Fast-starting Porsche Macan Turbo arrives in Oz ahead of time

Aussie customers are already taking delivery of an uprated Porsche Macan Turbo, just days after the global launch of the flagship model in the Macan range. Announced at the end of August and making its public debut at the Frankfurt motor show, the Macan Turbo has arrived in Australia in record time.

For 2020 the range-topping Macan is powered by a 2.9-litre V6 that also powers the Cayenne S and Panamera 4S models. It's a smaller engine than the previous 3.6-litre unit, but the new mill produces 30kW more power, for a figure of 324kW. Torque is unchanged, at 550Nm, which means the new engine can match the previous car's Performance Package for power, but not torque – that model generating as much as 600Nm. The new engine produces peak torque between engine speeds of 1800 and 5600rpm.

Both the turbochargers are located within the valley of the V-configured engine, reducing the distance from the exhaust to the turbines for faster response. Porsche claims that the new Macan Turbo will accelerate from standing start to 100km/h in 4.3 seconds, an improvement of 0.3 seconds.

Much has been made of the new engine's thirst for fuel, compared with the older, larger engine (10L/100km versus 9.2), but the official fuel consumption figure for the earlier car pre-dates the implementation of WLTP testing.

Larger brakes have been specified for the upgrade model and the suspension has been fettled too – with the introduction of lightweight (aluminium) components and new geometry. Air suspension is standard for the Macan Turbo in Australian specification and has been improved for 2020.

The ventilated disc rotors measure 390x38mm at the front (with six-piston aluminium monobloc calipers) and 356x28mm at the rear. A tungsten-carbide coating for the brakes increases the coefficient of friction, for faster stopping and rust-inhibiting properties. According to the manufacturer, brake pad dust is reduced by up to 90 per cent.

As standard, the Porsche Macan Turbo rides on 21-inch alloy wheels, with 265/40 ZR21 tyres at the front and 295/35 ZR21 tyres at the rear.

The 2.9-litre Macan Turbo is more expensive than the model it replaces, the price of $142,000 nearly $9000 higher. But the 2020 model is over $4000 less than the Performance Package option.

The facelift accompanying the engine upgrade is subtle, to say the least. Larger headlight clusters and a wider air inlet in the front apron, below the registration plate mount, are the key visual changes at the front. The (adaptive) Porsche Dynamic Light System headlight units have been revised also. A new roof spoiler, exclusive to the Turbo model, features 'through-flow' from above and two vertical fins.

Improved driver-assistance technology links the adaptive cruise control with the lane keep assist system to provide semi-autonomous motoring at speeds up to 65km/h in traffic. Both adaptive cruise control and lane change assist are options in Australia.

As with other variants in the Macan range, the Turbo is treated to a new infotainment system that features standard navigation, a 10.9-inch full-HD touch screen, voice control and Porsche's own 'Connect Plus' system. A Bose premium audio system is new to the Macan and exclusive to the Turbo flagship.

New options include an in-cabin air ioniser, a heated windscreen, a smartphone compartment with inductive phone charging and a multi-function 'GT sports' steering wheel also available in the 911.

"The new Macan Turbo takes the car a step further in every dimension," says Porsche spokesman and product expert for the Macan, Ben Weinberger.

"It is more powerful, faster, more agile, more connected, and the design too has been tightened up," Weinberger summarised the changes in translation from his native German.

The vehicle pictured is specified with a number of extra-cost options, including Crayon paint ($4970), panoramic sunroof ($3370), 21-inch sport classic alloys in high-gloss black finish ($1740) and Sport Chrono package ($2390).