What's the news?
At the Tokyo Motor Show, Porsche unveiled the GTS version of the Macan SUV. And now, to ensure the rest of the range doesn't feel outmoded by the latest arrival, the company is adding some more goodies to the Macan line-up to keep it fresh.
Chief of these is the updated Porsche Communication Management (PCM) system, which now has a high-resolution seven-inch touchscreen. Porsche has tidied up the user interface to make it work more like a smartphone, while it obviously has the full gamut of Bluetooth, USB and SD connections too. Various other connection gimmicks are chucked in too, under the (obvious, really) 'Connect' module - so 3D mapping on the navigation system, AppleCar play with Siri voice control compatibility, a smartphone battery-recharging, reception-optimising compartment in the central armrest and the ability to use the PCM as a Wi-Fi hotspot are among the many attractions here.
Full LED headlights are now offered if specified with the optional Porsche Dynamic Light System Plus (PDLS Plus). These have functions that cover cornering, country roads, motorway driving and adverse weather conditions, and they even use nav data from the PCM to light up junctions as best as possible if the car is turning into them at night. The daytime running lights on this still feature the 'four-point' signature of Porsche.
The arrival of that GTS - a more focused, powerful version of the Macan S - has perhaps threatened the Turbo model. With a 360hp turbocharged V6, the GTs is not too far off the 400hp, er, turbocharged V6 range-topper, so Porsche has decided to placate Turbo buyers with additional exterior and interior packages... as cost extras, of course.
On the outside, look for bi-colour 21-inch alloys inspired by the 911 Turbo's items, Sport Design door mirrors and wheel hub covers with a coloured Porsche crest on them, lots of high-gloss black details on the bodywork, smoked taillight clusters, and black tailpipes peeping out of a Sport Design lower rear apron - a key one, that, as it gives away the sports exhaust system fitted to the optioned-up Turbo.
'Lotsa Alcantara' would be the succinct way of wrapping up the interior package, as it's found on the seats, centre console and door cards. You can even have the steering wheel trimmed in the stuff (and if you do, it gets heating elements too). Contrast stitching in Rhodium Silver or Garnet Red features heavily, while 'Turbo' lettering is embossed on the headrests and the illuminated door sill plates are finished in carbon.
While Porsche obviously wants Turbo owners to have both the exterior and interior packages, they are offered individually of each other; and, for further 'individualisation' of the Macan range, new exterior colours are offered throughout the line-up.
Anything else?
The 2016MY Macans are available to order in their native Germany right now, although we can expect the updated cars to make their way here further into 2016. Irish prices are yet to be confirmed.