Otherwise, car manufacturers always hide their prototypes in order not to leak too much about a new model too early. Porsche does it differently for once: This week the first copies of the new generation Macan rolled off the assembly line – in public. The production car? No, the prototypes. Michael Steiner, Head of Development at Porsche, is even allowed to reveal something.
It was speculated for a long time, but now it is clear: The completely new Macan will come in 2023 as a Stromer on an electric platform called PPE, in which the sister company Audi is involved in the development of the work. There is no concrete information on performance and range yet. “In terms of output, at least what the Macan can do today,” says Steiner – that would be 245 to 440 hp. When it comes to range, Steiner is not concerned with absolute numbers – the quotient of range per kilogram of weight should be optimal. It helps that there is a significant leap in battery cell chemistry every two years. Nevertheless, the range should increase compared to the Porsche Taycan.
Electricity comes, gasoline remains
The drive with 800 volts is also based on this – twice as much as the competition. This should include fast charging of up to 350 kilowatts of charging power. Taycan’s temperature problems? “We looked at the customer feedback and developed further – also on other points,” says Steiner and does not reveal any details.
With just an electric drive, however, it would be difficult to maintain the Macan’s status as the currently best-selling Porsche. That is why the current petrol model, which is based on the Audi Q5, will be revised again in autumn. Plug-in hybrids? They are currently not up for discussion in the Macan and are reserved for the Cayenne and Panamera.
And where is which version – electric or combustion engine – offered? Finally, the CO2-Aims. “We will offer both at the same time and leave the choice.” For how long? “That depends on how quickly the markets will switch to e-mobility,” says Steiner. Perhaps he is hoping for a law in the auto industry: the new model is always the more sought-after.