Porsche Macan in the Angeles National Forest
Since its unveiling in 2013, the Porsche Macan has been causing a stir in the compact SUV segment. What can it do? A lot. Will it be affordable? Most definitely. Can it hold its own under the weight of Porsche’s legacy? Without a question.
Offered in two models the Macan S and Macan Turbo, both are exhilarating and powerful, the Macan is poised to be the next “it” car on the scene.
The Macan, Indonesian for tiger has every bit the power that its exotic names represents. On the recent press launch, The Car Diva had the opportunity to put the Macan through the paces via picturesque Angeles National Forest and on the tracks of Willow Springs Raceway.
At First Glance
Sexiness head on!
From the sloping rooflines, overlapping clamshell hood and large air intakes to the “magical hips” of the rear profile and 918 inspired LED Taillights, the Macan has found its own niche in Porsche’s commitment to speed and luxury. Bi-Xenon headlights with PDLS (Porsche Dynamic Light System) are an option on the S and Standard on the Turbo. Standard on both models, the 4-point LED daytime running lights stare down its competitors in high-end fashion. The staggered tires (wider in the back and more narrow in the front) kick up the sporty factor of the Macan while increasing the traction and handling. Sideblades offer another stylish dynamic design cue to the Macans. Available in Lava Black (standard) and carbon fiber as an upgraded option, these features add more personality to the already charming compact SUV.
So, so sexy!
2015 Macan S Interior
The interior of the Macan is gonna cause some serious envy in the compact SUV segment. By DNA alone, Porsche brings some of the highest quality in any segment. The inner cabin of the Macan is quiet and loaded with premium features, both standard and upgradeable options. Supple leather seats cradle you at every turn.
Center Stack
Designed with the driver in mind, the Macan S and Turbo’s controls are clustered in “logical” groups in the space age center stack. Spacing from the steering wheel and controls has been minimized to create the ideal integration of driver’s experience. Blending in the best of a racecar and compact luxury SUV, the Macans are filled with features like round and centrally-located tachometers, high-resolution 4.8-inch color displays in the instrument panel and high resolution 7-inch touchscreen displays, 3-D navigation, a 40-gig hard drive for up to 5000 MP3 files, smartphone connectivity with PCC (Porsche Car Connect), reverse camera, Adaptive Cruise Control, optional lane keep assist and radar sensors to avoid collision (ACC)
My giggle fest began when I was told about the optional Burmester sound system. Any audiophile worth their weight in gold would probably pass out knowing that the Burmester® High-End Surround System is an option in the Macan. Imagine the best concert experience placed on four wheels with the playlist of your dreams at the tip of your finger…now multiply that by 100. Boom!
Bring On The Power and Performance
Macan Turbo Engine
From the initial roar of the engine as you turn the ignition, the Porsche Macan S and Turbo let it be known that they were here on a mission. If you are feeling like tackling your inner speed demon the Turbo’s 3.6-liter twin turbo engine unleashes 400 ponies at 6,000rpm and can hit 0-60 in 4.6 seconds. Respectfully, the Macan S pushes out 340 ponies via a 3.0-liter V6 twin engine and can hit 0-60 in 5.2 seconds.
Macan S Engine
Headed through the national forest with all its twists, turns and unexpected downgrades and straightaways, the Macan stepped up to the plate and knocked it out the park. The Active All-Wheel Drive (part of the Porsche Traction Management system) that comes standard on all Macans instantaneously transfers power to adapt to the terrain. Along with that 6th sense of handling comes the fuel-efficient factor that comes into play. The standard PDK and the overall design of the Macan produces segment envious fuel consumption. One of the many “standard” features that would be offered as an option for some of the Macan competitors is the “Auto Start Stop” feature that shuts off the engine when the speed dips to 1.2 mph. When the brake is released the engine quickly restarts. Also as a new “first” in the Porsche camp is the inclusion of the PDK (Porsche Dopplekupplung) high performance seven-speed transmission. Porsche’s jewel of a transmission includes faster gear changes, outstanding shift comfort, excellent start-up performance, selection of correct gear and contributing to minimal fuel consumption.
Eennie, Meenie, Miney, Mo
The Macan S and Turbo offer varied driving modes. Standard on the Macan Turbo, and an option on the Macan S, the PASM (Porsche Active Suspension Management) system has three programs, “Comfort,” Sport,” and “Sport Plus”. Rolling through the hills and valleys was made more relaxing in the Comfort mode. Rotating from laid back to white-knuckled experiences, the Macan can form fit any drivers’ desired option. The suspension can also be adjusted via an optional air suspension that includes a leveling system. Levels ranging from High, Normal and Low, the Macans can reach a maximum ground clearance of 7.09 and 9.06 inches depending on which mode the Macan is in.
Diva Start Your Engine
Track Ready!
Not everyday does a woman get instruction from instructors at the Porsche Driving School AND told to punch it on the track. Well both of those rarities happened at Willow Springs Raceway, about 90 miles north of Los Angeles. After a brief overview of the track it was time to put the pedal to the metal. The first driving module was the “Horse Thief Mile Handling Experience.” Paired with my own instructor, we set out to see what this pretty baby could do. Following the cones as markers for the apex of the curves we were off. Glancing at the gauge and seeing 80 mph AND the instructor telling me to “punch it” I knew the Macan Turbo was my kind of SUV. Gripping the turns like the wheels were made of crazy glue, the Macan Turbo hugged the road and was fluid in its responses. Braking at the apex of the track and then peeling out in full throttle, the Macan is a racecar at heart. Tracks and compact SUVs rarely share the same space, but when that SUV is a Porsche Macan it seems second nature.
Next up was the” Streets of Willow Springs Lead-Follow” module. Here is where I had the Macan Turbo all to myself. Linked by a walkie-talkie from the instructor, it was time to earn my stripes. Confidence at an all time high it was time to floor it. Pacing two car lengths behind each SUV we bobbed and weaved through the tracks with precision. Slowing when needed and back up to top speed, the Macan Turbo “Sport” mode did not skip a beat. Adrenaline pulsing and white knuckle gripping the steering, the gear changes are tight and quick. The engine also has a noticeable bottom heavy roar.
Off Road Lead-Follow
The final module was the “Off Road Lead-Follow.” SUVs in theory were designed to function on multiple terrains, but most drivers are city dwellers whose most rugged experience are the awful potholes that plague this nation. Not the case for the Macan S and Turbo. A “harmless” looking dip offered the ideal opportunity to see what the Macan could do. A rock at the base of a ditch covered by soft dirt was no match for the Macan in “Off Road” mode paired with all-wheel drive. The natural instinct of getting stuck was quelled by the instructors words, ‘Keep coming, you got it. Just let her do what she was designed to do.’ In mere seconds the Macan rocked and rolled its way over the rock and up the hill and on to the next challenge. Now rolling up the hill to a point where the clear blue sky was my only view, the Macan S clawed its way up. Perched at the top overlooking the previously conquered tracks, the Macan S and Turbo is the perfect choice for all driving needs and experiences your heart desired.
Color me hooked and a new fan of the new Porsche Macan S and Turbo!
Porsche aficionados, new converters, and hipster alike can all find a natural fit in the 2015 Macan S or Turbo.
MRSP range from $49,900 to $72,300
For more info on the Macans or any fine Porsches click here.