Sales Respond Positively To Porsche Macan’s Power Options

When the four-cylinder Porsche went on sale last summer, there were probably more than a few sales execs with grumbly tummies. They had good reason to be nervous. They were taking the line's best-seller, the Macan, and dropping in a four-cylinder engine. To some, it must have been akin to taking off a trash can, dropping in an M80 firework – with the fuse lit – putting the cover back on and waiting for the inevitable BAWOOM.

Some were doubtless fearful that the marque’s best-seller was going to be powered by a four. Others were doubtlessly fretful because the concept was a leap into the unknown with unpredictable consequences. For some, though, the confident few near the top with no doubts, it was the right move, right time. Indeed, it was.

Right Move, Right Time

Since going on sale during the summer, the four-cylinder Macan has rocketed up to 40 percent of the crossover’s sales, where it has remained. Klaus Zellmer, Porsche Cars North America chief exec, confidently told Automotive News recently that he believes the sales record will hold.

“Eighty percent of the customers that have bought the car previously didn’t have a Porsche – that is a lot. So we are actually able, with that car, to onboard new customers into the brand, which is exactly what we are always trying to do. It works really well,” a confident Zellmer said.

With one four-cylinder and three six-cylinder engine choices, anyone who wants to combine excellent handling and impeccable road manners with a high level of refinement needs to look no further than the Macan lineup.

The refined handling and sophistication designed into the compact Macan belie the enormous potential available at the push of a start button. The base model has a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four. The blower-driven four delivers 252 horsepower and 273 pounds-feet of torque. Many people are quite happy with that power level.

However, there are others who want more. Porsche provides three options for them:

• Macan S, 3.0-liter V-6 twin turbo that stirs things up a bit with 340 horsepower and 339 pounds-feet of torque
• Macan GTS, 3.0-liter V-6 twin turbo that squeezes out 360 horsepower and 369 pounds-feet of torque
• Macan Turbo, 3.6-liter V-6 twin-turbo that cranks 400 horsepower and 406 pounds-feet of torque.

No Body Roll, Lean

The all-wheel-drive compact crossover dials out body roll or lean so that it is an incredibly stable platform. Through turns and around corners, the Macan handles as if it is on rails. An eight-speed automatic takes power from the turbo mill delivering it flawlessly to the all-wheel-drive system. The Macan four-cylinder choice arrived at dealerships less than six months ago, quickly becoming Porsche’s high-volume nameplate, passing the Cayenne, the automaker’s midsized crossover nameplate. Through November, Macan sales increased 44 percent to 17,536 vehicles.

While Zellmer didn’t provide the conquest rate, it was evident that he was happy with it. He estimated that fully 80 percent of Macan buyers were new to the nameplate when it debuted three model years ago. That rate fell off over time but has been renewed again with the four-cylinder version. The happy executive said was satisfied with the results. “We’re rather happy to see that conquest rate,” he said smiling.