(2017 – 2018) Porsche Macan GTS – Ultimate Guide
For the 2017 model year, Porsche added the Macan GTS trim to the lineup. The new Macan GTS gets a higher-output version of the twin-turbo V-6 that powers the S model. It also gets tweaked performance-oriented chassis, unique design elements and additional standard equipment. The 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 engine delivers 355 bhp @ 6000 rpm and 369 ft lbs of torque from 1650 rpm. Combined with the newly adapted PDK dual-clutch transmission, the Macan GTS can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds, or to the and has a top track speed of 159 mph.
The GTS comes standard with air suspension and adaptive dampers, larger front brakes, 20-inch wheels, and several GTS-specific appearance items. Porsche’s new touchscreen infotainment system is now standard in every Macan. There are also new optional LED headlights, an available heated, microsuede-trimmed steering wheel, and three new exterior colors.
The new Macan GTS also emphasizes its sporty status visually. The standard Sport Design package with new front and rear trim and striking side skirts lends the car a characteristic appearance. The front fascia is characterized by black painted elements – a distinguishing feature of all Porsche GTS models. The LED headlights with Porsche Dynamic Light System (PDLS) and the three-dimensional rear lights with LED light bar are also darkened. The LED headlights can be optionally ordered in black with PDLS Plus. The lowered chassis, 20-inch RS Spyder Design wheels in Satin Black, red brake calipers, and the trim strips in High Gloss Black also emphasize the high-performance appearance. The rear end also gains black accents including a diffuser and the tailpipes of the standard sport exhaust system. The interior got new seats with Alcantara inserts, and for a more personalized cabin, buyers could opt for the GTS leather package that added red seatbelts and red stitching. While the center console was overwhelmed with buttons, it overall offered a great setup and a pleasant clean design.
The other features such as the navigation system, trip computer and general car information were nothing new or surprising. The driving position was still excellent as in the standard Macan and offered great visibility. The Macan GTS offered a firm ride and a direct steering and had standard selectable drive modes. And if the “Sport” mode was still not enough, $3,000 brought a “Sports Plus” button.
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Press Release
Porsche announced the new Macan GTS. With more power, a reengineered suspension, unique GTS-specific exterior and interior appointments, and new connectivity options, the new Macan GTS provides an enthusiastic driving experience that enhances the current Macan range.
Based on the 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine in the Macan S, the Porsche Macan GTS incorporates hardware changes and a unique engine calibration to allow the engine to develop 360 hp (265 kW) at 6000 rpm and 369 lb.-ft. (500 Nm) of torque between a broad 1650-4000 rpm. The rest of the all-wheel-drive powertrain matches up to the Macan Turbo; Porsche’s seven-speed PDK dual-clutch transmission is combined with Porsche’s Traction Management system (PTM) that actuates an electro-hydraulic, multi-plate clutch to variably engage the front axle depending on traction needs. All told, this powertrain package accelerates the Macan GTS to 60 mph in as little as 4.8s (0-100 km/h: 5.0s) in conjunction with the optional Sport Chrono Package and up to a top track speed of 159 mph (256 km/h).
Porsche’s Stability Management system is also recalibrated for this application, and when combined with the Sport Chrono package, it provides an even more dynamic driving experience. Large 360 mm front rotors, with six-piston fixed calipers finished in red, and 330 mm rear rotors, with single-piston calipers also painted in red, provide the braking force needed for performance use and assist with torque vectoring, via Porsche’s optional Torque Vectoring system (PTV).
Air suspension, including Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), comes standard on the Macan GTS. This combination provides adjustable ride height and damper stiffness. These parameters help optimally tune the car for virtually any driving condition. Macan GTS specific suspension tuning also includes a 10-millimeter reduction of standard ride height, compared to the Macan Turbo, further lowering the center of gravity.
The Porsche Macan GTS is characteristically recognized by the many black exterior accents. The window trim is finished in high gloss black, there is a matte finish on the lower body and the Porsche Macan GTS designation on the rear hatch, and the standard 20″ RS Spyder Design wheels are finished in Satin Black. Side blades, located in the lower portion of the doors, are matte black with GTS logos in contrasting gloss black. The Macan GTS will be available with optional LED headlights that feature Porsche’s unique four-point daytime running lights, as well as a cornering light function.
On the inside, the Macan GTS features a standard leather package and GTS sport seats with Alcantara® seat centers and GTS logos on the headrests. An optional GTS interior package, featuring a Carmine Red tachometer and deviated stitching, seat belts, and embroidered GTS logos on the headrests is also available. The standard PCM (Porsche Communication Management system) includes Sound Package Plus, 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.
Two connectivity systems are optional: available for the standard PCM is Porsche Connect, which provides Apple CarPlay™ integration. Porsche Connect Plus is available for the PCM with Navigation system. Connect Plus expands on Connect by including a hot-spot capable LTE modem for connectivity. Passengers can surf the web, while the driver can access real-time traffic, and even transfer destinations and calendar appointments from a smartphone into the PCM.
Sales of the Macan GTS in Germany commence on October 28, 2015. The price including VAT and country-specific equipment is 73,400 euros.
The 2017 Porsche Macan GTS goes on sale in in the US in March 2016, with a base MSRP of $67,200 excluding a destination change.
