2013 LA Auto Show: Porsche reveals the 2014 Macan

Finally, the German sportscar maker’s medium-sized SUV, the 2014 Porsche Macan crossover took to the stage at the LA Motor Show. This is the second SUV from Porsche. It is modelled on the Cayenne and seems to be a smaller version of it.

The Macan will come in two variants, namely the Macan S and the Macan Turbo. The wrap around hood and gently sloping roof line accentuate the overall impression of sporty elegance and powerful dynamics. The large air intakes are typical of Porsche. In the Macan Turbo, stylistic elements known as C-blades fitted in the air intakes on the right and left of the vehicle accentuate the sporty look and provide a sophisticated aerodynamic response. Up front the headlight design is borrowed from the 918 hypercar, while out back there are echoes of the 911’s rear wheel arches. The rear lights on the Macan are another striking feature, boasting an extremely compact sculpted design and LED technology – a further reference to the 918 Spyder. On all models, the rear diffuser is flanked on both sides by dual exhaust.

There is some fancy German designing in the interiors as well. The cabin draws cues from the rest of Porsche’s arsenal, and thus features a tall and button-riddled center console, a sporty three-spoke steering wheel, and body-hugging sport seats. The Macan S comes standard with a Piano Black interior package and Alcantara inserts on the seats, while the Turbo gets leather, brushed aluminum and 18-way power front seats.

The two variants will derive their power from a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine that makes 340 horsepower and an all-new twin-turbo 3.6-litre V6 engine with 400-horsepower. Both models make use of Porsche's seven-speed PDK dual-clutch transmission as standard. While the Macan S goes from 0 to 60mph in 5.2 seconds, then on to a top speed of 156 miles per hour, the Turbo gives some impressive figures such as 0-60 mph in 4.6 seconds and a top speed of 164 mph.

The Macan is clearly positioned as a high-performance crossover with go-anywhere ability. Every Macan will come standard with a Sport button that calls up more-aggressive mapping for the throttle and PDK transmission; on Turbos, the PASM suspension is also placed into its Sport setting. All-wheel-drive is standard on both models, with Porsche Traction Management equipped on all as well. There is also a standard off-road mode for Macan, which alters shift points, pre-tensions the clutch and changes the front/rear torque split for low-traction conditions. The optional Sport Chrono package offers improved performance at the push of a button. Drivers can also activate an (optional) air suspension to gain an additional ground clearance of 1.58-inches, for a maximum of 9.06 inches.

The Macan is "Made in Germany", produced at the Leipzig plant. Porsche has invested 500 million euro in the plant and has established an entire production line there just for this dramatic new vehicle.

Production of the Porsche Macan is expected to begin by the end of the year which means that deliveries will start by February 2014. We will get the Macan towards this time next year and it will be brought to India via the CBU route.