Plugging the gap
Macan T joins Porche’s Australian line-up
Porsche Australia has moved to plug the gap between the entry-level and S derivatives in its medium SUV range by introducing the Macan T, which, although no more powerful than its 2.0-litre sibling, offers a lowered suspension, distinctive exterior adornments and variant-specific technical and interior specifications.
Anoraks will know the Zuffenhausenbased brand has offered T variants in its 911 and, more recently, 718 models, since the launch of the 911 T in 1968.
The T, for touring, ‘identifies models that offer an especially authentic driving experience thanks to precise tuning, exclusive equipment and efficient engines’.
The new Macan T is the first fourdoor Porsche to bear the T designation and although its engine develops no more than the 195kw and 400Nm produced by the entry-level Macan, the newcomer’s 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine, which is again paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, does weigh 58.8kg less than the 2.9-litre biturbo V6 motor in the Macan S and GTS.
That fact is not of particular significance, but the Macan T, which retails for $91,500 before on-road costs, differs notably from the Macan, which is listed at $84,400 plus on-road costs, in terms of standard specification.
The former, for example, features the Sport Chrono Package as standard, which should see the new derivative use its Porsche Traction Management all-wheel drive system to accelerate from zero to 100kmh in 6.2 seconds and go on to a top speed of 232kmh.
The Macan T’s steel suspension is complemented with Porsche Active Suspension Management, replete with stiffer anti-roll bars at the front and a ride height that has been lowered by 15mm. The Porsche Traction Management is further said to have been tuned to endow the new derivative with rearbiased handling characteristics.
Adaptive air suspension, which lowers the body by a further 10mm, and Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus are optional.
In terms of its aesthetic execution, the Macan T can be differentiated from its siblings by virtue of its Agate Grey Metallic-coloured front embellishments, exterior mirrors, side blades, roof spoiler and logos on the rear.
The sports tailpipes and side window trims are finished in high-gloss black, the side blades feature Macan T logos and, to round things off, 20-inch dark titanium alloy wheels are fitted.
The Macan T also benefits from the various interior updates that were introduced as part of the range’s recent facelift, which was launched in Australia late last year.
The new derivative has Piano Black interior finishes and, like its siblings, features a touch-sensitive centre console and updated Porsche Communication Management system with a 10.9-inch touchscreen, online navigation, digital radio and Apple Carplay compatibility.
Meanwhile, the standard eight-way electrically adjustable and heated sports seats are trimmed in black leather and their headrests each feature an embossed Porsche crest.
Decorative silver stitching features on the seats, headrests and steering wheel and the centres of the front seats and the outer rear seats might be specified with a Sport-tex Stripe pattern as part of the Macan T interior package.
Standard equipment further includes a multifunction – and heated – sports steering wheel, dash-mounted Sport Chrono stopwatch, black aluminium scuff plates that feature a Macan T logo, Porsche Entry and Drive, automatic dimming interior and exterior mirrors, lane change assist, park assist including reversing camera and surround view, side airbags and privacy glass for the rear compartment, a 75-litre fuel tank and 18-inch collapsible spare wheel.
The consolidated Porsche Macan range is covered by three-yearunlimited-kilometre warranty.