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Macan model breaks new ground for Porsche (pictures)

Now that the Cayenne has become accepted among the Porsche faithful, the Macan should be no surprise. Yet this new compact SUV is something of a revelation, featuring phenomenal handling, power and new tech features.

Wayne Cunningham
Wayne Cunningham reviews cars and writes about automotive technology for CNET's Roadshow. Prior to the automotive beat, he covered spyware, Web building technologies, and computer hardware. He began covering technology and the Web in 1994 as an editor of The Net magazine.
Wayne Cunningham
2015 Porsche Macan Turbo
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The Porsche Macan has been in the works for some time, with rumors leading up to the introduction last year at the Los Angeles auto show.

2015 Porsche Macan Turbo
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This new model retains all the street performance for which Porsche has become legendary.

2015 Porsche Macan Turbo
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As a compact SUV, the Macan gives Porsche a model in a hot, new segment.

2015 Porsche Macan Turbo
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In the US, the Macan comes in S and Turbo trims.

2015 Porsche Macan Turbo
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An adaptive air suspension is available in both trims.

2015 Porsche Macan Turbo
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Shown are the standard exhausts, but Porsche makes a sport exhaust system available.

2015 Porsche Macan Turbo
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With its Offroad traction mode and an air suspension that adds 1.5 inches of clearance, Porsche promises some off-road capability.

2015 Porsche Macan Turbo
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Big air intakes feed the engine's twin turbochargers.

2015 Porsche Macan Turbo
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The rear cargo space looks surprisingly large, considering the compact SUV body.

2015 Porsche Macan Turbo
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With excellent handling, off-road capability and comfort for daily driving, the Macan is an all-around car.

2015 Porsche Macan Turbo
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Six piston calipers at the front wheels modulate well and have the stopping power necessary for the Macan Turbo's 400 horsepower engine.

2015 Porsche Macan Turbo
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The hood lifts around the headlights.

2015 Porsche Macan Turbo
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Both the Macan S and Macan Turbo come with twin turbocharged engines, but the Turbo model has a higher displacement V-6.

2015 Porsche Macan Turbo
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The cabin befits the Macan's high base cost, and can be configured with many different looks.

2015 Porsche Macan Turbo
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Rear seats are a bit cramped.

2015 Porsche Macan Turbo
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Porsche design currently dictates a very linear dashboard.

2015 Porsche Macan Turbo
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The Chrono option, also seen on Porsche sports cars, adds this analog timer.

2015 Porsche Macan Turbo
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Electric power steering could use a sport program to become more responsive.

2015 Porsche Macan Turbo
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As in other larger Porsche models, the console becomes a control center for vehicle settings.

2015 Porsche Macan Turbo
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The instrument cluster includes an LCD in the right opening that can show navigation, trip data, phone, and stereo.

2015 Porsche Macan Turbo
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The navigation system maps render buildings in major downtown areas.

2015 Porsche Macan Turbo
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The maps also show rich terrain detail.

2015 Porsche Macan Turbo
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Voice command is available as an option on the Macan, and offers comprehensive control over infotainment features.

2015 Porsche Macan Turbo
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The music library screen appears for audio sources plugged into the USB port, the SD card slot and the car's own hard drive.

2015 Porsche Macan Turbo
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The music playback screen can show album art, when available.

2015 Porsche Macan Turbo
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HD radio comes standard with the Porsche Communication Management option.

2015 Porsche Macan Turbo
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Satellite radio is also available.

2015 Porsche Macan Turbo
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The Burmester audio option includes digital signal processing profiles.

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