PORSCHE is placing the prototype of its all-electric Macan by what it says is “an exacting and gruelling check program” to arrange the SUV for its forthcoming world premiere.
The second-generation Macan arrives 10 years after the introduction of its predecessor and is the primary Porsche mannequin to be constructed on the corporate’s new Premium Platform Electrical (PPE) structure. The mannequin is at the moment present process testing in California as a part of a worldwide real-world testing technique aimed toward evaluating the mannequin’s reliability.
This week, Porsche introduced particulars of driving dynamic testing of the Macan below excessive situations, specializing in reaching a familial steering and chassis response it says are core competencies of the mannequin.
In endurance checks, the car’s service life is simulated below the sorts of harsh working situations Porsche says will solely be skilled by clients at “absolutely the restrict”.
Up to now, camouflaged prototypes of the all-electric Macan have accomplished over 3.5 million kilometres of testing on closed circuits and public roads, testing the interplay of all energetic driving parts below “excessive situations and situational masses”.
“We cowl temperature ranges from minus 30 levels Celsius in Scandinavia to plus 50 levels Celsius in Loss of life Valley in California,” stated Macan product line vice chairman Jorg Kerner.
“After all, an SUV additionally has to work on any floor, that’s the reason we check not solely on roads, but additionally off-road, gravel, snow and ice.”
Mr Kerner stated the rear-focused all-wheel drive system within the electrical Macan is “at all times on house turf” on this regard, noting that Porsche’s newest era of completely excited motors can present over increase energy of greater than 450kW, providing wonderful energy output and effectivity.
Additional, Porsche’s electronically managed traction administration system ensures the distribution over 1000Nm of torque – with launch management – to supply a “broad spectrum between excessive efficiency and luxury”.
The Macan EV rides on an energetic suspension setup with two-valve damping expertise, air springs, rear axle lock, and rear axle steering to make sure essentially the most correct and cozy driving expertise.
Importantly, Mr Kerner says the Macan EV can also be one of the crucial aerodynamic SUVs Porsche has ever produced. The mannequin provides a drag coefficient of simply 0.25Cd whereas on the similar time sustaining an optimum steadiness between aesthetics and performance.
“Once we develop a brand new mannequin, it’s at all times concerning the driving dynamics and precision – that’s Porsche. It’s in our DNA. However it’s at all times about effectivity too. And design,” he defined.
The range-optimised aerodynamics supplied within the new Macan EV are achieved not solely be re-sculpting the physique, but additionally by energetic aerodynamic parts and different “focused measures”.
“The energetic aerodynamic parts all considerably contribute to vary,” defined Porsche director of aerodynamics and aeroacoustics, Thomas Wiegand.
“We have now an routinely extending rear spoiler and energetic cooling flaps on the entrance air intakes.”
These parts are joined by a flat flooring and an enclosed rear axle housing the place the fairing is versatile to make sure low air resistance even when the suspension is at full journey. The alloy wheels are “largely enclosed” to decrease turbulence and the tyres “aerodynamically optimised”.
After all, when it comes time to recharge the Macan EV, effectivity can also be of the essence. Quick DC charging of as much as 270kW is obtainable for all markets, the 800-volt / 100kWh (gross) lithium-ion battery enabling high-performance quick charging wherever the mannequin is offered.
“There are completely different charging requirements in our fundamental markets. Due to this fact, a significant focus of our testing has been checking these completely different framework situations in several areas with our prototypes and adapting the expertise accordingly the place crucial,” stated Mr Kerner.
“Charging merely has to work, wherever and every time. The DC charging capability for the brand new Macan at 800-volt charging stations is as much as 270kW.
“The cost stage will be elevated from 10 to 80 per cent in lower than 22 minutes at 400-volt charging stations, a high-voltage swap within the battery enabling financial institution charging by successfully splitting the 800-volt battery into two batteries, every with a rated voltage of 400 volts.
“This permits notably environment friendly charging, with out an extra HV (excessive voltage) booster, at as much as 150kW. AC charging is feasible at as much as 11kW.”
The Porsche Macan EV is anticipated to go on sale later this yr.
