Porsche turns up the heat with new Macan Turbo Performance Package

By Stephen Edelstein Published October 14, 2016

When it comes to SUVs, optional equipment tends to lean toward practical items like roof racks, or rear-seat entertainment systems to pacify kids.

Porsche does things a little differently, though. The German carmaker is rolling out a new Performance Package for the Macan Turbo, which is already the sportiest model in the Macan lineup. The package offers a host of performance upgrades aimed at the engine, suspension, and brakes. That should make trips to the supermarket a lot more interesting.

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To start, the 3.6-liter twin-turbocharged V6 gets a boost to 440 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque. Those are increases of 40 hp and 36 lb-ft. over the non-Performance Package Macan Turbo. With the package, Porsche says its small SUV will now do 0 to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds, and reach a top speed of 169 mph. That’s a reduction of 0.2 second and an increase of 5 mph, respectively, over the regular Macan Turbo, according to Porsche.

Read more: Mercedes-Benz GLC43 AMG Coupe revealed

The Performance Package also includes upgraded brakes with larger front rotors, and a re-tuned version of the Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) adaptive suspension system, including a ride height lowered by 10 millimeters. A sport exhaust system provides a more dramatic sound, says Porsche, while the seven-speed PDK dual-clutch transmission was tweaked to enable shorter shift times. As with other versions of the Macan Turbo, all-wheel drive is standard.

Visually, Performance Package models are distinguished by 21-inch wheels “911 Turbo Design” wheels, LED headlights, and blacked-out trim. On the inside, the Performance Package adds black leather upholstery with Alcantara, color appliqué trim, and some carbon fiber trim pieces.

The Performance Package is available to order now, and with it the Macan Turbo’s base price swells to $87,495 (including destination). That’s just over $10,000 more than the base price of a Macan Turbo without the package. Performance doesn’t come cheap, apparently.

Stephen Edelstein

Former Contributing Editor

Stephen is a freelance automotive journalist covering all things cars. He likes anything with four wheels, from classic cars…

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