http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articl...with-the-macan

 

Went on the configurator. Clicked a few boxes...$70,000 for a four cylinder Macan? Lost interest.

 

same

 

Why do you care how many cylinders it has if it performs better than the previous model?

 

I personally think the Macan with its new 4-cylinder entry level model will be a WINNER! The masses will flock to it like an ice cream stand on a hot summers day in Muskoka!

 

The base Macan is not intended for us, Porsche enthusiasts. It is geared towards the entry level luxury buyer. Someone who is considering a Lexus NX200, also a 4cyl turbo, can move up to a Porsche for just a little more. All the base Macan really needs in terms of options is the nav. For $55K I think its great value. Especially considering that the Macan currently has the best resale value for compact luxury SUVs.

 

I agree Stan. Brilliant SUV for the masses...

 

Also almost everything is out of the VAG parts bin so development costs were super low...

 

Quite a trick! So far only the Boxster version of the 718 4 cyl. is available! The Cayman models on the configurator are still the 6 cylinder versions... I am just being funny here, your point stands: It will be easy to option a 718 Cayman to 70K too.

Kidding aside, I have found this 6>4 cylinder view interesting. Yes, I guess the "flat six" is an iconic layout, but a flat four can be a great engine too. The power and torque is significantly higher in the new 718s. What remains to be seen (heard?) is driveability and sound. I am confident the former will be top-notch, but concede that it is unlikely the flat four will sound as good. Final judgement on that will have to wait until we can hear the cars live.

Bottom line: I am quite open to well-executed flat four (and I have two flat sixes in my garage, so I am as likely to be biased as anyone I suppose..)

 

Why do I think it will sound like a Subaru with equal length headers?

 

Even as a turbo owner, I prefer the immediacy and higher revving characteristics of an NA engine of similar power. Turbo charged engines generally have more problems, are more expensive to maintain and less durable. Assuming similar power, I'd take more cylinders and no turbos any day. For these reasons I'd never buy a turbo charged motor in a pedestrian vehicle like an SUV.

 

Modern Turbo engines behave very similar to NA engines. No lag, instant power, couple that to a good dual clutch gearbox or automatic box with many speeds.. Chris Harris had a video talking about there is no more drama with waiting for the turbo to kick in a massive lump of boost and hold on for dear life. That being said I dislike the almost "weezy" feeling and "dieselish" sound when revved thanks to the DFI system. I had a BMW 228i cabrio for a few days as a loaner and hated the 4pot engine compared to the silky smooth I6 N/A in my E46.. but wow the power from the engine was good so was the gearbox... Damn technology

 

Oops...I meant Macan! I can't even keep the names straight...

I'm fine with the idea of a turbo four in the Macan...I lost interest in the base car at $70K though as I'd just go Macan GTS or Turbo instead. They always have it rigged just right to make it worth getting the upper models if you add any kind of content. Which is fine.

 

I'm weird that way. I like manual gearboxes, I liked engine sound...I'm less concerned about with performance than experience.

I get that a lot of people want the best performing vehicle for the money or the latest tech/performance. That's cool. Just not my top priority.

 

Sadly a 993 went up in flames in the show.........

http://jalopnik.com/watch-a-porsche-...aut-1768254359