Porsche has whipped the covers off its refreshed Macan GTS variant, which boasts more power than its predecessor along with a suitably tweaked chassis, updated styling and a “newly adapted” PDK dual-clutch transmission.
The newcomer is due to arrive in South Africa in March 2020.
The twin-turbo 2,9-litre V6 petrol unit offers 280 kW, which is some 15 kW more than the GTS-badged model that went before it, and 520 N.m (up 20 N.m), the latter available from 1 750 to 5 000 r/min. Fit the optional Sport Chrono package and Porsche claims the Macan GTS will blast from standstill to 100 km/h in 4,7 seconds (three-tenths quicker than before) and top out at 261 km/h.
According to the Stuttgart-based firm, the Macan’s active suspension management damping control system has been “specially tuned” for the GTS, with the chassis also lowered by 15 mm for “greater lateral dynamics”. Adaptive air suspension is optionally offered with chassis lowering by a further 10 mm.
The Macan GTS rides on 20-inch satin-gloss black RS Spyder Design wheels as standard and employs cast iron brakes measuring 360 x 36 mm fore and 330 x 22 mm aft. Of course, Porsche also offers uprated stoppers with a tungsten carbide coating or items fashioned from ceramic composite.
So, how will you spot one out on the road? Well, besides the badging, the new Macan GTS ships standard with the Sport Design package, which includes new front and rear trim and chunkier side skirts. The front section gains various black-painted elements, while the rear diffuser and tailpipes of the standard sports exhaust system are finished in this hue, too. The LED head- and taillamps have been darkened for added menace as well.
Inside, you’ll find plenty of Alcantara and brushed aluminium, while the sports seats are exclusive to the GTS and feature eight-way electric adjustment and chunky side bolsters. Porsche also offers leather upholstery in Carmine Red or Crayon as an option, along with a Bose surround sound system and a new smartphone tray with inductive charging.
