2023 Archives - CarCostCanada®

Porsche introduces performance-focused 2023 Macan T to Canadian market

2023 Porsche Macan T — The 2023 Macan T might just have the best handling in the Macan line-up, thanks to lightweight four-cylinder power.

If you see an italicized “T” on the backside of a Macan in the near future, you might want to think twice about racing it through a winding country backroad.

Recently revealed for the 2023 model year, the new Macan T is a specially tuned version of the base Macan, with a focus on cornering agility. It benefits from less weight over the front wheels thanks to the base model’s 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which was bumped up to 261 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque for 2022, so it just might be the best handling Macan in the lineup, even when compared to the mighty 434-hp GTS.

New Macan T optimizes handling over straight-line power

Splitting the difference between GTS and base is the Macan S, which puts out 348 hp, while zero to 100 km/h performance times are (from quickest to slowest) the GTS at 4.5 seconds, the S at 4.8 seconds, the T at 6.2 seconds and the base model at 6.5 seconds. Of note, base models can be equipped with Porsche’s Sport Chrono package, which knocks 0.2 seconds off the straight-line sprint, this upgrade standard with the new Macan T. The new model is plenty fast too, with a top track speed of 232 km/h, both take-off and high-speed performance benefiting from Porsche’s seven-speed dual-clutch automated PDK transmission, which is standard with all Macan trims.

Of note, the Sport Chrono package replaces the regular dash-top clock with a lap timer/stopwatch, while a helpful steering wheel-mounted Sport Response button makes it easy to switch between drive modes, some of which abbreviate gearbox shift increments for a sportier feel and quicker performance.

At-the-limit cornering control is the Macan T’s specialty

Specific to handling, the Macan T benefits from a 15-mm lower suspension and the Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) system as standard too, while those that upgrade to the automaker’s adaptive air suspension lose another 10 mm of ride height while gaining even sharper handling capability, not to mention a better ride quality.

Porsche Traction Management (PTM) all-wheel drive comes standard too, par for the course with the Macan, although it features additional rear torque bias for more agility through fast-paced corners. Aiding the latter are more rigid front anti-roll bars, as well as unique chassis tuning that Porsche claims to be “the perfect suspension for the vehicle and powertrain.” Lastly, at least for suspension mechanics, Macan T buyers can opt for Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus, which has been retuned for improved performance when pushed hard through curves.

Styling updates complete Macan T transformation

Of course, Porsche couldn’t just upgrade the Macan T’s performance without making some design tweaks, so therefore it features some unique Agate Grey metallic trim pieces in key areas, particularly to the front fascia, the mirror caps, the side blades (that also feature a scripted “Macan T” trim designation), the rooftop spoiler, and the rear bumper, while high-gloss black outer window trim and exhaust pipe finishers add to its sporty appeal. Rounding out the package, literally, are 20-inch dark titanium Macan S alloy wheels, while 13 plain, metallic and special exterior colours allow buyers’ individual personalities to shine through.

Inside, the same “Macan T” script brands a set of black aluminum door sill plates, while a multifunction GT steering wheel boasts a heatable leather-clad rim (which can optionally be wrapped in Race-Tex), and heated eight-way power-adjustable sport seats featuring grey pin-striping over Sport-Tex fabric centre panels, plus front headrests with embossed Porsche crests, add to the unique character of this performance-oriented model. The Macan T’s exclusive upholstery is in fact based on the Black leather package, which also includes silver contrast stitching on the seat bolsters, headrests, and steering wheel.

Notably, the Macan was refreshed partway through 2021 for the current 2022 model year. It featured updated exterior styling plus a slightly renewed interior, the latter particularly focused on the centre stack and console, which gets a larger 10.9-inch touchscreen complete with a fully-networked Porsche Communication Management (PCM) infotainment system, as well as touch-sensitive glass-look interface for selecting other key functions.

Macan T to be priced between entry-level Macan and Macan S

When it arrives in early spring, the 2023 Macan T will be priced somewhere between the 2022 entry-level Macan, which starts at $58,500, and the 2022 Macan S, which can be had from $70,600 (the 2022 Macan GTS starts at $85,500). This will make this T trim line the most affordable performance-tuned Macan, and interestingly the first non-sports car to wear “T” branding.

Important as well, especially during our inflationary times, the new Macan T should benefit from similar fuel-efficiency to today’s base model, which is rated at 12.2 L/100km city, 10.2 highway and 11.3 combined. This compares well to V6-powered Macans that achieve claimed ratings of 13.1, 9.6 and 11.5 (S) and 13.5, 10.5 and 12.2 (GTS) respectively.

Zero percent lease and financing rates available from Porsche

Before Porsche Canada reveals pricing and ordering info, take note that 2022 models are available with factory leasing and financing rates from zero percent. Go to our 2022 Porsche Macan Canada Prices page for more details, and be sure to brush up on how our system works, plus download our free app from the App Store. CarCostCanada members are saving an average of $1,250 when purchasing a new Macan, which is good considering the car market’s general inventory issues.

Story credits: Trevor Hofmann

Photo credits: Porsche

CarCostCanada

BMW i4 and iX add options to Canada’s luxury EV lineup

The new 2022 BMW i4 promises to do clear battle with the Tesla Model 3.

With an expectation of 40 percent of North American new car buyers moving to full-electric mobility by 2030, BMW is setting out on a path to electrify 25 global models, half of which will be fully electric. Not all will be heading across the Atlantic, or the Pacific with respect to the Chinese-made iX3 crossover SUV that won’t yet be sold in North American markets, but we can expect to receive our fair share.

For starters, Canadians will be the recipients of BMW’s new 2022 i4 sport sedan and iX crossover SUV later this year. The former joins the German automaker’s D-segment 4 Series family, while the latter is positioned alongside the popular X5 mid-size crossover SUV, so therefore they target the popular Tesla Model 3 and Model X respectively. The two electric models share underpinnings too, thanks to BMW’s versatile Cluster Architecture (CLAR) platform that also supports everything from their tiny 2 Series subcompact models to their executive-class 7, X7 and 8 Series models.

The i4 shares its body style with the 4 Series Gran Coupe four-door liftback. It starts at $54,990 (sans incentives, freight, and fees), and will be available in two trims, including the eDrive40 and M50 xDrive. The less eDrive40 version features a single rear-wheel drive (RWD) electric motor capable of 335 hp, while the $72,990 M50 gets both front and rear motors for an all-wheel drivetrain (AWD) capable of 516 hp. Both i4 trims utilize BMW’s 83.9-kWh battery.

BMW promises range of 340 km on a single full charge with the i4 eDrive40, not to mention a 5.7-second sprint time from standstill to 100 km/h, whereas the M50 xDrive can sprint from zero to 100 km/h in only 3.9 seconds and has the battery life to drive up to 510 km after a full charge. This means the i4 comes close to matching the aforementioned Tesla Model 3’s best-possible 576 km range.

2022 BMW iX — BMW will offer one iX trim for 2022, and another two for 2023.

Notably, the near identically sized, yet more conservatively styled BMW 3 Series line continues to offer its 330e plug-in hybrid (PHEV) trim for 2022, which is a less expensive hybrid alternative Tesla doesn’t provide.

Similarly, BMW offers the X3 xDrive30e PHEV to Canadian buyers, but as noted at the onset of this article, the more advanced iX3 EV won’t testing the resolve of Tesla’s Model Y in Canada, at least not yet. This said, BMW follows up its compact X3 hybrid with a plug-in hybrid version of its larger mid-size X5, dubbed xDrive45e PHEV.

The mid-size iX, on the other hand, is a full-electric that provides two-row, mid-size roominess for up to five passengers and plenty of cargo. BMW Canada will make three iX trims available, named xDrive40, xDrive50 and M60, with all incorporating standard front and rear motors for AWD.

To clarify, the xDrive50 is the only iX trim available for 2022, which means both xDrive40 and M60 models will be arriving later this year as 2023 models. The iX xDrive40, which will start at just $79,990 (plus freight and fees), puts out 322 hp, can hit 100 km/h from standstill in just 6.1 seconds, and has 340 km of range, should be very popular, although Canadians tend to buy more fully equipped models, so the 2022 xDrive50, which starts at $89,990, should be a hit due to 516 hp, a sprint time of 4.6 seconds to 100 km/h, and 521 km of range on a single charge. Finally, the top-tier M60 can be had from $121,750, features 610-hp for a 100-km/h dash of just 3.8 seconds, plus the ability to drive for up to 450 km on a single charge.

Additionally, unlike most electronic devices (including many EVs), BMW’s new battery electric vehicles won’t suffer from much battery degradation. This means its models’ various claimed range estimates should stand up over time. BMW claims, in fact, that its i4 and iX batteries will last the life of each vehicle, or specifically up to 1,500 full charge cycles, which is the equivalent of 500,000 km.

We have full pricing and trim information for the 2022 i4 plus 2022 and 2023 iX here on CarCostCanada, as well as the ability to configure each model’s options. Additionally, CarCostCanada members regularly receive information about manufacturer rebates, factory financing, and lease rate deals. Both the i4 and iX are currently being offered with in-house financing/lease rates from 4.49 percent, while members also receive dealer invoice pricing that can be critical when negotiating your best deal. Learn how the CarCostCanada system works, and make sure to download our free app from the Apple Store or Google Play Store too.

2022 BMW i4 M50 — The M50 adds BMW M performance and style to the i4 package.

Money in mind, all BMW i4 trims are eligible for provincial zero-emission incentives in BC, Quebec, Nova Scotia, Yukon and the Northwest Territories, while the base i4 eDrive40 also qualifies for the national iZEV rebate program.

Expect to see the new i4 and iX on Canadian roads soon, as it will start arriving at BMW Canada dealers in March.

BMW Ultimate – Reserve the BMW iX and i4 now! (0:15):

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The Power of Action: Meet The First-Ever BMW iX & BMW i4 | BMW USA (0:15):

The Power of Action: Meet The First-Ever BMW iX & BMW i4 | BMW USA (0:30):

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The First-Ever BMW i4 | The All-Electric Car | BMW USA (0:44):

The BMW Concept i4: New Electric Car | BMW USA (2:01):

The 2022 BMW i4 Models: BMW Review & Walk-Around | BMW USA (2:07):

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Creating the BMW iX: Behind the Scenes, Episode 1 | BMW USA (2:11):

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Creating the BMW iX: Behind the Scenes, Episode 3 | BMW USA (2:25):

The All-Electric SAV: 2022 BMW iX Walk Around & Review | BMW USA (2:22):

Pioneer of a New Age: The Panoramic Eclipse Roof: The 2022 BMW iX | BMW USA (0:54):

Story credit: Trevor Hofmann

Photo credits: BMW

CarCostCanada

Toyota redesigns Sequoia SUV with powerful hybrid drivetrain

2023 Toyota Sequoia Capstone — Toyota has completely redesigned its full-size Sequoia, shown here in new top-tier Capstone trim.

Toyota just revealed its totally redesigned third-generation Sequoia, which will go on sale this summer as a 2023 model.

The new Sequoia is once again based on the Tundra pickup truck, a vehicle that was all-new last year for this 2022 model year. The 2023 Sequoia shares some styling elements with its more utility-oriented partner, but is for the most part its own design.

To be specific, the new Sequoia’s grille isn’t as bold, and arguably better for it. It shares more cues with the highly popular Tacoma, plus the RAV4, and doesn’t visually stray too far away from the Highlander and new Corolla Cross either. No doubt the new Sequoia’s look hints at the upcoming 4Runner, an SUV we should also see in updated form this year.

2023 Toyota Sequoia Limited — The new Sequoia can tow up to 9,000 lbs.

All in all, the new Sequoia looks tough and rugged, yet refined enough for both dad and mom. Flowing rearward from the big, bold grille is a hood that domes powerfully at centre, and further features heavy-duty, matte plastic, louvre-like garnishes on its rear corner edges when upgraded with “TRD PRO” trim. In fact, the latter trim makes itself known on the sides of those garnishes, in place of smaller, chromed “i FORCE MAX” signage in the same spot for other trims. Visually separating the new Capstone trim line are chrome embellishments on the doors above the rocker panels. Those sides are now more deeply sculpted than before, while the Sequoia’s rear styling certainly won’t offend traditional SUV buyer’s tastes.

2023 Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro — Most should be pleased with the new Sequoia’s styling, not to mention its 4×4 prowess.

A total of five trims will be available upon launch, including TRD Off-Road, Limited, Platinum, TRD Pro and Capstone, the latter introduced with the latest Tundra. Capstone represents an even more luxurious level above Platinum, boasting a unique black and white motif inside, much of which is covered with high-quality semi-aniline leather, while Toyota has improved soundproofing as well.

Incidentally, the i-Force Max engine, which is available as an option in the new Tundra, comes standard with the Sequoia. What’s more, it isn’t a V8, but a 3.5-litre hybrid V6 capable of a whopping 437 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque. It feeds all that muscle down to a four-wheel drive system through a 10-speed automatic gearbox that comes fitted with Eco, Normal and Sport driving modes.

The hybrid component is a generator motor positioned between the internal combustion portion of the drivetrain and the transmission. This is a well-tested solution, so we can expect Toyota’s legendary hybrid reliability and longevity included with this powertrain’s improved fuel economy.

Being that all Sequoia trims will get the same engine, performance differences come down to the suspension. Some will be optimized for handling and comfort, while others will prioritize off-road capability, but all should provide ample handling chops and overall stability to keep all that engine power in check on when the road starts to wind.

To achieve the new Sequoia’s manoeuvrability, the already improved Tundra chassis design received fine tuning, particularly to the independent front suspension setup and rack-mounted electronic power steering system, that latter reportedly enhancing feel. A multi-link rear suspension has also been added, improved over the previous Sequoia ’s, while buyers can also add an adaptive variable suspension to the mix, which includes Comfort, Sport S, Sport S+ and Custom settings to the Drive Mode Select system’s menu. A height-adjustable air suspension with load levelling is optional too, this feature particularly helpful when loading and unloading.

Hauling in mind, the new Sequoia is now capable of towing up to 9,000 lbs (4,080 kg) of trailer, which is nearly 22-percent more weight than today’s version. Backing this up (literally) is a Tow Tech Package that was first offered with the new Tundra, featuring a Trailer Backup Guide and Straight Path Assist, the latter automatically using the steering system to keep the trailer straight when reversing. The power mirrors also include powered extensions for seeing around the sides of wider loads.

Standard Sequoia features include a heated steering wheel and front seats, Toyota’s breathable Softex leatherette upholstery, a large panoramic sunroof, 18-inch wheels, and the TSS 2.5 suite of safety features.

A 14-inch centre touchscreen is available, improving the Sequoia’s digital experience with features like a Panoramic View Monitor to ease parking, while a digital display rear view mirror is available as well, as is a colourful digital driver’s display.

The new 2023 Sequoia’s interior is laid out much like the outgoing model. It comes standard with three rows including a middle bench, with second-row captain’s chairs being optional. New is a third row that not only reclines, but slides back and forth up to 150 mm (6.0 in), while a handy adjustable hard-shell parcel shelf improves cargo area flexibility. It can be expanded to cover the rear seatbacks when folded, resulting in a completely flat loading floor. The shelf can be fitted back into the floor for carrying taller cargo, or alternatively it acts as a cargo cover when raised higher.

As far as sales go, Toyota is likely looking to loyal 4Runner, Highlander, and of course Sequoia owners as buyers for the new SUV, plus ex-Land Cruiser owners in the U.S. News about the new model will definitely cause some buzz here in Canada, but Sequoia sales have been so few and far between that it may take some time to raise awareness.

Toyota Canada sold 418 Sequoias last year, which was less than half of its all-time Canadian high of 912 unit-sales in 2010. Comparison to General Motors’ Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban and GMC Yukon success hardly seems relevant at this point, with the two brands’ collective deliveries totalling 15,307 units, or roughly 36.5 times as many full-size SUVs than Toyota. On a more positive note (to Toyota), that’s a lot of market share for the Japanese brand to nibble away at, and this new Sequoia should make a significant dent.

Something domestic SUV shoppers should consider is retained value, which was highest for the Sequoia in the Canadian Black Book’s “Full-size Crossover-SUV” category, while Toyota’s largest SUV also owned the top “Large SUV/Crossover” spot with Vincentric’s Best Value in Canada Awards. Additionally, the Sequoia earned a best-possible position in J.D. Power and Associate’s 2021 Initial Quality Study.

We should expect to see more Sequoias on the road starting this summer.

2023 Toyota Sequoia Overview | Toyota (7:07):

2023 Toyota Sequoia | Undeniable Capability, Unmistakable Presence | Toyota (2:17):

Story credit: Trevor Hofmann

Photo credits: Toyota

CarCostCanada

New Kia Sportage promises to be ultra-advanced

2023 Kia Sportage — The upcoming 2023 Sportage further modernizes Kia’s already advanced design language.

Have you checked out Kia’s latest SUV lineup lately? It’s gone from all curves to sharp angles and complex creases, not unlike its sister-brand Hyundai’s updated crossover lineup.

The hierarchy of Kia SUV models now includes the entry-level Seltos, the always future-think Soul (which includes an EV option), the second-rung Niro (which provides plug-in hybrid and EV variants), the compact Sportage, the mid-size three-row Sorento, and finally the larger and longer mid-size three-row Telluride, with only the Niro and Sportage needing updates to the brand’s edgier new design language.

Heck, even the new Carnival minivan (which replaced the Sedona) looks like a chunky SUV now, while the always sharp looking Stinger was also updated for 2022, whereas the mid-size K5 (nee Optima) sedan received its redesign for 2021, as did the subcompact Rio (although not as thoroughly) that’s now only available as a hatch (you might find a heavily discounted 2020 Rio sedan if you look far and wide enough). The compact Forte sedan and hatchback, on the other hand, are expected to be refreshed for 2022, soon putting the entire South Korean brand at the leading edge of modern-day styling.

While all of the new Kia SUV designs are advanced looking, the new Sportage might just be the most futuristic of all. Such was the case for the outgoing Sportage when its third-generation debuted back in 2010 and fourth-gen model arrived in 2016, the latter looking a bit like a scaled down Porsche Cayenne. This made sense considering all the German designers filling up the brand’s studios, as does the new 2023 version’s similarities to Audi’s Q8 and Lamborghini’s Urus.

This means the new fifth-gen Sportage should catch the gaze of passersby, although some of these will merely be trying to figure out where the headlamps are. In fact, these are integrated into two boomerang-shaped LED clusters beside the wide glossy black front grille, which itself is situated under a couple of narrow, horizontal nostril-like vents. While a somewhat radical redesign, it should still be pleasing to most compact SUV buyers that tend to want sporty yet practical alternatives to their less-appealing cars.

From the side view, the new Sportage provides more aggressive sculpting on the door panels than most rivals, plus a narrow greenhouse on top, for increased visual length, while some stylish detailing on the lower rockers gives it that critically important SUV look.

The new Sportage appears more conventional from its hind end, thanks to body-wide taillights that add to its wide-looking stance, plus a thin mid-section that almost makes it seem as if it was stretched into place. All of these delicate details support a substantive rear bumper that’s visual extended from the just-mentioned black rocker panels, continuing upward to enclose about two-thirds the CUV’s backside, before being capped off by some angular metal-like trim mirroring a similar treatment on the side rockers and lower front fascia, the latter items surrounding two LED fog lights. The entire package rolls on some similarly edgy alloy wheels that look quite large in the as-shown trim, and featuring machine-finishing with glossy-black pockets.

“Reinventing the Sportage gave our talented design teams a tremendous opportunity to do something new; to take inspiration from the recent brand relaunch and introduction of EV6 to inspire customers through modern and innovative SUV design,” commented Karim Habib, Senior Vice President and Head of Global Design Center, in a press release. “With the all-new Sportage, we didn’t simply want to take one step forward but instead move on to a different level in the SUV class.”

Kia calls its new design language “Opposites United”, a theme that continues inside the cabin where uniquely shaped HVAC vents and horizontally-organized instrument panel trim joins up to form parentheses-like structures that incorporate a very large dual-display primary gauge cluster and infotainment touchscreen within.

The large single-screen setup pulls forward a driver display/infotainment design used recently by both Kia and its parental Hyundai brand, which must be said is similar to Mercedes’ MBUX dash design. Ironically (this being a Kia), it incorporates some camera technologies that are much more advanced than anything on offer from the German luxury brand, particularly its rear-facing camera system that automatically shows right/left rearward views when flicking either turn signal.

A row of switches continues the horizontal theme just underneath, integrating a well-organized two-zone auto HVAC interface at its mid-point, all before a gently sloping piano-black lacquered centre console gets stuffed full of drive functions such as an engine start/stop button, a rotating gear selection dial, a driving mode selector, and more, while switches for the heatable and cooled front seats, plus the heated steering wheel can be found right next door. A wireless charging pad probably sits under a lidded compartment just in front of this cluster of controls, plus all the expected USB ports and other connectivity/charging alternatives.

“When you see the all-new Sportage in person, with its sleek but powerfully dynamic stance, and when you sit inside the detailed-oriented cabin with its beautifully detailed interior and first-class materials, you’ll see we have achieved those goals and set new benchmarks,” continued Habib. “In the all-new Sportage, we believe you can see the future of our brand and our products.”

So far, Kia hasn’t shown off any other details, such as the new Sportage’s front and rear seats or its cargo area, but interior capacities should be similar to the new Hyundai Tucson that shares the Sportage’ underpinnings. That compact crossover SUV has grown in size since also being renewed for 2022, now stretching 4,605 mm (181.3 inches) from front to back, making it 155 mm (6.1 in) lengthier than its predecessor, with a 86 mm (3.4 in) longer wheelbase at 2,751 mm (108.3 in), while it’s about half an inch (12-13 mm) wider and similarly taller than the 2021 crossover it sent packing.

Kia’s Sportage has long shared its mechanical setup with the Tucson too, so we’re expecting a version of the same 2.5-litre four-cylinder powerplant that currently puts out 190 horsepower and 182 lb-ft of torque in the 2022 Hyundai. The new Tucson also features an efficient eight-speed automatic gearbox across its entire trim line, which should be the only transmission used in the Sportage too, while Hyundai’s compact SUV includes both FWD and AWD alternatives, common in this class.

Of course, we’ll get more details when the new 2023 Sportage arrives, which should be sometime in calendar year 2022, at which point we should also find out if it receives an off-road focused X-Line variant, and/or the Tucson’s electrified power units, which currently include both hybrid and plug-in hybrid alternatives.

For the time being, Kia is offering the latest 2022 Sportage with up to $1,000 in additional incentives, while buyers of 2021 models get up to $2,500 off. Also notable, CarCostCanada members are currently saving an average of $2,386, so check our 2022 and 2021 Kia Sportage Canada Prices pages for all the details, including complete trim pricing with all available options and colours.

Additionally, find out how the CarCostCanada system works so you can save the most money possible when purchasing your next new vehicle purchase. A CarCostCanada membership provides manufacturer rebate information, factory financing and leasing deals, plus dealer invoice pricing that can save you thousands on its own. Also, be sure to download the free CarCostCanada app from the Google Play Store or Apple Store, so you’ll have all of this valuable info on your personal device exactly when you need it.

Story by Trevor Hofmann

Photos by Kia

CarCostCanada

Porsche releases digital and physical second-generation Macan EV prototypes

2023 Porsche Macan EV Prototype — The first all-electric Macan prototypes leave Porsche’s development centre in Weissach, sporting camouflage in order to disguise their second-generation styling.

Porsche’s new Taycan is doing a great job of scooping up premium EV buyers, enough so that Tesla may want to consider redesigning its Model S sometime soon. Of course, the iconic California-turned-Texan electric carmaker isn’t likely worried, thanks to a market cap that rivals the largest tech giants, not to mention key models in all of the most important luxury segments, but at least Porsche is succeeding where many others are struggling to gain ground.

Tesla’s Model Y fills the compact luxury SUV hole in its expanding lineup, exactly where Porsche plans to directly compete with an electrified version of its already popular Macan crossover. In order to make sure the Macan EV finds as many buyers possible, Porsche is getting busy testing it on road and track, and recently released some photos and info to let us know how the process is going.

Porsche plans a 2023 launch for its upcoming all-electric Macan, which should be enough time to get the kinks out. To that end, the Stuttgart-based luxury brand had been digitally and physically testing it on its Weissach Development Centre proving grounds until recently, but now has it touring public roads in heavily camouflaged attire, so as to hide its second-generation Macan sheet metal.

“Testing in a real-life environment is now getting underway – one of the most important milestones in the development process,” commented Michael Steiner, Member of the Executive Board, Research and Development, at Porsche AG.

Porsche plans to cover three million kilometres worldwide, in every possible type of condition, ahead of delivering fully electric Macans to market, and that lofty number doesn’t even include the “countless” virtual kilometres accumulated on the Weissach test track, not to mention many more miles achieved via digital prototypes.

According to Porsche, developing the new Macan EV digitally reduces capital expenditures and time, while it also minimizes the new model’s environmental impact. Rather than putting actual prototypes through their paces, a digital computational model replicates the kinds of true-to-life properties, systems and power units of the EV to a very high degree of accuracy. As part of the electrified Macan’s development, Porsche has utilized 20 digital prototypes in order to simulate all types of situations, resulting in critically important aerodynamic, energy management, operation, and acoustic data.

“We regularly collate the data from the various departments and use it to build up a complete, virtual vehicle that is as detailed as possible,” said Andreas Huber, manager for digital prototypes at Porsche, plus one of the first aerodynamics engineers to ever work with digital prototypes. “This allows previously undiscovered design conflicts to be swiftly identified and resolved.”

Reducing aerodynamic drag helps the Macan EV achieve its ultimate range targets, with even minimal flow enhancements making a significant difference.

“We started with a flow-around model when the project first started about four years ago,” added Thomas Wiegand, Director of aerodynamics development.

A team of Porsche engineers utilizes simulations so as to fine-tune each and every surface of the new crossover EV, with specific attention paid to cooling air ducts. Such calculations help the engineers arrange components that in-turn optimize efficiencies, while they also provide the required data for predicting variances in real-world temperature levels. Porsche actually claims the new testing procedures allow for extremely precise simulations of both aerodynamics and thermodynamics.

“The digital world is indispensable to the development of the all-electric Macan,” said Wiegand.

Returning to air ducts and cooling, the new EV’s motive electric system boasts a totally different cooling and temperature control concept than the conventionally-powered internal combustion engine (ICE) powered Macan. To be clear, the various ICE’s used in today’s Macan need a 90- to 120-degree (Celsius) temperature operating range, whereas the new electric-powered model’s drive system and high-voltage battery maintain a temperature window between 20 and 70 degrees.

Also unique to the electric Macan, where an ICE increases its temperature when starting and stopping during heavy traffic, the battery-powered version needs more cooling during high-power charging, particularly in warmer weather. Porsche is overcoming this challenge by calculating and digitally optimizing the “position, flow and temperature” via the digital prototypes mentioned earlier.

Digital prototype use can start quite early in any vehicle’s developmental stage. In fact, Porsche created a completely new driver interface for its upcoming second-gen Macan long before designing some of the other components. A revised driver display was included, of course, which, when ready for testing, Porsche brought to life in a “seat box” that was capable of simulating the actual driving environment.

“Simulation allows us to assess displays, operating procedures and the changing influences during a journey from the driver’s point of view,” said Fabian Klausmann of Porsche’s Driver Experience development department. “Here, the ‘test drivers’ are not just the specialists themselves but also non-experts. This allows all interaction between driver and vehicle to be studied down to the last detail, enabling selective optimization even before the first physical cockpit has been built.”

The initial physical Macan EV prototypes were developed from information learned through the digital prototype program, and once these running prototypes were on the track, they fed additional data back to the digital prototypes to continue testing with. This process allowed Porsche’s engineers to continually update both the digital and physical prototypes, refining each aspect of the Macan EV throughout the development process.

“Endurance testing on closed-off testing facilities and public roads in real-life conditions is still indispensable to ensure that the vehicle structure, operational stability and reliability of hardware, software and all functions meet our high-quality standards,” continued Steiner.

The Macan EV continues to undergo a demanding testing process, including climate extreme endurance tests, plus the need to overcome all types of topographical conditions. Of course, this would include real-world charging and conditioning of the new EV’s high-voltage battery, with everyday reliability and segment-leading performance being high on the agenda.

“Like the Taycan, the all-electric Macan, with its 800-volt architecture, will offer typical Porsche E-Performance,” added Steiner, pointing to development goals such as the SUV’s long-distance range, high-performance fast charging, and goal of best-in-segment performance. “The all-electric Macan will be the sportiest model in its segment.”

The new Macan EV will also need to be highly efficient, of course, which is why it’s the first Porsche to make use of the brand’s new Premium Platform Electric (PPE) architecture. This said, most Macan owners will continue choosing one of the automaker’s conventional ICE’s instead of the electrical alternative, at least in its early years, particularly in markets where consumers aren’t penalized for not going green, thus gasoline-powered models will need to remain part of the overall Macan package for the unforeseen future.

“In Europe, demand for electric vehicles continues to rise, but the pace of change varies considerably across the world,” noted Steiner. “That’s why we’re going to launch another attractive conventionally-powered successor to the current Macan in the course of 2021.”

This said, the new second-generation Macan will launch later this year, with varied availability of ICE’s. The new Macan EV will follow in about three years and millions of kilometers of digital and physical prototype tests.

Until then, today’s 2021 Macan is available from $57,800, and can be had with factory leasing and financing rates from zero percent. Be sure to check out each and every available trim in our 2021 Porsche Macan Canada Prices page, and configure those you’re most interested in with all options and colours, and then find out how you can save when purchasing your new Macan (or any other new vehicle) by becoming a CarCostCanada member. Currently, Macan buyers are saving an average of $2,750 thanks to dealer invoice pricing, which is information you can now have on hand after downloading the free CarCostCanada app from the Google Play Store or Apple Store.

Story credit: Trevor Hofmann

Photo credits: Porsche