Porsche Macan gets four-cylinder powerplant

The new entry level Porsche Macan, shown alongside the new Boxster and Cayman GTS at the Beijing motor show, has become the first Porsche model since the 968 to use four-cylinder power. Parent company Volkswagen's EA888 engine -- as used by a wide range of models from Volkswagen, Audi, Skoda and Seat -- will motivate the new Porsche SUV.

The turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder direct-injection unit, boasting the same state of tune found on the Golf GTi Performance Package, develops 234 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque between 1,500 and 4,500 rpm. By comparison, the turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 direct injection gasoline powered Macan S possesses 335 hp and 339 lb-ft.

For Asian markets such as China where it will go on sale by midyear, the Macan's four-cylinder engine is mated to a standard seven-speed PDK dual clutch gearbox boasting remote steering wheel shift paddles.

Porsche claims an official 0-62 mph time of 6.9 seconds and 139 mph top speed.

The I-4 Porsche Macan is visually distinguished by unique wheels and twin trapezoidal-shaped tail pipes.

Porsche is remaining tight-lipped on plans to introduce the four-cylinder Macan to North America, although officials hint it may eventually form part of the Macan lineup here.

By Greg Kable