In order to get the all-electric Macan ready for its upcoming global debut, Porsche is putting the prototype through a grueling and demanding testing process. The car is an entirely original creation. Porsche’s engineers didn’t cut any corners when creating and testing it.
The Macan, which debuted ten years ago, is about to introduce a second model generation that will be entirely electric. The SUV is an entirely new creation, the first Porsche model constructed on the new Premium Platform Electric (PPE).
Thorough testing is done to make sure that all systems and components work flawlessly together. Porsche values in-the-real-world testing with prototypes that are camouflaged.
“When we develop a new model, it’s always about the driving dynamics and precision. That’s Porsche. It’s in our DNA. But it’s always about efficiency, too. And design,” says Jörg Kerner, Vice President Product Line Macan.
Maintaining the product identity of the popular Macan model series while also fulfilling the aerodynamic parameters required to guarantee good economy and, consequently, a long range was one problem.
“Finding the optimal connection between our design principles and the specifications given to us by the aerodynamics engineers is certainly a challenge,” says Peter Varga, Director of Exterior Design at Style Porsche. “We’re working together on every millimeter to achieve the optimal balance between aesthetics and function.”
Even in the area of the rear axle, the vehicle floor is closed and flat, like that of a racing car. In addition to being flexible, the fairings there guarantee minimal air resistance during rebounding, which is an inventive solution when combined with the aerodynamically optimized tire shapes and the streamlined, mostly closed wheels.
When driving on a rural road, the Macan naturally transitions into its optimal streamlining. The air flaps close, the chassis level drops, and the rear spoiler goes into the eco position.
Wiegand and his team found that the drag coefficient in this case was 0.25 (formerly 0.35). With a significant effect on efficiency, all of this makes the 2017 Macan one of the most aerodynamic SUVs. WLTP claims that the ranges for all models will be more than 500 km.
All markets can benefit from fast charging up to 270 kW.
Underneath the new Macan is a robust 100 kWh lithium-ion battery that powers the vehicle.
The entire 95 kWh capacity of this battery can be consumed by the electric motors. The Macan’s revolutionary 800-volt PPE architecture makes for a swift and efficient charge. It is presently going through worldwide testing as part of its development procedure.
Porsche paid close attention to maintaining the recognizable steering feel and brand-typical driving dynamics when developing the new Macan. The producer of sports cars places special emphasis on these basic competencies during testing.
The test cars are used globally to evaluate how all active driving components interact under extreme climatic and situational demands.
“We cover all temperature ranges. From minus 30 degrees Celsius in Scandinavia to plus 50 degrees Celsius, as we experienced in Death Valley in California,” continues Kerner.
“Of course, an SUV also has to work on any surface. That’s why we test not only on roads but also off-road, on gravel, snow, and ice.” This is where the all-electric Macan models’ rear-focused all-wheel drive always excels.
On the front and rear axles, Porsche only employs the newest model of permanently-excited PSM motors. They offer superior efficiency, maximum repeatability of the power output, and overboost power of over 450 kW.
With Launch Control on the top model, the electronically controlled Porsche Traction Management distributes more than 1,000 Nm of torque in practically real time.
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