If the Macan S is just a little to tame for you and a Macan Turbo a little to hot, then the new Porsche Macan GTS might be just your speed. Porsche took the wraps off its latest compact utility vehicle earlier today promising a car that’s more dynamic and fun to drive than the S model.
The 3.0 liter twin-turbocharged V6 has been reworked and recalibrated to deliver 20 more horsepower for a total of 360 hp at 6,000 rpm. As with the Macan S, the power gets to the wheels through a 7-speed dual clutch PDK transmission and their proprietary traction management system which uses a multi-plate clutch to engage the front wheels when road conditions require it. The result is a Macan that’s nearly half a second quicker 0-60 than the S and can reach a top speed of 159 miles per hour.
The suspension and brakes have been retooled and retuned to deliver a more sporting and energetic ride. Ride height has been lowered 10 millimeters and Porsche’s active suspension management comes standard on the GTS allowing you to adjust the ride height and damper stiffness. Up front the Macan GTS sports 14.2 inch rotors with six-piston fixed red painted calipers. The rear rotors are 13 inches in diameter with friction provided by single-piston calipers.
As expected, the Macan GTS uses a combination of high-gloss and matte black accents to differentiate it from the S model. The GTS also has unique satin black, 20-inch RS Spyder Design wheels. You can upgrade the standard lighting to Porsche’s signature LED headlights with four-point daytime running lamps.
Inside, the Macan GTS sport leather seats have Alcantara seating areas and the GTS logo in the headrest. There’s an optional interior package that includes a Carmine Red tachometer, contrast stitching and seat belts. The standard infotainment system features eight speakers, a USB and aux-in interface, SiriusXM® and HD radio™, and Bluetooth® capability. An optional PCM with Navigation module includes a hard-drive based navigation system that supports 3D navigation display, satellite image overlays, and dynamic route calculation. System upgrades include Apple CarPlay and a 4G-LTE modem.
The 2017 Macan GTS goes on sale in March 2016, with a base price of $67,200, approximately $15,000 more than the Macan S.