A Name Meaning "Tiger"

The SUV world is a fiercely competitive arena, with manufacturers releasing a multitude of models. Porsche itself analyzes the reason why customers would choose their vehicle from this crowded category by stating, "It's because it's a model from the manufacturer that created the911."

Even if theCayman's lap times on the circuit approach those of the 911, and even if the current "cash cow" is theCayenne, the brand's reverence for the 911 remains unwavering.

The Leipzig factory, which has assembled the Cayenne andPanamera, has undergone its largest investment since its founding. The Macan, named "tiger" in Indonesian, is produced here, from body welding and painting to final assembly.



It's only natural that its appearance shares a similar image with its larger sibling, the Cayenne, clearly looking like a "Porsche." The design, particularly the emblem placed in the center of the simply shaped tailgate with slim taillights mounted on either side, could even be described as "very similar to the 911."

While this model asserts its identity as a Porsche, it's also an interesting story that it shares its basic structure with the Audi Q5, launched in 2006, leveraging its membership in the VW Group for a rational design.

A Distinctly "Wide & Low" Impression

Initially, the Macan lineup features four power unit options, including a diesel, paired with the proven 7-speed PDK. In Japan, three gasoline engine variants have already been officially announced.

In the Cayenne, the V8 engine models were positioned as the series' main players for both the first generation (announced in 2002) and the second generation (announced in 2010). In contrast, the Macan's main engine is the V6. The "S" grade uses a 3-liter unit, primarily based on the one first introduced in the Panamera.

The top-grade "Turbo" model features a 3.6-liter unit based on this, both equipped with direct-injection heads and twin turbochargers. The base model is powered by a 2-liter inline-4 turbo.



The first model driven at the international press event, based at the aforementioned Leipzig factory, was the series' most powerful variant, the "Turbo" grade. Comparing the "Turbo" grades, the Macan is 145mm shorter and 75mm lower than the Cayenne. However, the width difference is only 15mm. As a result, the form gives a much stronger impression of being "wide and low."

While the term "compact," often heard in discussions, might seem a stretch, the impression is undeniably sportier than the Cayenne. With a hip point about 70mm lower, it also offers excellent ease of entry and exit.

Conversely, the reduced "command view" might be a point of contention, but the overall reduction in bulk undeniably makes it feel "more approachable."

The Same Time as the Latest 911 Carrera

The interior, meticulously crafted with the "grammar" of a modernPorsche, exudes a premium quality befitting its status. A light press of the accelerator pedal reveals its capabilities.

Even at this point, the car's performance is clearly "beyond reproach." Pushed forward by substantial torque from the very start, it quickly reached over 250 km/h on the open autobahn. The 0-100 km/h acceleration time is officially stated at a mere 4.8 seconds – as swift as the latest 911 Carrera equipped with a manual transmission.



Interestingly, the "robustness" during acceleration was more subdued than anticipated.

The sound quality is indeed powerful, but its volume is surprisingly restrained. Furthermore, during cruising at low throttle openings, the quietness is far greater than expected. Combined with the supple ride of the suspension, whether standard or the optional air suspension – touted as "unique in its class" – the car offers an unexpectedly relaxing driving experience.

Nevertheless, this is a Porsche. On the circuit adjacent to the factory, its claim of being a "sports car in the compact SUV segment" was fully realized.

The DNA of a Historic Sports Car

Switching from the "Turbo" to the "S" grade, the driving excitement was undeniably more subdued.

Even so, it is still absolutely fast. The "milder" impression is purely in comparison to the "Turbo" grade; the 3-liter unit, producing a maximum of 340 hp, endows this model with excellent acceleration, easily achieving 0-100 km/h in the low 5-second range.

The Cayenne's global success, followed by the launch of the four-door, full four-seater sedan "Panamera," and now the introduction of the Macan – observing these recent developments, some might naturally conclude thatPorscheis no longer a "sports car manufacturer."

However, as mentioned, this brand places the utmost importance on its historic sports car DNA. This is precisely the greatest value of Porsche's SUVs and sedans.

Porsche Macan S | ポルシェ マカン S
Body Dimensions | Length 4,680 x Width 1,925 x Height 1,625 mm
Wheelbase | 2,805 mm
Tread Front/Rear | 1,655 / 1,650 mm
Weight (DIN) | 1,865 kg
Engine | 2,997 cc V6, Direct Injection DOHC Twin-Turbo
Compression Ratio | 9.8 : 1
Bore x Stroke | 96.0 x 69.0 mm
Max. Output | 250 kW (340 ps) / 5,500-6,500 rpm
Max. Torque | 460 Nm / 1,450-5,000 rpm
Transmission | 7-speed Automatic (7 PDK)
Gear Ratio | 1st 3.69
　　　　2nd 2.15
　　　　3rd 1.41
　　　　4th 1.03
　　　　5th 0.79
　　　　6th 0.63
　　　　7th 0.52
Final Drive Ratio (Front/Rear) | 3.88 / 4.40
Drivetrain | 4WD
Suspension Front | 5-link
Suspension Rear | Double Wishbone
Tires Front/Rear | 235/60R18 / 255/55R18
Brakes Front | Ventilated Disc (φ350 x 34 mm)
Brakes Rear | Ventilated Disc (φ330 x 22 mm)
Top Speed | 254 km/h
0-100 km/h Acceleration | 5.4 seconds (5.2 seconds with Sport Chrono Package)
0-1,000m Acceleration | 25.7 seconds (25.4 seconds with Sport Chrono Package)
Fuel Economy (NEDC) | 9.0-8.7 L/100km (11.1-11.5 km/L)
CO2 Emissions | 212-204 g/km
Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L
Trunk Capacity (VDA) | 500-1,500 Liters
Price | ¥7,190,000 (8% incl. tax)

Porsche Macan Turbo | ポルシェ マカン ターボ
Body Dimensions | Length 4,700 x Width 1,925 x Height 1,625 mm
Wheelbase | 2,805 mm
Tread Front/Rear | 1,655 / 1,650 mm
Weight (DIN) | 1,925 kg
Engine | 3,604 cc V6, Direct Injection DOHC Twin-Turbo
Compression Ratio | 10.5 : 1
Bore x Stroke | 96.0 x 83.0 mm
Max. Output | 294 kW (400 ps) / 6,000 rpm
Max. Torque | 550 Nm / 1,350-4,500 rpm
Transmission | 7-speed Automatic (7 PDK)
Gear Ratio | 1st 3.69
　　　　2nd 2.15
　　　　3rd 1.41
　　　　4th 1.03
　　　　5th 0.79
　　　　6th 0.63
　　　　7th 0.52
Final Drive Ratio (Front/Rear) | 4.13 / 4.67
Drivetrain | 4WD
Suspension Front | 5-link
Suspension Rear | Double Wishbone
Tires Front/Rear | 235/55R19 / 255/50R19
Brakes Front | Ventilated Disc (φ360 x 36 mm)
Brakes Rear | Ventilated Disc (φ356 x 28 mm)
Top Speed | 266 km/h
0-100 km/h Acceleration | 4.8 seconds (4.6 seconds with Sport Chrono Package)
0-1,000m Acceleration | 24.2 seconds (23.9 seconds with Sport Chrono Package)
Fuel Economy (NEDC) | 9.2-8.9 L/100km (10.9-11.2 km/L)
CO2 Emissions | 216-208 g/km
Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L
Trunk Capacity (VDA) | 500-1,500 Liters
Price | ¥9,970,000 (8% incl. tax)