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The rowdy Porsche Macan gets dirty in the desert during pre-production testing

Nick Jaynes
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Without even seeing the Porsche Macan in motion, I already wanted one bad. Now, however, I fear it will be the only thing I will be able to think about between now and the Los Angeles Auto Show, when the mid-size Porsche crossover makes its official debut.

Porsche released today images and video (below) of the Macan going through its final stages of pre-production testing and its test drivers seem to be having a brilliant time. Never before have I seen a Porsche going sideways at full throttle on a sand dune. It’s wondrous sight indeed.

The Macan is based on the new Volkswagen Group MLB platform, which will underpin most of the larger vehicles across its brands, including the new Audi Q5, the Bentley SUV, and the Lamborghini Urus SUV.

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What will power the rowdy Macan, we don’t yet know. If the rest of the four-door Porsche line is any indication, the new twin-turbo V6 underneath the hood of the base Panamera will likely be bolted to the mid-size crossover. And a diesel engine good for more than 300 horsepower will likely also be offered. Whether that diesel powerplant will be offered Stateside is another question.

Just like the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class, the Macan is an important vehicle for Porsche’s future. Priced around $54,000, it will likely attract a new kind of customer to the performance brand – one it hopes to keep for many years to come.

As of late, four-door Porsches over took two-door Porsches as the brand’s top-sellers. The Macan should only accelerate that trend.

The LA Auto Show is only weeks away, starting November 20th. We’ll be on the show floor with all the highlights so be sure to check back for more soon.

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Nick Jaynes
Nick Jaynes
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Nick Jaynes is the Automotive Editor for Digital Trends. He developed a passion for writing about cars working his way…
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