TOKYO MOTOR SHOW: Porsche launches Macan GTS

Porsche Australia has slipped a new GTS version of its compact Macan SUV into the local model mix while gifting the entire range for MY2017 (what happened to MY2016?) with added standard equipment that bumps prices across the board.

Priced and specified mid-way between the entry S model and the pumped up Turbo version, the new GTS is tagged at $109,500, placing it $16,400 above the petrol-engined MY2017 Macan S and $20,800 less expensive than the top of the range Turbo – both of which have been adjusted upwards.

The extra money above the Macan S brings further handling refinements along with increased performance that trims zero to 100km/h acceleration down to an even five seconds when fitted with the optional Sport Chrono package, or 5.2 seconds in regular trim. Top speed is quoted at 256km/h.

The 3.0-litre V6 twin-turbo engine comes from the Macan S and has been squeezed to pump out more energy, lifting power from 250kW in the S version to 265kW, with torque leaping from 460Nm to 500Nm. All of this is advertised by a throatier-than-standard exhaust system.

Porsche doesn’t go into details about how it went about tweaking the V6 for the added power and torque but it can be assumed it would be largely attributable to software manipulation. Fuel economy and CO2 readings have not yet been announced, although it’s probably close to the Macan S that consumes 8./7L/100km and emits 204g/km of CO2.

The all-wheel drive system is fed through Porsche’s seven-speed PDK twin-clutch transmission and is controlled by the company’s PTM traction management system that feeds power to where it’s best suited. The lower-set suspension (by 15mm) works through

Porsche’s active PASM  system which has been tuned for sportier behaviour, while the four-wheel ventilated disc brakes have also been attended to with the extra performance in mind.

Externally, the lower ride height and matt black 20 inch RS Spyder wheels work with a model-specific version of the Sport Design package and combined matt/gloss black accents to ensure no Macan GTS is going to slip by without attracting attention.

The Macan GTS gets its own sports seats up front, along with Alcantara trim features and Porsche’s new PCM connectivity/infotainment system with the touch-screen LCD display incorporating a range of upgraded, more intuitive functions.

Standard equipment across the Macan range, from S upwards, now includes digital DAB+ radio, lane departure warning and three-zone climate control. Porsche is also adding LED headlights to the options list for the GTS Macan.

The cheapest Macan remains the S Diesel variant which has been bumped from $88,000 to $91,990 for the MY2017 model year.

The new Macan GTS is available at Porsche dealers now. Other MY2017 models will go on sale early in 2016.