Porsche has brought in a fourth model to its revised Macan SUV line-up - following on from the 2.0-litre turbo entry point and the 354hp S, now we've got the GTS. It's said to be the 'most driver-focused' Macan in the range, even with the presence of the 440hp/550Nm Turbo flagship.
Sharper chassis
Where the pre-facelift Macan GTS had 360hp and 500Nm from a 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6, the new one uses a derivation of the Turbo's 2.9-litre V6 engine. It's detuned from the top-level Macan to 380hp and 520Nm, although those are obviously increases of 20hp and 20Nm over its direct predecessor. Performance is still rapid, thanks to a seven-speed PDK dual-clutch gearbox and Porsche Traction Management (PTM, or another way of saying 'AWD'), so expect 0-100km/h to be done and dusted with in just 4.7 seconds, while the GTS's top speed is 261km/h.
However, it's in the corners where the GTS should earn its spurs and so its Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) damping control has been specifically tuned to suit the Macan's talents, while the whole chassis has been lowered 15mm as well. Opt for adaptive air suspension and the GTS will move another 10mm closer to the deck. In the arches are 20-inch RS Spyder Design alloys, behind which reside 360 x 36mm front brake discs and 330 x 22mm rears - these cast-iron standard brakes can be upgraded through two stages, to either tungsten-carbide-coated Porsche Surface Coated Brakes (PSCB) or the full-on Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB). The GTS also gets a standard sports exhaust system, while the fuel economy of the focused Macan is said to be 25mpg (11.3 litres/100km) on the WLTP cycle. CO2 emissions are pegged at 218g/km.
Black detailing
To spot a GTS, if you don't clock the boot badging, you might note it has a standard-fit Sport Design Package, which brings in redesigned front and rear bumper trims, as well as beefier side skirts. Most of its exterior detailing is also painted black, satin-gloss black (the 20-inch wheels) or high-gloss black, while the Porsche Dynamic Light System (PDLS) LED headlights and the rear 3D LED light bar have both been darkened to fit the stylistic theme. PDLS Plus is an option, while the brake callipers peeping out through the GTS wheels' spokes are red. The Macan GTS also has quad exhaust pipes, instead of a couple of trapezoidal exits like its two 'lesser' siblings.
Inside, the use of Alcantara lifts the GTS cabin above that of the Macan S. The seat centre panels, the centre-console armrests and the door panels are all clothed in the material, while black-brushed aluminium trim finishers highlight the Porsche's fascia lines. Exclusive to the GTS in the Macan family are items such as the multifunction sports steering wheel with a leather rim and shift paddles, and sports seats with eight-way adjustment and pronounced side bolsters for added support during spirited cornering. Options will include having the GTS leather upholstery in Carmine Red or Crayon with additional Alcantara features and colour accents, and a Bose Surround Sound system too. Safety upgrades amount to adaptive cruise control including Traffic Jam Assist, Park Assist incorporating a rear-view camera and Surround View, a heated windscreen, and an air ioniser. The price of all this in Ireland should be around €108,000.