2017 Porsche Macan GTS

Porsche is enriching the Macan model series by adding an even sportier version. The new Porsche Macan GTS occupies a position between the Macan S and the Macan Turbo. Its mission is to promote the synthesis between sports car and SUV. Its promise is more driving fun combined with exclusivity in design. This means that the Macan is now also following the GTS product strategy that Porsche has been successfully pursuing in other model series for years.

The Porsche Macan GTS is now the tenth offshoot of the GTS family to line up at the start. And as one might expect, it steps up to the mark with enhanced driving dynamics and increased engine power. Its engine is based on the V6 bi-turbo of the Macan S. Thanks to more effective air induction by means of the reworked intake tract and reduced exhaust backpressure together with a boost pressure increased by 0.2 bar to a maximum of 1.2 bar, the three-litre petrol engine now produces an extra 20 hp - 360 instead of 340 hp. At the same time, the maximum torque increases from 460 to 500 Nm at 1450 to 5000 rpm. Power is transmitted via the seven-speed Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) fitted as standard. It permits lightning-fast gear shifts without any interruption in traction, automatically or optionally via paddles on the steering wheel.

If it says GTS on the tin, then there must also be more cornering fun inside. Consequently, the Macan GTS impresses with increased driving dynamics. Its handling is even more agile, it steers into corners even more willingly and takes fast alternating bends with increased precision. All in all, the GTS treatment helps the Macan to display a dynamic talent far beyond the conventional SUV standards. Yet even within the Macan series, the GTS establishes itself as the sportiest version. This is achieved through extensive redesigning of the chassis. The Macan GTS sits 15 millimetres closer to the ground than the Macan S and the adaptive damper control of the Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) - a standard feature here - has an even sportier setting.

Porsche Macan - the sports car among SUVs

Of course, the chassis with optional air suspension also matches the essence of the GTS. In the normal state, the lowering of the chassis is ten millimetres, with ground clearance continuing to vary according to the driving situation.

In addition, a considerable proportion of the excellent driving characteristics of the Macan GTS is due to the mixed tyres: fitted as standard at the front are 265/45 R20 tyres and at the rear 295/40 R 20. Optimum braking values are also a question of honour at Porsche. Consequently, the brakes have been adapted to the sportier dynamics as a matter of course. The GTS comes with the braking system of the Macan Turbo.

On request, Porsche also offers new LED headlights, which are enjoying their premiere in the Macan model range with the Macan GTS. Among the advantages of the new light system are precise illumination with qualities similar to daylight and the motorway light with extended range. The LED technology also enables maximum light penetration in all weather conditions and hence also in fog.

Another contribution to the exemplary driving dynamics of the Macan GTS comes from the typical Porsche all-wheel drive. At the heart of this is a transfer case with map-controlled multi-plate clutch. Supplemented by an Automatic Brake Differential (ABD) on the rear axle and the anti-slip regulation (ASR), these components form the Porsche Traction Management (PTM). The decisive benefit is that PTM permits control of the torque distribution with pinpoint accuracy and virtually no delay. In normal circumstances, the entire power flows to the rear wheels, but if necessary PTM is also able to direct up to 100 per cent of the power to the front wheels. For ambitious GTS drivers this system has yet another card up its sleeve: throttle-induced oversteer is possible, provided that the driver activates the Sport Plus mode and the optional, electronically controlled differential lock (PTV Plus) is installed.

With the sporty GTS design

As usual, the special appearance is also part of the GTS identity. Its individual look clearly distinguishes the Macan GTS from its fellow models in the series. In this regard, the GTS design retains what is now an established pattern: a lot of black - applied as optical highlights in high gloss above the waistline, while those in the lower body sections have a lustrous matt finish.

The Sport Design package is standard in the GTS, but in an individual version with matt black elements. Among other things, it includes front and rear aprons as well as the roof spoiler in high-gloss black. Also part of the GTS outfit are exclusive matt black 20-inch wheels in Spyder design, headlights with black inserts, smoked rear lights and the gleaming black lettering on the unique matt-black side blades. The sports exhaust system provides the appropriate acoustic effect, which in the GTS emerges sonorously from black twin tailpipes.

The interior of the Macan GTS also displays its own individual character. Both driver and front passenger sit on special sport seats in the GTS. They are distinguished by Alcantara centre panels and GTS logo in the headrests and are fitted with electric 8-way adjustment as standard. A choice of four interior colours is on offer: Black, Luxor Beige, Agate Grey or Saddle Brown, each combined with additional Alcantara trim on the side and central armrests that is included as standard. An interior package designed specifically for the GTS can be ordered as an option. It extends the standard equipment by adding black leather trims as well as decorative stitching, floor mats, belts and GTS logos on the headrests in the contrasting colours of Rhodium Silver and Carmine Red. This same colour scheme also appears on the instrument dials.

Porsche Communication Management

Rounding off the package is the completely new Porsche Communication Management (PCM), which recently made its debut in the new generation of the Porsche 911. The centrepiece of this connectivity and infotainment system is the interface in the form of a high-resolution seven-inch multi-touch monitor. Its operating principle is similar to that of common smartphones. Maps and menus can be controlled by multi-touch gestures.

The system also allows for handwritten entries and offers the option of speech control. Mobile phones and smartphones can now be integrated faster and more comprehensively via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or cable. This allows passengers to use Internet-based services such as Google Street View and Internet radio whenever they wish. Traffic information is available in real time and guarantees the driver an up-to-date view of the situation on the roads. Other constituents of the PCM are Porsche Car Connect and the Porsche Connect app, with features including remote control of vehicle functions, transfer of destinations to the PCM for navigation purposes and the use of music streaming services from third-party providers via the PCM.

The price in Germany is 73,400 euros (including VAT and country-specific equipment).

The 2017 Porsche Macan GTS goes on sale in in the US in March 2016, with a base MSRP of $67,200 excluding a destination change.