2014 Porsche Macan Engine and Drivetrain

When we test drove the 2014 Porsche Panamera S, we came away with an excellent impression of the newly developed all-aluminum twin-turbocharged V6.  Both versions of the North American launch Macan S and Macan Turbo have engines based on this same architecture with the S using a lower pressure version at the same displacement, and the Macan Turbo upping the size to 3.6 liters.  Based on the Porsche 4.8 liter V8, this V6 essentially removes the front two cylinders and exchanges them for turbochargers.

The Macan S employs a 3.0 liter version of the engine, exactly the same size as that in the Panamera S, Panamera 4S, and Panamera 4S Executive. Unlike the sedan’s engine, which produces 420 horsepower, the one found in the Macan is a lower pressure version that makes do with 340 horsepower (between 5500 and 6500 RPM).  Torque for the S is rated at 339 lb.-ft., and is available from as low as 1450 RPM, just above idle. The engine’s compression ratio is rated at 9.8:1.  All of this adds up to a sporty SUV that can sprint to 60 miles per hour in just 5.0 seconds (when equipped with Sport Chrono), and has a top speed of 156 miles per hour.

Both engines make use of a 96mm bore, though with an 83mm stroke versus the 69mm stroke of the Macan S, the Macan Turbo bumps displacement up to 3.6 liters.  Paired with the larger displacement, the ‘Turbo’ also increases the compression ratio of the engine to 10.5:1.  All of these modifications conspire to provide the Macan Turbo with 400 horsepower at 6,000 RPM, and 406 lb.-ft. of torque from 1350 RPM.  That bump in power means the Turbo can sprint to 60 in 4.4 seconds (again, with Sport Chrono), and tops out at 164 miles per hour.

As with all of Porsche’s current models (less the Cayenne Diesel), the Macan will make use of direct fuel injection.  To further increase fuel economy, Porsche has installed automatic start-stop technology on all of their cars, and in the Macan activates when the car gets below 1.2 miles per hour.  Additionally, when your foot is completely removed from the accelerator pedal, the engine automatically decouples from the transmission, allowing the car to coast with the engine essentially at idle.  In normal driving conditions, theses features are nearly seamless, but when driven in anger, the engine decouple becomes a little more intrusive.

2014 Porsche Macan Transmission

Regardless of the engine in your new Macan, it will come with the venerable 7-speed Porsche DoppelKupplung transmission.  Something that is desperately needed in the Cayenne, the PDK transmission is an excellent piece, and thus far seems to be quite reliable and versatile.  With a 4.13 final drive ratio and a 3.69 first gear ratio, you are sure to have a quick sprinter in either version of the diminutive Macan. Conversely, 7th gear is rated at 0.52, which will surely help contribute to an acceptable highway fuel economy number.

2014 Porsche Macan Driveline

The Macan employs a full-time active all-wheel drive system as part of Porsche Traction Management (PTM) which is standard on all models.  The other elements of the system, namely the electronically controlled multi-plate clutch, the automatic brake differential (ABD) and Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR).  Porsche’s all-wheel drive system does an excellent job of managing traction, and promotes a safe driving experience.  With any sporting all-wheel drive system, the Macan’s rear axle is always driven, while the front axle receives drive depending upon need.

In keeping the ‘utility’ in SUV, the Macan does come with a standard ‘off-road mode’.  Deployable between 0 and 50 miles per hour, the function switches all systems to a traction-oriented programming suitable for off-road.  In off-road mode, shift points and gear change speeds are kept with an eye toward traction, and the drive clutches are pre-tensioned to a greater degree, which provides the front axle with drive torque more rapidly.  The standard torque split is altered with a more favorable front split, and the accelerator pedal response is modified.  A new system, designated Porsche Hill Control, keeps the vehicle at a constant speed in hill descents, and can be adjusted from 2 miles per hour up to 18 miles per hour.

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2014 Porsche Macan Technical Specifications and Pricing
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