Porsche GTS trims tend to be S models with some additional hotness thrown in for good measure—in this case, performance goodies. So it’s nice, then, that Porsche just announced their new Macan GTS at the Tokyo Motor Show.
Porsche is selling a shit-ton of Macans. In order to help them sell multiple shit-tons, Porsche is offering a mid-level “GTS” trim for their Macan.
You’ll find “GTS” badges strewn across Porsche’s lineup from Boxster all the way up to the 911. The basic formula for a GTS trim is simple: take the S trim, add about 10 or 20 horsepower, throw in the good optional performance hardware from the S as standard, bolt on some new wheels, slap on a couple badges and BOOM! Bob’s your uncle.
So it’s no surprise, then, that the new Macan GTS is based on the Macan S and that its engine is calibrated to produce 360 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, 20 horsepower and 30 lb-ft more than the standard S model. That’s enough to get you to a top speed of 159 mph and to accelerate to 60 in 5 seconds, or 4.8 if you opt for the Sport Chrono package.
Like the rest of the Macan line, the GTS’s additional horses are bolted to a seven-speed PDK dual-clutch automatic transmission and a slick active all-wheel drive system.
What’s new for the GTS, though, is air suspension and Porsche’s Active Suspension Management, which allows for adjustable ride height and active damper stiffness. Normally standard equipment on the more expensive Macan Turbo, this is the suspension setup you’ll find on all GTS trims. No ticking of boxes required.
The suspension ride height on the Macan is actually 10mm lower than that of the Turbo. In addition to the fancier suspension, Porsche says they’ve also recalibrated the Macan’s Stability Management system to work in conjunction with the optional Sport Chrono package to provide better handling in the twisties. We like better handling.
But wait, there’s more! Porsche has made the big 14.17-inch front brake rotors from the Macan Turbo standard equipment on the GTS, though the Macan sticks with 12.99-inch discs in the back instead of the Turbo’s 14-inchers. Those front pizzas are clamped by six piston calipers, while the rears get the squeeze from a single piston.
Of course, the GTS is also distinguished with some appearance tidbits. Outside, there’s a bunch of black exterior trim, big 20-inch alloy wheels, and GTS logos. On the inside, you get GTS sport seats with Alcantara inserts and, of course, GTS stitching in the seats.
On the infotainment front, Porsche Communication Management is standard and includes a seven-inch touchscreen, an 8-speaker audio system, satellite radio and Bluetooth. Navigation is optional
You can buy a Macan GTS in March, but be ready to drop $67,200. That’s well above the base Macan S’s $52,600 asking price, but a few grand under the 400 horsepower $73,900 Macan Turbo.
It fills the performance gap nicely.