Drove the New Macan 'S' tonight!

[WhipE350]

Originally Posted by spencerb

This post made me register.

Ok, I get the Cayenne. I get why Porsche built it and sell it. I know the market they were wanting to hit, it makes sense. Porsche has always been very logical (German trait? :P ) in their products.

What I can't seem to figure out is who they build the Macan for? What's its purpose?

For me it would work great as a daily driver and heck some mountain twisty runs too. The Cayenne simply is more vehicle than I would want to be in. The Macan appeals to me. Not too big, not to small. Easy access, nimble, sure footed, and really comfy.

I understand the complaints/frustration with Porsche's direction. With these non-sport car vehicles some might think they are a sell out to the masses but they still never build anything but very sport minded vehicles. I've driven the BMWs in the same class and they really don't compare to the Macan.

I think they stand by their principles to make the best handling vehicles in the world. I've owned an E350 and it simply wasn't as sporty as the Panamara.

Set aside concerns with their direction and test drive one. You’ll probably like and appreciate it.

Don’t get me wrong, I do understand the frustrations with PDK taking over, 911s getting bigger, electric steering and likely all the move to SUVs and big sedans is pushing this.

[Deserion]

Originally Posted by WhipE350

Don’t get me wrong, I do understand the frustrations with PDK taking over, 911s getting bigger, electric steering and likely all the move to SUVs and big sedans is pushing this.

Even though the 991 is bigger than the 993, it actually weighs in (curb weight) about 150lbs less.
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The current crop of Porsche sportscars (981/991) are the best they've put out in for overall cars in quality and performance (IMO). Sure they make two SUVs and a sedan, but we also now have a Boxster/Cayman GTS, potentially a Cayman GT4, and a wicked sweet 911 Targa (among the myriad of variations currently available).

Don't forget that Porsche was very close to bankruptcy not all that long ago. Wider variations in products appeal to a wider consumer group, and helps to keep things afloat when sportscar sales are down.

[WhipE350]

Originally Posted by Deserion

Even though the 991 is bigger than the 993, it actually weighs in (curb weight) about 150lbs less.
---------
The current crop of Porsche sportscars (981/991) are the best they've put out in for overall cars in quality and performance (IMO). Sure they make two SUVs and a sedan, but we also now have a Boxster/Cayman GTS, potentially a Cayman GT4, and a wicked sweet 911 Targa (among the myriad of variations currently available).

Don't forget that Porsche was very close to bankruptcy not all that long ago. Wider variations in products appeal to a wider consumer group, and helps to keep things afloat when sportscar sales are down.

I failed to mention these aren't my frustrations. I have a 981, drive a 991 whenever I want and soon will have the same opportunity with the Macan. I know a lot of folks though feel Porsche have lost sight of the what the purists want. I’ve owned a 986 and 987, awesome cars but with time I’ve grown to appreciate what the 981 offers and allows me to do. To me though they haven’t lost sight of making cars that keep up with the competition’s lap times just maybe not with the same feel as before.

[spencerb]

Originally Posted by WhipE350

For me it would work great as a daily driver and heck some mountain twisty runs too. The Cayenne simply is more vehicle than I would want to be in. The Macan appeals to me. Not too big, not to small. Easy access, nimble, sure footed, and really comfy.

I understand the complaints/frustration with Porsche's direction. With these non-sport car vehicles some might think they are a sell out to the masses but they still never build anything but very sport minded vehicles. I've driven the BMWs in the same class and they really don't compare to the Macan.

I think they stand by their principles to make the best handling vehicles in the world. I've owned an E350 and it simply wasn't as sporty as the Panamara.

Set aside concerns with their direction and test drive one. You’ll probably like and appreciate it.

Don’t get me wrong, I do understand the frustrations with PDK taking over, 911s getting bigger, electric steering and likely all the move to SUVs and big sedans is pushing this.

Awesome, thanks for your feedback. I have no problems with Porsche and their direction. Hell, I've owned two 924s They are a business, they want to make money. If they want to compete on the compact suv market, then more power to them, especially if they dominate it. hah.

What I was trying to understand is the demographic of the person that would buy this vehicle. Maybe I just can't grasp the reason for the compact suv market, period.

[cfos]

Originally Posted by spencerb

Awesome, thanks for your feedback. I have no problems with Porsche and their direction. Hell, I've owned two 924s They are a business, they want to make money. If they want to compete on the compact suv market, then more power to them, especially if they dominate it. hah.

What I was trying to understand is the demographic of the person that would buy this vehicle. Maybe I just can't grasp the reason for the compact suv market, period.

Really? Well, I can speak for myself. I am married, 2 small kids, live in the mountains and wanted something all-wheel drive, higher clearance than a sedan, but nothing near the size of a cayenne, q9, x5, escalade, etc. I bought an x3. Car has handled every family trip taken, and is comfortable. Personally, I don't see this market to be very different than sedan owners. If I lived at a lower elevation, I'd consider a sedan, although I do appreciate the space provided by the SUV with the seats down. I also have a 981 for the trips without the kids. I'd guess the compact SUV market is a sub-market for SUVs that just don't like or need the real estate of the large SUV. As for my buying habits, I ordered my first 987 and waited 6 months. Went in to discuss trade a few years later, and they had a launch 997.2S on the lot; I picked that up. Went in to trade that one, and they had a 981 on the lot that I liked. When it came to the X3 I bought it after test driving a different one. I wasn't too picky about it, so I found one at a nearby dealer.

And... anyone with the May Panarama could tell you that March 2014 deliveries were 329 (Boxster), 887 (Carrera), 288 (Caymen), and 442 (Panamera) = 1946. Now, Cayenne deliveries were 1862. Sales, excluding Cayennes, were down 2%.

As has been said, company exists to make a profit. I'd have considered a Macan if it was out when I was buying.

[BIGJake111]

Originally Posted by cfos

Really? Well, I can speak for myself. I am married, 2 small kids, live in the mountains and wanted something all-wheel drive, higher clearance than a sedan, but nothing near the size of a cayenne, q9, x5, escalade, etc. I bought an x3. Car has handled every family trip taken, and is comfortable. Personally, I don't see this market to be very different than sedan owners. If I lived at a lower elevation, I'd consider a sedan, although I do appreciate the space provided by the SUV with the seats down. I also have a 981 for the trips without the kids. I'd guess the compact SUV market is a sub-market for SUVs that just don't like or need the real estate of the large SUV.

An SUV that makes sense haha. Something a bit more tame for the rest of the motorist. Can't say how much I would pay to wipe all the Tahoe/expedition/explorer/yukons and dare I add broncos off the road. Rarely do these people utilize all the seats, not only do they not go offroad but most of these listed are not capable off road, they guzzle gas, which is bad enough when actually being utalized in a sports car but much worse when in a useless several thousand pounds too heavy SUV. More cup holders than anyone could ever need aside from a true McDonald's conisour. Why can't I live in Germany where people carry family's around in panameras and cls shooting breaks.


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[cfos]

Originally Posted by BIGJake111

An SUV that makes sense haha. Something a bit more tame for the rest of the motorist. Can't say how much I would pay to wipe all the Tahoe/expedition/explorer/yukons and dare I add broncos off the road. Rarely do these people utilize all the seats, not only do they not go offroad but most of these listed are not capable off road, they guzzle gas, which is bad enough when actually being utalized in a sports car but much worse when in a useless several thousand pounds too heavy SUV. More cup holders than anyone could ever need aside from a true McDonald's conisour. Why can't I live in Germany where people carry family's around in panameras and cls shooting breaks.


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Yeah, a heck of a lot more sense than a pickup -- assuming your judgement is based on utility, right? I mean unless it's a work truck, how much time is the flatbed occupied?

[cfos]

Originally Posted by BIGJake111

A Why can't I live in Germany where people carry family's around in panameras and cls shooting breaks.


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Europe's most popular cars - Telegraph

Hate to break it to you, but it looks like Ford is more popular in Europe.

Doh!

http://bestsellingcarsblog.com/2014/05/10/germany-april-2014-vw-tiguan-passes-passat-to-2-year-to-date/

[BIGJake111]

Originally Posted by cfos

Europe's most popular cars - Telegraph

Hate to break it to you, but it looks like Ford is more popular in Europe.

Doh!

Best Selling Cars – Matt's blog » Germany April 2014: VW Tiguan reaches record #2, also #2 ytd

Big difference between a Mondero and a massive american suv. As for the truck, you need to haul the track car down behind something, sure would be nice to haul it behind a Porsche rather than a f150.

[cfos]

Originally Posted by BIGJake111

Big difference between a Mondero and a massive american suv. As for the truck, you need to haul the track car down behind something, sure would be nice to haul it behind a Porsche rather than a f150.

Uh... I don't think all these people are hauling Porsches... or need these for work.

Ford Tops Resurgent U.S. Car Industry, 2013 Sales Results Show : The Two-Way : NPR

"How are ya gonna keep 'em on the farm after they've seen Karl Hungus?"

[cfos]

How I imagine BigJake in Germany...

Originally Posted by BIGJake111

[spencerb]

Originally Posted by cfos

Really? Well, I can speak for myself. I am married, 2 small kids, live in the mountains and wanted something all-wheel drive, higher clearance than a sedan, but nothing near the size of a cayenne, q9, x5, escalade, etc. I bought an x3. Car has handled every family trip taken, and is comfortable. Personally, I don't see this market to be very different than sedan owners. If I lived at a lower elevation, I'd consider a sedan, although I do appreciate the space provided by the SUV with the seats down. I also have a 981 for the trips without the kids. I'd guess the compact SUV market is a sub-market for SUVs that just don't like or need the real estate of the large SUV. As for my buying habits, I ordered my first 987 and waited 6 months. Went in to discuss trade a few years later, and they had a launch 997.2S on the lot; I picked that up. Went in to trade that one, and they had a 981 on the lot that I liked. When it came to the X3 I bought it after test driving a different one. I wasn't too picky about it, so I found one at a nearby dealer.

And... anyone with the May Panarama could tell you that March 2014 deliveries were 329 (Boxster), 887 (Carrera), 288 (Caymen), and 442 (Panamera) = 1946. Now, Cayenne deliveries were 1862. Sales, excluding Cayennes, were down 2%.

As has been said, company exists to make a profit. I'd have considered a Macan if it was out when I was buying.

I guess that makes sense. Thanks for the reply. For the record, I have 2kids and a photography business. I bought a ford flex full load as it can carry kids and grand parents, as well as brides and camera bags. 2nd vehicle is an 2nd gen pathfinder. I get the SUV market, but I just can see me buying a compact SUV (even though the pathfinder is likely close to the same size as the macan/x3).

[cfos]

Originally Posted by spencerb

I guess that makes sense. Thanks for the reply. For the record, I have 2kids and a photography business. I bought a ford flex full load as it can carry kids and grand parents, as well as brides and camera bags. 2nd vehicle is an 2nd gen pathfinder. I get the SUV market, but I just can see me buying a compact SUV (even though the pathfinder is likely close to the same size as the macan/x3).

Stylistically, I like the Ford Flex, although I found it to be a bit long (for my family and needs). I actually like Ford, as a whole, and do appreciate the recent Mustang models. I did not care for the Edge, nor what the Escape has become. I see nothing wrong with the Explorer, although they have been growing a lot larger over the years. I've liked the older pathfinder models although think the current generation (not sure of the number) is a bit big (for me and mine). "They" say the the current BMW x3 is the same size as the original x5 that came out years ago. I had considered the Range Rover sport, although it was a little bigger, little more money, and I have little faith in their reliability. As we've both said, I think it depends on needs and I don't have my own business, nor the need for the extra row of seats so the small SUV (SAV) market is where I fall. I still don't understand the pickup market, though. I'm going to see the Macan tomorrow after a local PCA rally. I'm curious about it, but not in the market for another 6-7 years. I'll see what it's become then.

[BIGJake111]

Originally Posted by spencerb

I guess that makes sense. Thanks for the reply. For the record, I have 2kids and a photography business. I bought a ford flex full load as it can carry kids and grand parents, as well as brides and camera bags. 2nd vehicle is an 2nd gen pathfinder. I get the SUV market, but I just can see me buying a compact SUV (even though the pathfinder is likely close to the same size as the macan/x3).

How is the quality on the flex, father is interested in one as an additional car? I quite like the styling.

[spencerb]

Originally Posted by BIGJake111

How is the quality on the flex, father is interested in one as an additional car? I quite like the styling.

Quality so far is good. We bought it used with 50k km and have put 12k km on in the past year. No major issues. It's our first domestic. The interior is nice, sound system sounds great and it rides ultra quiet. The echoboost versions are factory lowered and quick. Very little body roll. My Subaru enthusiast friend (turbo wrx with coilovers, etc) was quite impressed with power and handling. Wife loves it too. Lots of room for kids and friends. I had a hard no on a minivan and the wife wanted 7 seats with car seat requirements (forward facing seats in the 3rd row). Didn't leave too many cars to choose from. I've always loved the flex. Sad though, could have bought her a crappy mini van and a boxster for the price we paid. Lol price of safety I guess. Major nit pick is how low the doors are and keeping the internal door seem clean.

Sorry to hear about your loss Jake.

[BIGJake111]

Originally Posted by spencerb

Quality so far is good. We bought it used with 50k km and have put 12k km on in the past year. No major issues. It's our first domestic. The interior is nice, sound system sounds great and it rides ultra quiet. The echoboost versions are factory lowered and quick. Very little body roll. My Subaru enthusiast friend (turbo wrx with coilovers, etc) was quite impressed with power and handling. Wife loves it too. Lots of room for kids and friends. I had a hard no on a minivan and the wife wanted 7 seats with car seat requirements (forward facing seats in the 3rd row). Didn't leave too many cars to choose from. I've always loved the flex. Sad though, could have bought her a crappy mini van and a boxster for the price we paid. Lol price of safety I guess. Major nit pick is how low the doors are and keeping the internal door seem clean.

Sorry to hear about your loss Jake.

Is the third row stow and go, or removable or something haha?