The 2019 Porsche Macan Has A New Look, New V-6s, More Power

UPDATE 12/11/18: Details about the Macan S have now been released, with Porsche confirming that it gets a new turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6. This story has been updated with the new information. 50,950 for the four-cylinder model. We have updated our story accordingly. Behind the familiar face of the 2019 Porsche Macan lie some significant changes. Porsche took the wraps off the freshened Macan in Shanghai, giving us our first look at the revised SUV, which has new engines, a new infotainment system, and other new features. As before, the Macan is based on the Volkswagen Group's first-generation MLB modular-longitudinal architecture. Inside, the 7.0-inch infotainment screen has been replaced by a new 11.0-inch touchscreen, with the air vents moving below the screen to make room. The configurable system resembles the Cayenne's and Panamera's in design and function. The voice-control function is said to offer improved responses and software. The optional Sport Chrono package still brings the somewhat pretentious stopwatch that sits atop the dashboard but now also adds a round switch on the steering wheel for selecting driving modes. In the center is the Sport Response button鈥攁s seen in other Porsche models鈥攖hat sharpens the car's reactions immediately.

The optional GT Sport steering wheel, which is smaller than before, is borrowed from the 911, and the options list also includes an air ionizer for the esoterically inclined. So far, Porsche has only revealed the base Macan and the midrange Macan S. The base model sticks with its 248-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four, with Porsche saying it will hit 60 mph in a brisk 6.1 seconds. The Macan S is the volume model, and for 2019 it gains a new single-turbo 3.0-liter V-6, replacing last year's twin-turbo V-6. The Macan Turbo has yet to be revealed, but it will likely be fitted with a twin-turbo 2.9-liter V-6 that should be good for an additional 90 or so horses. We expect a GTS model in between, and the Turbo could once again be offered with a Performance package for even more power. All engines are mated to a seven-speed PDK dual-clutch automatic transmission, with all-wheel drive as standard fitment. Porsche won't offer a plug-in-hybrid powertrain in the Macan. 4000 more than the previous year. The revised Macan will continue to face off against the likes of the Audi SQ5, the BMW X3/X4, and the Mercedes-AMG GLC43 and GLC63.

Porsche's 718 lineup is getting two more models for 2020 鈥?the GT4 coupe and Spyder. While the 911 has grown and gotten more comfortable over the years, the 718 is rapidly creeping up on Porsche's most identifiable model as the true enthusiast's choice. The GT4 and Spyder both feature a 4-liter naturally-aspirated boxer six making 414 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque 鈥?all in a flyweight mid-engine chassis weighing just 3100 pounds. This is enough to push the GT4 from 0-60 in 4.2 seconds and on to a top speed of 187 MPH. The chassis has Porsche's PASM active suspension system, and astoundingly, a real six-speed manual transmission 鈥?the kind with a third pedal and lever. If all that wasn't enough to make get the purists excited, the Spyder is arguably one of Porsche's best-looking cars ever, with everything mentioned on the GT4 and style reminiscent of the 911 Speedster. Both cars are available for order now.

We've finally calmed down from thrashing the all-new, front-wheel-drive-biased, 4Matic A45 and CLA45 from Mercedes-Benz's AMG performance division. Our driving experiences were good and, above all, more responsive than any mainline AMG model in memory - both cars took a little getting used to dynamically, but getting comfortable didn't take long. Now we've thrust ourselves into the driver's seat of AMG's offering at the other end of the spectrum - the new S63 AMG with its decidedly rear-biased 4Matic all-wheel drive and extended wheelbase. You can't fit two A45 AMGs bumper-to-bumper within the footprint of this 17.4-foot long, 5.1-inch-stretched S-Class, but it sure seems possible when you first stare at it. If you're thinking that we could just say that this thing is a monster and then lights out, end of story, you wouldn't be quite right. The S-Class is, after all, among the most successful model families from any car company on Earth, creating huge profits for Mercedes per unit sold. It is the standard to which all others aspire in the segment, at the very least when it comes to business cases. Speaking of the S63 in particular, it therefore still needs to be able to embrace its passengers in masses of comfort even while strapping on AMG power.

Prices for the all-Petrol range open at just over 拢46,000, which gets you the entry-level 2.0-litre turbo 245hp model. If you want more power, you can also talk to your dealer about the 3.0 V6 Macan S and the 2.9-litre V6 twin turbo Turbo version. The range of standard features has been expanded to include LED main headlights and the new PCM infotainment system, with online navigation and Connect Plus. This revised Macan offers the choice of an expanded range of options, plus enhanced assist systems. The optional GT sports steering wheel echoes the style of the Porsche 911. A mode switch integrated into the steering wheel - including a sport response button - is part of the optional Sport Chrono Package. An extra luxury option is the heated windscreen and air ioniser package that improves the quality of the air inside the vehicle. As for extra camera-driven safety stuff, well there'S now a new Traffic Assist system that uses adaptive cruise control to allow the vehicle to travel at speeds of up to 37mph for a more pleasant and relaxing drive.