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Does anyone else wish that the high gloss black (HGB) wheel arch trim and lower valence/skirts did not come as standard equipment on the Turbo model? I will be using the Macan in deeper snow conditions, gravel roads, etc., and am concerned that that these lower HGB trim pieces will not hold up well compared to the matte plastic of the Macan 4. The Offroad Design Package (which includes the roof rails that I planned to include in the spec) swaps this trim for matte plastic (plus Vesuvius Grey painted inlays). This looks ok in the Configurator but needs to be seen in person and I suspect there won't be many Offroad Design spec'd cars to see in dealerships. I don't mind the look of the Taycan 4S/CT with similar painted lower inlays (see examples below) and matte wheel arches (although the Macan wheel arch trim is much slimmer and looks better than the Taycan's IMHO). The other option (besides the Offroad Design Package) is to wrap these HGB areas but I've read that, anecdotally, wheel arches can be tricky for wraps to adhere to.
Anyone else have thoughts on the HGB trim for the Turbo? Love the look? Hate the look? Impractical?
My 718 came with the high gloss black trim option, despite me not wanting that originally. One thing I learned from that experience is that unlike the standard rough plastic trim, high gloss trim can be PPFed — you could even get a more matte PPF if you wanted.
It is a different situation with Macan, though, which yes we would take into snow a lot more often. I wish we could at least option the Turbo to not have high gloss black. I don’t like the idea of the off-road design package adding Vesuvius Grey when there’s already Turbonite grey and high gloss black involved.
As you said the Turbo comes with the high gloss black standard. If you select the off road design package, it changes to the matte black trim, and raises the suspension height +10mm as well. I chose body color option but you can also select without in the config. I prefer the off road package with body color. Final pic is our config.
Going to be a while before these show up at dealer events, perhaps summer to fall from latest info from my dealer. Like you we hope to be able to see one in person before we have our config lock, but I’m comfortable taking the plunge before if we get an allocation.
Based on your mentioned use of the Macan Turbo, I would think the offroad package with additional height and matte trim is ideal. If you stay stock, PPF double layer is likely your best solution.
Standard gloss black Offroad Design Package Body Color and Matte Black
My 718 came with the high gloss black trim option, despite me not wanting that originally. One thing I learned from that experience is that unlike the standard rough plastic trim, high gloss trim can be PPFed — you could even get a more matte PPF if you wanted.
It is a different situation with Macan, though, which yes we would take into snow a lot more often. I wish we could at least option the Turbo to not have high gloss black. I don’t like the idea of the off-road design package adding Vesuvius Grey when there’s already Turbonite grey and high gloss black involved.
Agreed, the Turbonite bits need to be minimized. Notwithstanding my thoughts about HGB lower trim, I'm ok swapping the side window trim and airblades to black.
There's not much surface area on the gloss black flares, so I think getting PPF to hold up long-term will be a challenge.
I do wonder if the flares are a simple bolt-on item, so maybe they can be swapped to the matte versions (or simply replaced if they take a lot of damage) without having to get the full off road package.
As you said the Turbo comes with the high gloss black standard. If you select the off road design package, it changes to the matte black trim, and raises the suspension height +10mm as well. I chose body color option but you can also select without in the config. I prefer the off road package with body color. Final pic is our config.
Going to be a while before these show up at dealer events, perhaps summer to fall from latest info from my dealer. Like you we hope to be able to see one in person before we have our config lock, but I’m comfortable taking the plunge before if we get an allocation.
Based on your mentioned use of the Macan Turbo, I would think the offroad package with additional height and matte trim is ideal. If you stay stock, PPF double layer is likely your best solution.
Standard gloss black
Offroad Design Package Body Color and Matte Black
Correct me if i'm wrong, but it doesn't say the suspension is raised by 10mm. I think there is 10mm more clearance with the offroad design package front lip.
Last edited by TurboIXXI; 04-08-2024 at 03:56 PM.
Reason: spelling
Correct me if i'm wrong, but it doesn't say the suspension is raised by 10mm. I think there is 10mm more clearance with the offroad design package front lip.
But here "the specific air suspension..." is mentioned (see below config.), so I guess it is the air suspension that raises it by 10mm, in normal mode.
Personally, I'm not interested in offroad package, but there is offroad front pumper option available too for much less cost, and it does raise the vehicle by 10mm as well. I like that cheaper option instead.
@Awas: This isn't an issue for the Macan 4 --- only the Turbo has the HGB lower trim that I'm trying to get away from. If I choose the Macan 4, I would not add the Offroad Design Package at all since matte lower trim is standard.
04-04-2024, 10:51 AM
High Gloss Black Trim?
