Porsche adds Macan T to range 17 | 02 | 2022
PORSCHE HAS INTRODUCED a new model to the Macan range. Porsche says the new Macan T is focused on being a lightweight, driver-focused version of the top selling SUV. Sitting between the standard Macan and the S model in the range, the T is available to order now priced from £53,970. First deliveries are scheduled for Spring. (Related: Porsche Macan EV on test)
Based on the lightest version of the current Macan range, the T — it’s the first four-door sports car from the Stuttgart marque to wear the special ’T’ for ‘Touring’ designation — is powered by the 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder turbo producing 261bhp, ditching the heavier six-cylinder power unit. In addition, the new model benefits from new suspension settings, which Porsche says are designed to offer more precision and agility than any previous Porsche SUV. (Related: More power for facelifted Porsche Macan)
The lighter 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine from the entry-level Macan saves 58.8kg over the 2.9-litre V6 fitted to the Macan S. Producing 261bhp and 400Nm of torque, the Macan T will cover 0-62mph in 6.2secs and carry on to a top speed of 144mph. But more significantly, by shedding the extra weight Porsche promises the T should feel keener to turn in. It should also deliver a sweeter steer than V6-powered models, enhanced further by the car’s revised chassis settings. (Related: Porsche Taycan Sport Turismo on sale)
PASM adaptive dampers and steel coil springs have been fitted to the Macan T as standard, though air suspension is available as an option. Sitting 15mm lower than the standard Macan, the T can be lowered a further 10mm with the air suspension. A stiffer front anti-roll bar should provide a more responsive turn in.
Drive — as across the entire Macan range — is fed to all four wheels through a seven-speed PDK gearbox. And for more athleticism, the Macan T has been given a more rear-biased set-up. A recalibrated Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus system is available as an option.
Externally there are a number of subtle styling tweaks, including metallic grey accents on the front bumper, side blades, door mirrors and roof spoiler. Look closely and you’ll note the Porsche badges have also taken on a grey hue. Elsewhere, the side window surrounds and exhaust tailpipes have been painted in gloss black. The dark theme continues with 20in dark titanium alloys, lifted from the Macan S. (Related: Porsche Boxster 25 Years)
Inside the cabin the black leather sports seats feature Sport-Tex inserts, plus the headrests feature embossed Porsche crests. Silver stitching has also been used to pick out the seats, headrests and a multi-function GT heated sports steering wheel. Further standard kit includes unique black ‘Macan T’ sill plates and a sports chrono stopwatch which sits proudly on top of the dashboard. (Related: Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid gets update)
Not surprisingly, the Macan T also includes the 10.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system seen elsewhere across the Macan range. It includes Porsche’s PCM software, which includes satellite navigation as standard.
Customers can choose from a range of 13 solid, metallic and special exterior colours. First deliveries of the Macan T will start this Spring, and customers will be invited for a special driving experience at Silverstone.
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Jim McGill