New Look, New V-6s, More Power: 2019 Porsche Macan

The updated 2019 Porsche Macan made its debut in Shanghai. 

There are some significant changes that lie behind the familiar face of the 2019 Porsche Macan. Porsche took the wraps off the updated Macan in Shanghai, giving the world its first look at the revised SUV, which has new engines, a new infotainment system, and a ton of new features.

Like before, the Macan is based on Volkswagen Group's first-generation MLB modular-longitudinal architecture. The Macan's front-end changes are basically limited to LED headlights and redesigned front air intakes, but the rear gets a new LED taillight strip that stretches across the entire width of the vehicle, thus enhancing the family resemblance with the new Cayenne and the Panamera. Wheel sizes range up to 21 inches, and there are new paint colors and trim options. The Turbo is differentiated with its own fascias and bumpers that won’t be shared with any other version, including the likely GTS variant.

Inside the cabin, the 7.0-inch infotainment screen has been replaced by a new 11.0-inch touchscreen, with the air vents moving below the screen to make room.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 from the available driving modes. In the center is the Sport Response button—as seen in other Porsche models—that 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.

Porsche hasn’t confirmed the engine lineup for the United States, but we expect the base turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four to get a power jump from the current 252 horsepower to about 300. Both V-6 engines are new to the SUV: The Macan S will get a single-turbo 3.0-liter V-6 making around 350 horsepower, while the Macan Turbo is 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. Porsche won’t offer a plug-in-hybrid powertrain in the Macan.

When the Macan comes here in late 2018 as a 2019 model, prices should hold close to today’s, which range from $48,850 for the base Macan to $78,250 for the Macan Turbo. 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. 

Understanding the Porsche 911 Lineup: There's More Than You Think

Choose from nine different power outputs, three body types, and two drivetrains


Saying that you drive a 911 is just about as vague as saying you own a Chevrolet. Porsche currently sells 24 different variations of the iconic rear-engine sports car, and that doesn't begin to scratch the surface of the list of race car variants.

The 911 is an almost 55-year-old icon for a reason. But with so many to choose from, it's easy to lose track of what is available. For clarity, here is a broken-down list of all the different 911s sold today.

Here, we have the 911 divided into five model series with similar qualities and attributes, which, for this sake, we'll call "lines." There's the Carrera, Targa, GTS, Turbo, and GT lines. Cars within those lines are offered with three different bodies (coupe, convertible, targa), rear- or all-wheel drive, and several engines that pack a punch between 370 and 700 hp - not to mention a price spread over $200,000.

The Carrera model line is the largest and least expensive group, with nine variants. Two engine outputs--370 and 420 hp--are available, both coming from a 3.0-liter turbocharged flat-six. Ranging from the $92,150, rear-wheel-drive Carrera coupe to $125,350 for the all-wheel-drive 4S Cabriolet. there are the two most common versions of the Carrera, and if you drive by a Porsche dealer, these are the cars you'll see on the lot. 

Porsche reintroduced the Targa in 2015 and currently sells three different models, based on engine output, which range from 370 to 450 hp and 405 lb-ft torque. All Targas sold are all-wheel drive and prices range from $111,350 for a Targa 4 to $140,950 for a Targa 4 GTS.

GTS comes next in the range, denoting that these 911s carry the same 3.0-liter turbocharged motor with output bumped up to 450 hp and 405 lb-ft of torque. You can choose between all three body options and both drive options; price starts at $121,750.

Most Porsches are turbocharged now, but fewer actually wear the Turbo moniker. The ones that do boast a boosted 3.8-liter engine making 540 hp, 580 with the Turbo S models. There’s also an "Exclusive" series, which squeezes that same motor for 607 horsepower and comes with a $276,550 price tag. Porsche is only building 500 of those. All Turbo models are all-wheel drive.

Finally, the three GT models: the privileged track rat toys. The GT3 and GT3 RS are the only two offered with non-turbocharged engines; instead a 4.0-liter flat-six spins up to 9,000rpm and makes 500 hp in the GT3 and 520 in the GT3 RS. Because these are racetrack-focused, only the rear wheels are driven. If you have over a quarter million dollars to spend, the GT2 RS reigns supreme for power (700 hp from the 3.8-liter), lap time (6 minutes 47.3 seconds), and superiority arguments at the bar.

So, there you have it. The 24 Porsche variants that are available for sale right now. If your income is among the top 1% of earners, there’s almost certainly a Porsche for you.