Peugeot 308 Gti

The French tuner specialized in modifying cars from Peugeot, Citroen and DS is offering three distinct levels of power upgrades. The first one lifts the output to 290 PS and 360 Nm of torque by optimizing the engine control unit (ECU). Level 2, on the other hand, allows the turbocharged 1.6-liter petrol engine to churn out 303 PS and 380 Nm of torque. This was achieved by fitting an intercooler kit, divert-air valve and high-performance air filter, all developed in-house by Clemens Motorsport. The hottest offering is Level 3, which delivers 310 PS and 400 Nm of torque, by modifying the air intake with a new air filter, and adding a 70mm stainless steel exhaust system. The numbers are identical to those of the stock Golf R, which takes only 4.6sec to reach 100 km/h from a standstill - although, unlike the Peugeot, the Golf comes standard with all-wheel drive. Clemens Motorsport completed the tuning job by adding new alloy wheels to the French hot hatch. Called CC-Zero, they come from Schmidt Revolution and are 8.5脳19-inch in size, shod with 235/35 tires, while 20-inch ones are also available.

For 2018, the carmaker decided to spoil fans of performance driving with the addition of the Macan GTS, the latest to carry the badge that is synonymous with above-average sportiness. So what is the Macan GTS? At first glance, this utility model doesn鈥檛 appear much sportier than the other versions already available at dealerships. The Porsche Macan GTS does distinguish itself via a few details specific to the models getting the GTS designation, like the lettering included on the black band running along the doors on each side. As with other GTS models, a number of exterior elements are painted black, for instance the inside of the headlights and rear lights. Also of note are the rear spoiler hovering over the rear window, badging on the trunk, unique exhaust tubes and, of course, the superb 20-inch wheels that do little to hide the red brake calipers, borrowed from the Turbo model. Each of Porsche鈥檚 GTS models is derived from its S base model, and the Macan is no exception.

The Macan S鈥?3.0L twin-turbo V6 has been upgraded for this special new edition. Horsepower increases from 340 to 360, while maximum torque grows by 30 to sit at 369 lb-ft. Having proven its worth and then some over the years, the PDK transmission remains in place, as does the all-wheel drive system, already offered standard across the Porsche utility range. Inside it鈥檚 much the same story. The Macan GTS is decked in standard sport seats providing improved support. The leather-red Alcantara suede combo is gorgeous to look at, especially when it鈥檚 mixed with the black and brushed-aluminum elements found on the dashboard. Rear-row space is like what you get in other SUVs in its category, which is to say acceptable; the same applies to cargo volume in back. It鈥檚 certainly smaller than the Cayenne inside, but the Macan won鈥檛 penalize those assigned to sit in the back row. The utility tag is not misleading in its case, thus. Over and beyond the many details cited, the Macan GTS really brings its best qualities forward when you get behind the wheel and put in gear. As soon as the engine roars to life, you recognize that distinct Porsche sound.

To be clear, this is no flat-6, but effort has been made to render the music brought forth by this engine more inspiring than the average SUV. I recommend visiting the Sport button located close to the gear knob. Push it and several parameters of the vehicle change, starting with the exhaust system, which comes out of hibernation to remind those around you that you鈥檙e coming through in a sports car, never mind the SUV outer shell. The suspension firms up, as does the steering, which is as precise and weighty as you鈥檒l find in other Porsche cars - and that鈥檚 all to the good! While the GTS features turbo-charged mechanics, you don鈥檛 feel the unending wind blowing that you get in the Macan Turbo, for example. Accelerations are more progressive, even if it still only takes a few seconds to reach the limits of speed legality. The PDK gearbox works wonders, whether you stay in automatic or take the seven gears of the transmission into your own hands. Unsurprisingly, the ideal driving position is easily attained thanks to the multiple adjustments you can make to the seat and the steering column. The braking also has more bite than in lower versions of the Macan, thanks to larger-diameter discs. The element that most impresses, even surprises every time I take a Macan out on the road is its great agility on curves. The larger tires help improve this aspect of the driving dynamics, but at the risk of repeating myself, the Macan GTS drives like a compact sports car with all-wheel drive, no less. I admit, I prefer good ol鈥?cars, for the same reasons that all driving purists give. The lower centre of gravity, the reduced weight, the superior road handling: all of these elements make for a more pleasurable driving experience at the wheel of a coupe, sedan or even wagon. But if I had to choose an SUV, for its overall driving experience, I鈥檇 probably choose the Porsche Macan GTS. It really is that impressive!

Feast your eyes on what the upcoming S6 version will look like. Its Prologue Concept-like design features are further accentuated by the more aggressive front and rear bumpers. This prototype鈥檚 front spoiler is visibly more bulky, whereas the quad-pipes at the rear give the car away as a high performance model. What鈥檚 missing here is the S-specific razor-blade-like grille, as seen on the S5, and the faux-aluminum mirror caps. The new S6 is about as good as it gets within the all-new A6 range. However, if the more aggressive bumpers, bigger brakes and quad pipes don鈥檛 鈥渄o it鈥?for you, rest assured that in RS6 guise, the car will look even more muscular - it might even get wider fenders. We expect the cabin to feature a sporty flat-bottom steering wheel (S-Line) like in the new 55 TFSI version, an aluminum pedal set, sportier seats, carbon trim, special menus and various S6 badges. Other than that, drivers and occupants will get to enjoy the all-digital MMI touch response system, modern connectivity and driver assistance systems, ambient lighting and plenty more 2018-worthy goodies.