Macan vs. SQ5
Racer
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 354
Likes: 222
aDias, that's not totally accurate. ZF is a longtime partner of Porsche and supplier of transmissions that were co-developed and wrung out on racetracks. Of the hundreds of engineers who contributed to the PDK, one can probably point to Dr. Michael Ebenhoch as the ZF engineer who was successful in modernizing the shift kinematics in the early 2000s to achieve the excellent functionality that we enjoy today. But there's no doubt that Porsche has its fingerprints all over the PDK throughout its history, which goes back to the 956 (raced in 1983) and therefore actually pre-dates Tiptronic transmissions.
This article from Car & Driver is a good quick read:
http://blog.caranddriver.com/shift-t...transmissions/
This article from Car & Driver is a good quick read:
http://blog.caranddriver.com/shift-t...transmissions/
Nordschleife Master
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 8,392
Likes: 449
From: Southwest
aDias, that's not totally accurate. ZF is a longtime partner of Porsche and supplier of transmissions that were co-developed and wrung out on racetracks. Of the hundreds of engineers who contributed to the PDK, one can probably point to Dr. Michael Ebenhoch as the ZF engineer who was successful in modernizing the shift kinematics in the early 2000s to achieve the excellent functionality that we enjoy today. But there's no doubt that Porsche has its fingerprints all over the PDK throughout its history, which goes back to the 956 (raced in 1983) and therefore actually pre-dates Tiptronic transmissions.
This article from Car & Driver is a good quick read:
http://blog.caranddriver.com/shift-t...transmissions/
This article from Car & Driver is a good quick read:
http://blog.caranddriver.com/shift-t...transmissions/
How do I know this? From someone who works with these transmissions.
Rocky Mountain High
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 19,576
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From: Kolorado
I thought the PDK transmission in the 991 was fantastic. I'm wondering if it was just the fact that the diesel has a much lower redline than the 991 and that may have contributed to the experience. It certainly didn't feel like it shifted any faster than a Tiptronic.
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Racer
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 354
Likes: 222
ZF manufactures the transmissions but the design differs. The PDK used in the sports cars is a Weissach design manufactured by ZF. The Macan transmission is a VW design manufactured by ZF. It may be tweaked (mainly software) by Weissach but it is a DSG. Saying that, does not make it bad...
So the question is whether Porsche used a derivative of the Panamera's ZF 7DT-75 or whether Porsche chose instead to use Audi's ZF DL501 longitudinal 7-speed DCT. I haven't poked my head underneath a Macan to verify, but what you said is almost certainly correct: the Macan transmission is a hybrid of the two with the Audi case & mounting hardware and Porsche's software and gear ratios inside. To improve economics, it would be surprising if they didn't share as many parts as possible. But to enable Porsches "coasting" function and logic, it's very hard to believe that the stock Audi unit was installed without modification by Porsche -- not VW, not Audi, and not ZF -- engineers.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 354
Likes: 222
Rennlist Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,107
Likes: 36
From: New Hampshire
In my quest to find an SUV for my beautiful bride, I've drive the Q5 in 3.2 liter and TDI forms. Have yet too try the 2.0.
I'm confused as to what, exactly, the SQ5 is; my understanding is that the S is a trim line that's available across the range. I get the feeling I'm missing something big here.
Any kind soul care to enlighten me?
Thanks,
Vivian
P.S. I've driven my brother's Macan S at length. It's a great drive and a much better transmission, IMO, but it's too small for our needs. The Q5 offers that little bit more space for luggage and rear passengers.
I'm confused as to what, exactly, the SQ5 is; my understanding is that the S is a trim line that's available across the range. I get the feeling I'm missing something big here.
Any kind soul care to enlighten me?
Thanks,
Vivian
P.S. I've driven my brother's Macan S at length. It's a great drive and a much better transmission, IMO, but it's too small for our needs. The Q5 offers that little bit more space for luggage and rear passengers.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 354
Likes: 222
In general, Audi offers two levels of higher performance above the base versions of some of its vehicles:
- S (Sport)
- RS (RennSport)
Consistent with any other Sport model, the SQ5 is not merely a trim upgrade. In addition to improved trim inside & out, it has a much sportier suspension with wider track, larger brakes, and improved wheels/tires compared to the Q5. The SQ5 has a 354hp supercharged (Thanks Dennis!) 3.0l V-6 compared to the Q5's 272 hp V6 and the Macan S' 340 hp turbo 3.0 V6.
Note that Audi does offer an "S-Line" option on some models. This typically includes the black trim, suspension, wheel, and tire upgrades without the drivetrain upgrades that the Sport models include. Also, you can sometimes opt for just the "Sport Interior" package, which does not impact the interior feature list from the user-selected "Prestige" or "Premium" or a-la-carte options but rather upgrades the interior with all the black seat & trim upgrades of the Sport model without the drivetrain & suspension & w/b/t improvements. At this time, there is no RSQ5 model but a Sport Interior package is available on the Q5.
So let's spell that all out again. In rough order of ascending value, you could choose:
- Q5 (various powertrains up to 272 hp)
- Q5 with Sport Interior (various powertrains up to 272 hp)
- SQ5 with 354 hp, which includes the aforementioned interior plus suspension & wheel & tire & brake improvements
in my humble opinion, the Macan S is very close to the SQ5 in value and capability, with the SQ5 having more cargo room and relatively more forgiving ride & handling (i.e., the Macan S is a tad sharper) With the air suspension, the Macan is the clear winner in dynamic performance, and of course the Macan Turbo has the most power if that's important to you.
Hope that helps!
Last edited by roule; Oct 9, 2014 at 03:06 PM.