Porsche is introducing the new 2023 Macan T - the brand's first vehicle outside the 718 and 911 models to wear the automaker's T badge, which stands for Touring. It means more standard performance equipment for more spirited driving, exclusive design looks and more. It slots between the Macan and Macan S.
Porsche says the T-badge has represented a unique form of dynamic driving at Porsche since the 1960s. It identifies models that offer an especially authentic driving experience thanks to precise tuning, exclusive equipment and efficient engines. Porsche says true to the spirit of the Porsche 911 T from 1968, the new Macan T features a compact but powerful, two-liter turbo engine, combined with an array of standard equipment that is ideal for spirited driving.
Porsche says the engine combines great agility, low weight and a compact design to create a package that offers an ideal balance of weight and performance for the spirited driver. Compared to the 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 engine in the Macan S and GTS models, the powertrain in the Macan T is 129-pounds lighter on the front axle, which Porsche says gives the vehicle particularly nimble handling and optimal cornering ability.
The engine produces 261-horsepower and 295 lb.-ft. of torque, and is mated to Porsche's seven-speed dual clutch transmission (PDK) and the Porsche Traction Management (PTM) all-wheel drive system that provides a precise distribution of torque and responsive acceleration in all driving situations. Sport Chrono Package - including both the mode switch and Sport Response button on the steering wheel – is fitted as standard on the Macan T, which helps give it a 0 to 60 mph of 5.8 seconds. It's top track speed is 144 mph.
Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) is standard on the Macan T. Porsche says it's been adapted to suit spirited driving demands of the Macan T and has been specifically tuned with a bias of power distribution to the rear axle to help the Macan T accelerate out of corners even more assertively.
When equipped with the optional adaptive air suspension with PASM , the Macan T is fitted with model-specific anti-roll bars which have been stiffened to further decrease body roll and increase handling sharpness of the vehicle. Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV+), which has been adapted to agile characteristics of the T model, can also be added as an option to further sharpen the driving dynamics.
Design elements painted in Agate Grey Metallic on the front, side and rear are designed to get looks and differentiate the Macan T from the other models in the lineup. The exclusive contrast color is found on the front trim, exterior mirrors, side blades, roof spoiler and rear logos. Sport tailpipes and side window surrounds in high gloss black are standard and the side blades feature the 'Macan T' logo in black. A set of 20-inch Macan S design wheels, available exclusively on this variant in dark titanium and one size up from the wheels on the regular Macan (19-inch), come as standard. There are 13 standard, metallic or special colors to choose from for the exterior.
The cabin design underscores the vehicle's driving enthusiast-focused nature. Eight-way power and heated sport seats are standard and feature exclusive upholstery. The centers of the front seats and the outer rear seats are fitted with the Sport-Tex Stripe pattern and the front headrests each have an embossed Porsche crest. The contrasting color from the exterior continues inside the vehicle in the form of decorative silver stitching on the seats, headrests and steering wheel.
Standard interior equipment also includes a multifunction heated GT sport steering wheel, the Sport Chrono stopwatch in the upper part of the dashboard, and door sill guards in black aluminum with an embossed Macan T logo.
The Macan T benefits from all of the new elements of the Macan model generation updated last year, such as the new center console with haptic touch elements, a larger open storage compartment, standard front heated seats and a shorter gear lever.
Orders open in early spring along with a pricing announcement.
Photo Credit: Porsche