue :-P )
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