You may conceivably conclude that ICE technology is on its way out after this generation of the Porsche Macan.
Please pardon the jest, but the Macan’s most recent update may be the last one to use an internal combustion engine before switching to electricity. Through the most recent, live-streamed annual news conference of Porsche, this was already announced to the entire globe. In 2023, Porsche will release an all-electric version of the Macan, their best-selling vehicle since 2016.
The 2022 Macan was thus welcomed by Porsche Philippines with probably a touch of nostalgia as well. This model’s final update adds a new dimension, making it the “greatest sports vehicle among small SUVs,” according to the manufacturer. The new Macan is the final version to be powered exclusively by internal combustion engines (ICE) before the powertrain is electrified, according to Porsche Philippines Managing Director William Angsiy, who spoke with this author.
But the ICE-powered SUV has already cemented its place in Porsche history, so spare a thought for it. Since the nameplate’s introduction in 2014, more than 600,000 examples have been purchased by owners. Porsche AG stated that the Macan led the company’s charge last year, moving 88,362 units, followed by its larger SUV sibling, the Cayenne. The press conference was presided over by Executive Board Chairman Oliver Blume and CFO Lutz Meschke (83,071).
This indicates that the Macan accounted for about 30% of all sales.
It goes without saying that the new Porsche Macan is touted to be the greatest of its kind; perhaps this is a fitting send-off before the car loses its taste for fossil fuel. The nose is recast, and a body-color inlay is added to visibly enlarge the SUV. LED headlights with the Porsche Dynamic Light System give the front fascia new eyes (PDLS). The Porsche innovation “improves near-field, lateral, and far-field illumination by altering the range of the dipped beam in accordance with driving speed,” the automaker claims. Additionally, dependent on the driver’s speed and steering angle, the dynamic cornering light function turns the primary headlights towards the inside of a road bend. For clearer seeing, static cornering lights activate the auxiliary headlights.
The distinctive sideblades of the Macan have a textured Lava Black finish. A black diffuser that rises up more conspicuously in the back highlights the new Macan’s rear quarters. A LED-powered taillight strip with integrated four-point brake lights is still a recognizable design element. SportDesign external mirrors with V-shaped bases are added to the new Macan, which rolls on 19-inch wheels.
Porsche uses design aspects from the iconic 911 for the Macan, like the instrument cluster’s prominently located rev counter. At the center of the dashboard is an analog clock, another iconic Porsche design feature. The revamped center console offers several online services and touch controls in place of buttons.
A short-throw gear selector lever emphasizes the desire for dynamic performance even more. Gearshift paddles on a multipurpose sports steering wheel are practical and improve handling. The driver and front passenger are kept securely in place while enjoying opulent accommodations thanks to the new Comfort seats’ motorized 14-way adjustment for height, squab and backrest angle, and fore/aft position, according to a press statement from Porsche.
A modified 2.0-liter inline-four turbocharged engine provides power, producing 400Nm of torque from 1,800 rpm to 4,500 rpm and 265 horsepower between 5,000 and 6,000 rpm. “The engine not only produces plenty of power, but it also uses little fuel and does so efficiently thanks to a high-pressure injection system. The statement continued, “The engine’s light weight also results in less load on the front axle, providing dynamic advantages. The active multi-plate clutch of the Porsche Traction Management (PTM) system is electronically controlled. Whatever the power distribution between the drive axles, traction, agility, performance, and safety are all guaranteed. Stability management by Porsche boosts confidence.
A Sport Chrono Package with Mode switch offers set-up adjustments for the chassis, engine, and transmission for more tinkering possibilities. You can choose between Normal, Sport, Sport Plus, and Individual by using the newly designed Mode switch on the steering wheel with the Sport Response button. Other cool gadgets include the Launch Control feature, which maximizes acceleration from a standing start, and Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV Plus), which enhances driving stability and dynamics, especially on curves. The variable engine torque distribution to the rear wheels and the electronically controlled rear differential lock both help to sharpen the steering behavior of the car.
There is now only one trim of the Macan, but according to Angsiy, two more flavors should be available by June, assuming everything goes as planned.
IMAGE SOURCES: CARICOS
