Gulf Insider - 200th Issue

Page 48

Automotive

THE NEW 2022 PORSCHE MACAN: A CLOSER LOOK Gulf Insider compares the latest generation with its predecessor.

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he Macan is a major success story for Porsche. Until 2014, this sport SUV didn’t exist. Yet, it’s now Porsche’s biggest selling model responsible for no less than forty percent of all Porsche models sold. It outsells the 911, the Cayman, the 718, the Cayenne, and the Panamera. I remember how impressed I was driving the Macan for the first time when it had just arrived in Bahrain. It felt like a jumbo hot hatch – a cross between driving a 911 and a Cayenne. I was delighted to drive the latest 2022 model in Bahrain. I was curious

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Gulf Insider April 2022

to discover how Porsche had improved this car. All 2022 models now have a new look to their front end with integrated cooling air intakes and feature a standard 7-speed dual clutch PDK transmission, all-wheel drive and powertrains that are more powerful than their predecessors. The Macan range begins with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 261 hp and 295 lb.-ft. of torque – an increase of 13 hp and 22 lb.-ft. compared to the 2021 model it replaces. The result is 0 to 100 kph in just 5.8 seconds when equipped with the optional Sport Chrono Package (0.3

seconds quicker than previously). The top of the range Macan GTS has a 434 hp version of the 2.9-liter twinturbo V6 and offers zero to 100 kph (with optional Sport Chrono Package) in just 4.1 seconds. Uniquely, the GTS is fitted with Porsche Surface Coated Brakes with red calipers and adaptive air suspension with 10 mm lower ride height as standard, which makes it up to 15 percent stiffer than before. Newly calibrated dampers also offer a greater breadth of comfort and performance. The 2022 model improvements continue inside, with a redesigned


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