The Base Macan to Debut in New York Sans Two Cylinders

2014 Porsche Macan (Credit: Porsche)

When the Macan debuted, it was oddly void of any true base model. Instead, all it had was the S, Turbo, and GTS models. Today, Porsche has finally revealed the information on the new, base-model 2017 Macan, including its new four-cylinder engine.

When it comes to high-end rigs, like those from Porsche, the term “base model” is very relative. In no way is the base 2017 Macan some stripped-down, plastic-filled econo-bucket. Instead, it will roll into New York with all of the features one would expect from the brand like dual exhaust, bi-xenon headlights, eight-way power seats with Alcantara centers, the Porsche Communication Management system, lane-departure warning, and more.

Where the base 2017 Macan sets itself apart is under its hood. Here a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder takes the place of the snarling V-6 powerplant in the S, Turbo, and GTS trims. This engine injects 252 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque into the small crossover and pairs with a PDK dual-clutch transmission for lightning-fast gear changes. This combination results in a 6.1-second sprint to 60 mph with the Sport Chrono Package and a top speed of 142 mph. These numbers make it 1.1 seconds slower to 60 mph and 14 mph slower in top speed relative to the Macan S.

While buyers will have to sacrifice a little in terms of performance, this four-cylinder engine does up the economy a bit. The EPA tests put the 2017 Macan at 20 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, and 22 mpg combined. These are increases of 3 mpg city, 2 mpg highway, and 3 mpg combined in comparison to the Macan S.

The 2017 Macan is set to hit showrooms in July 2016 at a starting price of $47,500, making it $6,900 cheaper than the 2016 Macan S.

The 2017 Macan will make its official debut at the 2016 New York Auto Show, which kicks off for the media on March 23, 2016. We’ll bring you any additional details once they become available.