This porsche macan gts is a real badge of honour

PH Porsche Macan GTS The Mini is one such car and so is Lancia’s Delta Integrale.  But it’s rare that a badge alone can become a legend, a single model that acquires a strong following among

driving enthusiasts.  Honda’s Type R models have managed it, as have Lamborghini’s SV models and now it seems Porsche’s GTS badge can join the club.  It has already introduced GTS versions

of its Boxster, Cayman, 911, Panamera and Cayenne models and the idea was that although the GTS might not be the fastest or most expensive of each model it represents a kind of sweet-spot

where, thanks in large part to its individual specification, it embodies the perfect version for serious driving enthusiasts.  RELATED ARTICLES And now this Macan GTS has joined that club,

too.  That might have hardcore Porsche fans wincing: while the Macan does have a Porsche badge it’s still a family crossover and the thought of one of those appealing to serious drivers is

something of an anathema.  But last year Porsche sold more than three times more Macans than its renowned 911 so it begins to make sense.  It is cars like the Cayenne and this larger Macan

that keep Porsche profitable.  PH Not that this GTS version of the Macan is a short straw Not that this GTS version of the Macan is a short straw, mind you. Using a mildly uprated version of

the 3.0-litre, twin-turbo, engine as the S model, the GTS boasts 360bhp alongside Porsche’s seven-speed twin clutch, semiautomatic gearbox and permanent four-wheel drive.  That’s enough to

get the Macan from 0 to 60mph in just 5.2 seconds and on to a 159mph top speed while returning 32.1mpg average fuel economy and 207g/km emissions. But those on-paper figures only tell half

the story. Compared to the S, there’s lowered suspension, larger 20in wheels and tyres, plus Porsche Traction Management helping distribute the power to all four wheels.  Settle yourself

into the GTS figure-hugging seats and the deep burble from the sports exhaust gives you a hint at the Macan’s intent.  The first time the road opens up ahead of you comes as something of a

shock.  It’s not just the immediacy of the Macan’s surge of acceleration, more its relentless build up as you’re pushed back into the seat with little sign of any respite.  Then, just when

you think the engine is running out of power and you might need to pull the right-hand steering wheel paddle to change up a gear, you glance down and catch sight of the speedo. Rather than

the speed that you thought you were going, you’re actually travelling 30-40mph faster.  PH That’s enough to get the Macan from 0 to 60mph in just 5.2 seconds The Macan has the handling to

back up that pace, too. A combination of lower suspension plus massive tyres gives it masses of grip – quite an eye-opening amount – and driver confidence is heightened with plenty of feel

from the steering about what the car is doing underneath you. The result is amazing handling and feedback. Most full-blooded sports cars would love to drive as well as this Macan and it

boasts such a positive feel that you can push it far harder than you thought possible. Its adaptability mid-corner just using your right foot is far more enjoyable than any car in this class

has any real right to be.  That’s backed up by a fairly sporty interior.  PH You need to pull the right-hand steering wheel paddle to change up a gear Those GTS sports seats are either cosy

or tight, depending on your cake intake, while there’s a lovely alcantara-covered steering wheel.  Other elements don’t work quite so well though.  That sports wheel doesn’t have stereo

controls aside from volume, forcing you to use the main dashboard touchscreen (which could be more intuitive to use), while the transmission tunnel’s 34 buttons are far too confusing on the

move.  The optional LED headlights, though, are some of the best we’ve experienced. Before driving this Macan, we were ready to question whether it was really worth the extra £7,000 over and

above the standard S version.  But after driving it we were simply questioning whether the Turbo was worth the extra £7,000 above that.  A sports car-killing crossover; the reputation of

that Porsche GTS badge is safe. PH It is cars like the Cayenne and this larger Macan that keep Porsche profitable LOGBOOK LOWDOWN PRICE: £55,188  ENGINE: Petrol, 3.0-litre, twin-turbo 

POWER: 0 to 60mph in 5.2 seconds, 159mph top speed  FUEL ECONOMY: 32.1mpg CO2 emissions: 207g/km  RIVALS: Jaguar F-Pace, Mercedes GLC RATING: 9/10