Tech-loaded & ready for roads ahead

MANILA, Philippines — The new Porsche Macan holds its position as a techie SUV with distinctive exterior features such as the new LED tail light panel that ensure that it is ready for the future.

When one gets into the cockpit of the Porsche Macan the first thing that comes to mind is just how tech-loaded it is. The Macan offers comprehensive connectivity and new digital functions with its Communication Management system in a 10.9-inch touchscreen.

With the new Porsche Communication Management (PCM), the Macan opens up possibilities of the digital Porsche world. The full-HD touchscreen has increased in size from 7.2 to 10.9 inches. An expanded range of options with enhanced assistance systems is available for new Macan.

To die for is the cockpit of the Macan for a lover of technology like me. It is the interconnection of the enhanced Porsche Communication Management (PCM) that is accessed through its touchscreen, which has been increased in size from 7.2 to 10.9 inches. The increase in size makes it easy on the eyes and much safer to glance at when behind the wheel.  Because of the online voice recognition, voice inputs are more intuitive than before. In addition, the Voice Pilot does not just permit control of navigation functions. The system also understands commands for controlling music and vehicle functions.

What an engine

The Macan comes with two engines that one can ponder on. There is enhanced 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The Macan S is powered by a new V6 engine with 3.0-liter displacement and twin-scroll turbocharger in central turbo layout. The seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (PDK) and the PTM all-wheel drive are perfectly matched to the new engines.

I fell in love with the Macan because it remains safe and fun. The revamped chassis increases driving pleasure by ensuring a more neutral response while at the same time offering unchanged stability and improved comfort.

There is the  six-cylinder engine of the Macan S is a high-tech power unit. The most wonderful feature is the mono turbocharger located in the central turbo layout. Like all Porsche cars and SUVs I have been behind the wheel of this Porsche responds quickly — just as I expect it to and as it should.

The new twin-scroll turbocharger provides high torque in the low engine speed range. At the same time, it contributes to enhanced responsiveness. With twin-scroll technology, the exhaust gas flows are continuously fed to the turbine wheel as separate streams. Optimized inline four-cylinder engine dual-clutch transmission (PDK) was adapted so that the potential of the new engines can be fully exploited. In Sport mode, the transmission is now even more responsive and allows very fast gear changes. In Normal mode, the PDK shifts rapidly and comfortably to higher gears. This saves fuel and increases comfort when driving long distances. In combination with the adaptive cruise control (ACC), the modified PDK now also offers coasting mode, which additionally reduces fuel consumption under real driving conditions.

Tech, Tech baby

The Sport Chrono Package is now in the Macan by means of the mode switch integrated in the steering wheel. In addition to the Normal, Sport and Sport Plus driving modes, it is also possible to select an Individual mode. The driver can store an individual setup and can activate it directly with the mode switch. The Sport Response button in the middle of the mode switch allows the driver to boost the responsiveness of the Macan for 20 seconds at the push of a button so that the maximum performance is immediately available. The sports car among compact SUVs then reacts to accelerator pedal commands much more spontaneously and achieves optimum acceleration values more quickly. The Sport Response function can be activated any number of times.

A lot of detailed work has also gone into the brakes of the new Macan. I noticed the changed pedal feeling. Safety is always the best option.

Better to see 

The front-end of the Macan has been comprehensively revamped. The wraparound bonnet remains a characteristic feature, providing the compact SUV with its flowing silhouette. The headlights have also been completely redesigned and are now always realized using LED technology. In daylight, the interior of the headlights in the three-dimensional light modules catches the eye. This is a future-oriented lighting technology in the Macan.

The four LED units arranged in a square around the central module form the four-point daytime running lights typical for Porsche. They also support the central LED unit in optimum illumination of the road directly in front of the vehicle. There is an LED unit located under the central element that improves illumination of the road when main beam is switched on.

One last word.

The Macan can also be optionally equipped with enhanced thermally and noise insulated laminated glass. A new acoustic film in the laminated glass design provides improvements in three key areas: almost all of harmful UV rays are completely blocked, noise from the outside is reduced even more effectively, and the protection against breaking into the vehicle is increased. With this equipment option, which is also available separately, all windows behind the B-pillar are heavily tinted. This tinting reduces visible light to below 20 percent for the rear side windows.

Technology is at work in its finest in the Porsche Macan. Driving just got me high — high-tech, that is.