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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

Porsche reveals new 2020 718 Cayman T and 718 Boxster T pricing

2020 Porsche 718 Cayman T — Porsche is bringing a new “T” trim line to its 718 Boxster and Cayman (shown) lineup for 2020. (Photo: Porsche)

Porsche launched its enticing 718 T models to its lucky European customers last year, so now it’s time for sports car fans on our side of the pond to get up close and personal with this duo of high-speed, quick handling cars.

With a window sticker of $74,400 for the 718 Cayman T and $76,800 for the 718 Boxster T, showing an increase of $10,700 over their respective base models, the sporty new offerings slot in between the base model and S trims. The already generous 718 line also includes the even sportier GTS model, while other offerings include the track-ready Cayman GT4 and stunning Spyder.

Unlike these more powerful alternatives, the new 718 T designation means the same 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder boxer engine as the base cars gets fitted midships. It makes 300 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, which is plenty for the lightweight coupe and convertible, but a short-throw shifter gets thrown into the mix of six-speed manual cars too, plus a mechanically locking differential and Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV), whereas seven-speed dual-clutch automated PDK models get the Sport Chrono Package standard, resulting in 0.2 seconds lopped off its zero to 100 km/h time, and that’s from a car already good for shaving 0.2 seconds off the manual’s straight-line acceleration time.

The Sport Chrono Package includes Launch Control too, as well as a “push-to-pass” style Sport Response button in the centre of the steering wheel-mounted driving mode switch, making PDK the way to go if you want to move fastest with the least amount of hassle.

T stands for “Touring” in Porsche-speak, however, which according to a January 7, 2020 press release provides “driving pleasure in its purest form,” adding “the 718 T will be most at home on winding country roads,” so possibly the manual should be higher on your priority list?

Being that the new T models utilize the same powertrains as their base counterparts, their acceleration times are identical at zero to 100 km/h in 5.1 seconds apiece for manual-equipped cars and 4.9 to 4.7 seconds for PDK models, while all feature top track speeds of 275 km/h.

2020 Porsche 718 Boxster T — Plenty of interior updates are included, but don’t let the missing infotainment system worry you as PCM comes standard here. (Photo: Porsche)

This said the big 718 T updates impact handling, with key enhancements including Porsche Active Drivetrain Mounts (PADM) that feature dynamic hard and soft gearbox mounts for reduced vibration and improved performance, as well as a sport exhaust system, high-gloss titanium grey-painted 20-inch five-spoke alloy rims, and the Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) electronic damping system (a first for the base turbocharged four-cylinder engine) that, depending on the Normal, Sport, Sport Plus or Individual driving mode chosen, makes instant adjustments for road conditions and driving style changes. All items just listed roll on a 20-millimetre lower ride height, resulting in a lower centre of gravity and therefore better control.

A grey side striping package with “718 Cayman T” or “718 Boxster T” script adds visual impact, as do Agate grey-painted mirror housings designed to match the alloys, while a set of black chrome tailpipes finish off changes to the back end.

Seated inside, a GT sport steering wheel will be close at hand, while scripted “Cayman T” or “Boxster T” logos highlight the black instrument dials just ahead. The 718 T interiors will also feature gloss black instrument panel inlays and centre console trim, red paint for the gear shift pattern atop the shift knob, two-way powered seats, seat upholstery incorporating black Sport-Tex centre sections, embroidered “718” logos on the headrests, and most identifiably of all, black mesh fabric door pulls in place of the usual inner door handles, which can be changed for available coloured pulls.

When eyeing up the interior you may also notice their Porsche Communication Management (PCM) touchscreens missing from both cars’ instrument panels, which were removed to reduce weight in European models. Due to a regulation that made backup cameras mandatory as of May 2018, this won’t be the case for Canadian-spec 718 T models, but instead it will receive an identical high-resolution infotainment display to the one found in today’s 718 Cayman and 718 Boxster.

Finally, for your personalization pleasure, the new 718 T models can be painted in plenty of colours including standard Black, Guards Red, Racing Yellow, and White, optional Carrara White, Jet Black and GT Silver metallics, with the special colours being Lava Orange and Miami Blue.

The new 2020 718 Cayman T and 718 Boxster T can be ordered from your local Porsche dealer now, with deliveries arriving this coming summer.

Until then, check out the videos below:

The new Porsche 718 Boxster T and 718 Cayman T. Welcome to life. (1:17):

The new Porsche 718 Boxster T and 718 Cayman T. First Driving Footage. (1:49):

JP Performance Test Drive: The Porsche 718 T Models. (1:08):

Story credits: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press

Photo credits: Porsche

CarCostCanada

New entry-level Porsche 718 Cayman T and 718 Boxster T revealed

2020 Porsche 718 Boxster T and 718 Cayman T — These new just above base 718 Boxster T and 718 Cayman T models prove that less can be more when less weight and money buys more performance. (Photo: Porsche)

Up to this point Porsche has offered its 718 Cayman coupe and 718 Boxster roadster in base, S and GTS trims, but soon its most affordable line of sports cars will arrive with a new “T” designation, which promises performance purists less of what they don’t want and more of what they do.

Specifically, 718 Cayman T and 718 Boxster T buyers will get more performance features in a car that costs and weighs less. Starting with the base model’s 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder boxer engine, good for 300 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, T models add a short-throw shifter, a mechanically locking differential and Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV) in base six-speed manual guise, or the Sport Chrono Package as standard equipment for seven-speed dual-clutch automated PDK cars, the latter resulting in 0.2 seconds of extra jump off the line from a car that’s already 0.2 seconds quicker than the manual.

Also notable, the Sport Chrono Package includes Launch Control and a “push-to-pass” style Sport Response button in the centre of the steering wheel-mounted driving mode switch, making it the transmission of choice when ultimate performance is paramount.

To clarify more fully, straight-line performance with the manual remains the same as the regular 718 Boxster and 718 Cayman at 5.1 seconds from standstill, while PDK-enhanced cars increase their zero to 100km/h sprint times from 4.9 to 4.7 seconds, identical to the base 718 models. Likewise, both base cars’ top speeds continue into T trim unchanged at 275 km/h.

Additional standard go-fast goodies in T trim include Porsche Active Drivetrain Mounts (PADM) that incorporate dynamic hard and soft gearbox mounts for reducing vibration and even improving performance, claims Porsche, plus a sport exhaust system, unique high-gloss titanium grey-painted 20-inch five-spoke alloy wheels, and a first for the base turbo-four, the Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) electronic damping system that, depending on the Normal, Sport, Sport Plus or Individual driving mode selected, instantly adjusts for road surface conditions and driving style changes, all riding on a 20-millimetre lower ride height.

Making a visual statement is a grey side striping package featuring scripted “718 Cayman T” or “718 Boxster T” nomenclatures, and Agate grey mirror caps to match the aforementioned wheels, plus black chrome tailpipes.

Inside, the 718 Boxster T and 718 Cayman T are upgraded with a GT sport steering wheel, scripted “Cayman T” or “Boxster T” logos highlighting the black instrument dials, gloss black instrument panel inlays and centre console trim, special red paint for the gear shift pattern atop the shift knob, two-way powered seats, seat upholstery featuring black Sport-Tex centre sections, embroidered “718” logos on the headrests, plus the most identifiable addition of all, black mesh fabric door pulls in place of the usual door handles, which can be changed for optional coloured pulls as seen in associated photos.

When checking the gallery you may also notice something missing from both cars’ instrument panels, their Porsche Communication Management (PCM) touchscreens that have been removed to reduce weight, and replaced by a big, gaping hole Porsche calls a “large storage compartment.” We won’t see this omission in Canada due to a new regulation that made backup cameras mandatory as of May 2018.

For this reason we shouldn’t hold out any hope for Canadian-spec 718 T models to be offered at five- to 10-percent discounts when compared to the current base Cayman and Boxster when outfitted with identical features, as promised in European markets, but we should get to choose from the same standard and optional colour palette that will include black, Indian Red, Racing Yellow, and white at no extra charge, plus optional Carrara White, Deep Black and GT Silver metallic hues, as well as somewhat pricier Lava Orange and Miami Blue special colours.

If you like what you see, make sure to contact your local Porsche dealer to reserve your very own 718 Cayman T or 718 Boxster T, because special models like these are in the habit of selling out quickly.

Story credits: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press

Photo credits: Porsche