Porsche Macan at the Los Angeles Auto Show: Don’t worry, diehards

There is one more Porsche family. The company chose to launch its latest model, the Macan, in Los Angeles. If Porsche diehards think that the Cayenne SUV is blasphemous, the news of the new Macan will certainly not please. But to be honest, there is no need to worry when the end of spring next year arrives.

Why? This compact SUV will do its family heritage justice.

The Macan S can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in five seconds with power coming from a 340-hp twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6. Step up to the Turbo model and appreciate the 400-hp generated from its 3.6-liter twin-turbo V6. Oh, you can get from naught to 60 in 4.4 seconds.

Porsche Macan S

You wouldn’t notice with the headlamps off, but it seems Porsche may have ripped a page from the Alfa Romeo styling manual. When illuminated, the lights look as bug-eyed as the Alfa 4C. I have to hand it to Porsche, though, since the Macan’s lights look better executed.

People familiar with Porsche products will be right at home in the Macan. Its ignition lock is positioned to the left of the steering wheel, a common Porsche trait. The console is well-thought-out, with buttons in easy reach of the driver. Porsche places the tachometer prominently in the center of Macan’s “three-tube” instrument panel. From the driver’s seat, you could almost trick yourself into believing you’re behind the wheel of a Boxster until you check the rear-view mirror to see an additional seat and cargo space.

To be built in Leipzig, Germany, Porsche plans to build 50,000 units per year. The Macan is aimed squarely at competition from BMW, Audi, and Mercedes-Benz in size and price. As you’d expect, owning one isn’t going to be terribly cheap. Starting prices for the Macan are $49,900 for the Macan S and $72,300 for the Macan Turbo.

Check out for gallery for more photos.

Porsche Macan S

Porsche Macan S

Porsche Macan S

Porsche Macan S

Porsche Macan Turbo interior

Porsche Macan Turbo interior

Porsche Macan Turbo

Porsche Macan Turbo

Porsche Macan S