The 2023 Porsche Macan T promises a sharper driving experience for the four-cylinder model

When most of us think of Porsche, we think of it as amazing sports cars such as the 911, 718 and historic, such as the 918 or 959. Although enthusiastic-oriented, the Macan has quietly become the best-selling model for the Stuttgart-based company. Now Porsche is introducing a whole new level of finish for the 2023 model year called the Macan T, and it was created as a lightweight crossover for canyon carving.

Of course, you can’t call it a crossover from Porsche. They call the Macan T “the first four-door sports car to have a special designation for the brand”. It’s a “T” designation for Touring, and it means Macan can trace his roots 911 T since 1968. This true sports car emphasized agile handling over full power, and the Macan T (as it were) promises the same.

Related: Porsche is likely to cut ICE Macan in 2024

Under the hood is the same 261-horsepower 2.0-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged engine mated to a seven-speed PDK transmission as in the 2022 base Macan. While it’s far from as exciting as the fiery twin-turbo found in the S and GTS, the Macan T suspension pulls some of its DNA out of these more extreme configurations.

As standard, it also has the same Porsche Traction Management (PTM) system as the base Macan, but with new programming adapted to a more agile T finish. Now it pushes more power to the rear axle help the SUV accelerate from corners more assertively. It also gets a Sport Chrono package that includes both Mode switch and Sport Response button on the steering wheel as standard, Porsche accelerates from 0 to 60 mph (96 km / h) in 5.8 seconds and a top speed of 144 mph (232 km / h).

In addition, the Macan T admires Porsche Active Suspension Control System (PASM). and it’s a big win for the platform. It’s always been impressive technology, but it will bring the Macan T perhaps even more than the S and GTS, because the engine in this crossover, though smaller, weighs 129 pounds (58 kg) less than the V6. This new finish also has tighter stabilizers and offers Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus software with newly programmed adaptations specific to the Macan T.

Of course, each unit will have its own unique finish at the time of purchase. This includes a 20-inch Makan S design wheels in dark titaniumexterior design elements in Agate Gray Metallicsports exhaust pipes and window finishes in black glossy gloss, exclusive upholstery with Sport-Tex Stripe pattern and decorative silver stitchingand door sills with embossed Macan T logo.

Sales begin in early spring

Porsche has said the new Macan T will go on sale in the States in early spring, and prices will be announced closer to the launch date, but it is expected to cost several thousand dollars more than the base Macan at $ 54,900. We can’t wait to ride it, and if it’s as good as it sounds, we won’t care what Porsche wants to call it.