By: IOL Motoring Staff
Stuttgart - In Porsche terminology, a 'Turbo' badge signifies a wild child.
Ever since the original 930, Turbo has meant a car in which performance has been allowed precedence over comfort.
And anyway, there is already a Porsche Macan Turbo so, even though the latest Gran Turismo gentleman's carriage added to the Macan line-up this week has not one but two turbochargers, it's badged as the GTS.
It has the same three-litre twin-turbo petrol V6 as the Macan S, uprated by 15kW to deliver 265kW at 6000rpm, backed up by 500Nm, which puts it between the Macan S and the Turbo in the range line-up.
Drive is by seven-speed PDK double-clutch gearbox and electronic traction management to all four wheels, with a sports exhaust to let the world know this is not your common or garden Macan.
All of which is good for a 0-100 getaway in 5.2 seconds - or five seconds flat with the optional Sport Chrono package - and a top speed of 256km/h. Porsche quotes laboratory fuel consumption as 9.2 litres per 100km
UPRATED CHASSIS
The standard-issue active suspension management has been uprated for a more sporty ride as well as a 15mm lower ride height, and the GTS rolls on 20 inch matt-black RS Spyder rims; like all Macans, they wear slightly wider tyres on the rear than at the front.
Exterior trim is all black - high gloss above the waistline and silky matt finish below - and the body wears a specially colour-coded version of the Sport Design styling package. The GTS is also the first Macan to be offered with the option of LED headlights.
Interior trim includes GTS sports seats with centre panels in alcantara synthetic suede, extra alcantara trim elements throughout, digital radio with USB port and Bluetooth connectivity, front and rear parking sensors, floor mats, a multifunction steering wheel with gearshift paddles and an electric tailgate. The GTS is the first Macan to feature the improved infotainment system with touch-screen monitor and extended functions - including optional satellite navigation - first seen in the current 911.
An optional Connect Plus module adds online navigation with real-time traffic information and smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay.
The Macan GTS will be released in South Africa during the second quarter of 2016; pricing, according to Porsche SA, is yet to be confirmed.
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