Porsche has announced plans to stage the North
American debut of the 2019 Macan at the Los Angeles Auto Show. Looking instantly recognizable,
the updated crossover features newly standard LED headlights and a modestly
revised front fascia. Bigger changes occur out back, as the Macan has been
equipped with a “three-dimensional LED light panel” that echoes the one used on
the Cayenne and Panamera.
In North American, the crossover receives a revised
color palette that now includes Chalk, Dolomite Silver Metallic, Mamba Green
Metallic and Miami Blue. These colors largely carryover from the European
variant, but Chalk appears to replace the Crayon option.
Moving into the cabin, drivers will find a larger
10.9-inch infotainment system which now comes with a WLAN hotspot and Porsche
Connect Plus. The latter features an LTE phone module and a SIM card reader. The Macan gains several new
options including a Traffic Jam Assist system. Designed to work in conjunction
with the adaptive cruise control system, the technology enables the Macan to
accelerate, brake and keep itself centered in its selected lane at speeds up to 64 km/h. Other new options include a 911-inspired GT Sport steering wheel, a
heated windshield and an air ionizer.
A turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine
resides under the hood and it produces 248 hp and 370 Nm of torque. It is connected to a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox which
enables the crossover to accelerate from 0-96 km/h in as little as
6.1 seconds before hitting a top speed of 228 km/h.
While the powertrain carries over, the Macan rides
on an updated chassis that promises to be more comfortable than its
predecessor. The crossover also has 18-inch alloy wheels that are shod in newly
developed tires which have better performance characteristics.
The 2019 Porsche Macan will arrive at U.S. dealers
next summer, though you can put your order in now. Pricing starts at US$ 49,900
excluding a US$ 1,050 destination and handling fee – and of course, any packages
that you will most definitely find on readily available dealer-lot cars.
