AVM's Journey Back to a '23 Macan GTS

2236 Views 62 Replies 10 Participants Last post by AVM, 17 h ago

AVM

Discussion Starter · 26 d ago

6

A Little Background

About 4 years ago I purchased a Macan Sport Edition. My journey began and took me down a fun path that I will briefly share . . . having gone full circle, I am now back in a Macan (23’ GTS).

As to not ‘throw up’ a long single post, I will break things up into a few posts.

A little background for context of where I have been and how I got here. . . I think I have suffered a case of car attention deficit syndrome (CADS) over the past four years. I think I got it out of my system? Perhaps, not so much CADS as it was a condensed pursuit of visceral driving machines?

Within a couple months of obtaining my Macan Sport Edition the enthusiast ‘bug’ hit me and I quickly moved into a Macan Turbo. I have a thread on this forum devoted to that experience and mods performed. Despite getting the Turbo pretty ‘dialed-in,’ I realized that I could not make it into a sport car.

I moved from the Turbo into a 718 GTS . . . F87C . . . G80C . . . 718 GT4 over the span of about 3 years. All daily drivers. I am not going to digress into comparisons. Rather, simply state, I enjoyed all the sporty ///M cars and Porsche sport cars. However, I came to gain a great deal of frustration associated with the limitations imposed by the common roadways when it came to trying to engage these visceral and highly potent driving machines.

So, within the past couple weeks I traded my GT4 in on 23’ Macan GTS. Through my experiences I felt the GTS represented the best solution for my daily driving needs and interests. A sport SUV that is functional and enjoyable when driving relatively ‘normal’ from point A to point B.

I know everyone wants pics on these forums . . . on the road for a bit, but I will pull out the iPhone and snap a few GTS pics upon return home. In the interim, I have a few pics of cars referenced above as part of my journey.

AVM

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AVM

Discussion Starter · #2 · 26 d ago (Edited)

Macan GTS Mods

No doubt, I have enjoyed ‘modding’ my vehicles over the past few years. My favorite mods have been associated with aesthetics and exhaust acoustics. Not so much toward enhanced performance, e.g., ECU tunes. In this regard I want to be clear that I have no intentions of trying to make my Macan GTS into a sport car. Been there, did that previously with a Macan Turbo. Further, if I wanted a sport car, I would have kept my GT4.

I knew exactly what I wanted to achieve when I bought the Macan GTS and believe I have accomplished the mission through the following mods . . .

XPEL XR Plus Tint

- Nothing to discuss.

F6 Smoked Side Markers

- Swapping out the amber side markers in Porsche vehicles is simple and standard procedure. Nothing more to discuss.

F6 Wheel Spacers (12mm rear/10mm front)

- Achieved desired aesthetic impact.

- As discussed more below, I also installed the CETE Automotive Suspension Controller.

- In MY opinion, these two mods not only improved aesthetics, but also improve overall handling without any perceived detriment to ride quality. As is often stated, the vehicle appears to ‘hug’ the road better with less ‘roll.’

F6 Cold Air Intake

- Not sure why, but I always bite on these high flow aftermarket air filter systems. Never noticed any difference in the past with any system on any car.

- F6 claims a dyno-verified increase of 10whp; improved trap speeds; and improved turbo/throttle responses. I do not dispute their claims, but I have not appreciated any power gains or improved throttle response after installation . . . nor did I expect otherwise.

- HOWEVER, the F6 cold air intake in my GTS absolutely produces VERY audible turbo spooling and ‘swoosh’ that was not present with the OEM air filter. I suspect some might like these audible ‘gains.’ I am rather ambivalent.

CETE Automotive Suspension Controller

- More on this in a separate post below.

Roar Pedal Bluetooth Throttle Response Controller

- More on this in a separate post below.

Other Planned Mods

- Nothing planned or drawing my interest currently.

- I LOVED the AWE Track Exhaust on my Macan Turbo . . . but I think Porsche engineers nailed the exhaust for a sport SUV like the Macan GTS. However, I would HIGHLY recommend the AWE Track Exhaust to anyone who wants to get a little rowdy with exhaust acoustic output.

- Not interested in ‘more’ when it comes TQ/HP, e.g., aftermarket tune. The GTS comes equipped with PLENTY of both. I mention this because a throttle controller has proven to be a HIGHLY satisfying mod when it comes to accessing what the 2.9L V6 has to offer. More in a post below.

AVM

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AVM

Discussion Starter · #3 · 26 d ago

Roar Pedal Bluetooth Throttle Response Controller

Endless forum ‘debates’ on HOW these throttle control modules work. I am not here to delve into the debate, other than to say they absolutely improve throttle response.

Many options available on the market and they all seem to work the same. I decided upon the Roar Pedal for a few reasons: (1) cost was about half of the other commonly discussed options (Sprint Booster and Pedal Commander); (2) available with a Bluetooth option and simple to use app for control over settings; (3) the actual module is the smallest I have seen on the market and comes with short cables that make it VERY simple to securely tuck away under the dash.

In my simple mind, the controllers reduce perceived lag in throttle response time. The controllers give you access to what the engine has to offer more quickly. Of course, the controllers do not introduce TQ/HP gains like a tune/piggyback . . . just the perception of more TQ/HP because you are accessing both more quickly.

With specific regard to the Roar Pedal, installation was quite easy. 15-minute job from start to finish. Once installed and paired with my iPhone, I did the recommended ‘Learn’ procedure - which takes about 15-seconds – then hit SPORT mode in the app.

By default, SPORT mode dials in to 3 out of 9 possible sensitivity levels. With my GTS in NORMAL mode, the improvement in throttle response was INSTANLTY appreciated. Again, ‘lag time’ from throttle input to response was dramatically reduced. When I put the GTS in SPORT mode, the transformation was proportionate in terms of perceived responsiveness.

I have enjoyed the Roar Pedal SPORT mode at level 3 sensitivity so much that I have not even tried more aggressive settings yet. Seems perfect out of the gate. As many others have stated, ‘this is how the Macan GTS should have come from the factory.’ I am certain I will play with the Roar Pedal SPORT PLUS and RACE modes and various sensitivity levels (9 per mode) at some point.

In short, the GTS 2.9L V6 has PLENTY of TQ/HP for a sport SUV. The Roar Pedal is worth every penny toward its ability to give you access to the powerband more quickly.

AVM

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AVM

Discussion Starter · #4 · 26 d ago

CETE Automotive Suspension Controller

I had the CETE installed along with F6 spacers and F6 Cold Air Intake at the Flat 6 Motorsports shop in nearby Sanford, FL. Jon and his team are phenomenal and it literally took Ivan (lead technician) only about 45 minutes from start to finish to complete all three installations.

The CETE is controlled via Bluetooth on iPhone app. The app does not come with instructions and the function is not that intuitive at first. However, after some ‘tinkering,’ I realized the app profiles are linked to driving modes.

You can set profiles for NORMAL, SPORT and SPORT PLUS driving modes. Once profiles are entered into the app and sent to CETE module via Bluetooth, the suspension adapts automatically when you change driving modes (e.g., switch from NORMAL to SPORT mode). No need to ever go into app unless you wish to change suspension setting higher or lower.

Also worth noting, the Porsche Air Suspension button remains active and independent of whatever settings you have programmed into the CETE module. In other words, you still have quick access to 10mm drop/rise by the click of the center console button.

In one word, I have found this air suspension controller to be AMAZING. I made the investment predominantly to gain control over fender-to-tire height (aesthetics) and ride height (handling). Coupled with the F6 spacers, I could not be happier with the result.

Of course, one can purchase lowering links for 1/10th the cost of the CETE module. If you desire a single and fixed drop across diving modes (and off-road setting), I see no reason why the lowering links are not your best option. However, if you want instant access to various height settings across different driving modes, the CETE is worth every penny.

Aesthetically, fender-to-tire gapping is completely subjective. It does not matter what anyone prefers, the CTE module offers instant access to whatever gapping (height) you prefer. Functionally, you can set the CETE module to different heights according to driving modes, which has a noticeable impact on handling and roll.

For those interested, I only utilize two driving modes: NORMAL for long distance highway driving, and SPORT for short highway hauls and local roadways (daily driving). I have NORMAL profile set to -15/-15 and SPORT set to -25/-25.

AVM

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AVM

Discussion Starter · #5 · 26 d ago

3

A couple pics . . .

Like all enthusiasts, I have a certain and subjective taste when it comes to aesthetics . . . although, trying to keep my ride clean has fallen way down the totem pole of priorities. I find white to be a rather boring color . . . but exceptional at hiding my shortcomings when it comes to routine washing.

Not a lot of pics but everyone has seen a ton of Macan pics on the web, and these three show what needs to be seen as far as mods I have performed: smoked side markers, window tint, CETE lowering and F6 spacers.

Car parked after running in SPORT driving mode. I have CETE set to -25/-25 in SPORT mode. Air Suspension button NOT activated but would lower it another 10mm if it were. The drop in these pics is just about perfect to MY personal taste; I am not a fan of 'slammed.' I set the CETE at this height for SPORT driving mode because an additional 10mm drop by activating Air Suspension button is about as low as I would want to go aesthetically and for ride/handling purposes. . . actually, probably over the line in both respects and I might reset SPORT height to -20/-20 in the near future???

AVM

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Masscan

· #6 · 26 d ago

What made you ditch the G80 Comp so soon? Were you a member of Bimmerpost? I almost traded my old Macan GTS in for one....ended up with a 2023 Macan GTS....

What year was the G80....2022? What options, carbon seats?

AVM

Discussion Starter · #7 · 26 d ago (Edited)

2

Pros and Cons of the 23’ Macan GTS so far . . .

As from the outset of this thread, this was MY journey BACK to the Macan after getting the sporty ///M and Porsche sport cars out of my system. I daily drive my cars and am not one to enjoy storing anything in the garage for weekend or seasonal driving

Pros

- I knew what the Macan has to offer; it is everything I anticipated, needed and wanted. As far as I am concerned, the best sport SUV on the road when it comes to overall form and function.

- The 2.9L V6 offers plenty of TQ/HP and is perfectly tuned from factory. As per prior post, Porsche engineers fell a little short on throttle response, which is undoubtably a compromise toward fuel economy. The Roar Pedal addressed the problem and I feel I now have proper access to the 2.9L V6 power band.

- Phenomenal handling for a sport SUV that was made only better with CETE and spacers.

- In an era when other manufactures are putting iPads in the center dash - which I despise - the Macan still offers a wonderful balance of digital and analog with plenty of convenient buttons to SAFELY push while driving.

- Interior quality, comfort and overall cabin enjoyment on par with driving performance.

- All-season capability, which is a HUGE plus for anyone who lives in a northern climate . . . I currently live in Florida, but anticipate I might spend time in a norther climate in the near future. I am not a fan of the Pirelli P Zero over PS4S sport tires, but the Pirelli Scorpion all-season tires seem great so far.

Cons

- I think there is too much black plastic in the front fascia. The Macan S gets it right with the center front fascia panel being painted.

- In similar regard, I prefer the front splitter on more recent Macan generations (pic below). The new Macan GTS essentially has no front splitter. The only solution I have come across – and like - is offered by Magna (pic below). However, a rather obscure and European based company with whom I cannot even reach.

- The 295 rear tires are perfectly functional but, aesthetically, I preferred the 315 tires that came with my prior Macan Turbo.

- Throttle lag . . . that was easily addressed with Roar Pedal.

- Fender-to-tire gap . . . that was easily addressed with CETE and spacers, but not cheap. More than aesthetics, the CETE/spacers also improved upon roll and already great handling.

Overall, the Macan GTS represents what I consider the perfect daily driver for ME . . . so far.

AVM

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AVM

Discussion Starter · #8 · 26 d ago

Masscan said:
What made you ditch the G80 Comp so soon? Were you a member of Bimmerpost? I almost traded my old Macan GTS in for one....ended up with a 2023 Macan GTS....

What year was the G80....2022? What options, carbon seats?

I took delivery of my 21’ G80C in April of 2021, and it was one of the first custom builds delivered after release. It was loaded, including CF buckets. I sold it in October 2022 when I took delivery of my 718 GT4.

Comparing an ///M car to an SUV is like comparing an ///M car to a Porsche sport car . . . it is all give and take. If you were to ask me where the G80C sits on the spectrum, I would say somewhere between a Macan GTS and GT4, favoring the Macan GTS end of the spectrum . . . whereas the F87C was much closer to the GT4 end of the spectrum.

I absolutely loved my F87C, but never fully ‘jived’ with the G80C. Aesthetically, I could never get over the front end and overall size. Performance-wise, the S58 is an absolute beast that moves the chassis, but the mass could never be hidden when it came to handling. I think I was simply destined to move into a GT4 and never fully accepted the premise of a sporty sedan at the time.

As per the outset of this thread, it has been a journey that I have enjoyed immensely. My journey has brought me back to the Macan GTS.

AVM

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AVM

Discussion Starter · #9 · 26 d ago

A primary reason - if not THE reason - I made this thread is because across Porsche and BMW forums there are enthusiasts constantly comparing and considering various makes and models.

Honestly, most of the debates are silly, as BMW makes sporty sedans and coupes, while Porsche makes sport cars . . . when you throw SUVs into the mix things get even more wonky.

I THINK it comes down to what people want vs what they need . . . and can afford. There is no perfect car, rather, cars that tick more boxes than others within a given budget. The boxes and budgets can change over time.

For ME, I got the visceral cars out of my system . . . for the time being. Again, having grown very frustrated by the capabilities of these sporty/sport cars on roadways that only allow access to a fraction of the capability . . . on a daily driving basis.

Hence, I make no attempt to compare makes and models . . . only point out where I am in my journey. How the Macan GTS ticks all the boxes for ME.

AVM

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solts

· #10 · 26 d ago

Great detailed post! I'll be moving from a 997 Turbo S to a MGTS in June, so I'll be interested to see if I share your impressions. Regarding that front fascia, you can always just get the mid section painted - someone on Rennlist (Beneil) had it done - turned out great

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AVM

Discussion Starter · #11 · 26 d ago

solts said:
Great detailed post! I'll be moving from a 997 Turbo S to a MGTS in June, so I'll be interested to see if I share your impressions. Regarding that front fascia, you can always just get the mid section painted - someone on Rennlist (Beneil) had it done - turned out great

View attachment 270962

Thank you for kind comment . . .

A far as your transition to a Macan goes, just a matter of where you are at in terms of driving interests and needs. I am sure you gave it a great deal of thought and know exactly what you are getting into.

Personally, I am very satisfied driving relatively normally from point A to point B.

I will check out your referenced thread . . . it does look great.

AVM

macanadian

· #12 · 25 d ago

Curious to hear which roar pedal / car settings combo you've settled on? Prior to installing the RP in my GTS I drove exclusively in sport+. With the RP I'm finding the car's sport+ mode ever so slightly touchy when you first press the pedal.
I had been running the car in Sport and the RP in sport 4 for a couple weeks then did a week in sport 9, now I'm trying car in Sport and RP in sport+ 4. I'm still testing the car in Sport+ every day too as I just love the exhaust in that mode.

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AVM

Discussion Starter · #13 · 25 d ago (Edited)

macanadian said:
Curious to hear which roar pedal / car settings combo you've settled on? Prior to installing the RP in my GTS I drove exclusively in sport+. With the RP I'm finding the car's sport+ mode ever so slightly touchy when you first press the pedal.
I had been running the car in Sport and the RP in sport 4 for a couple weeks then did a week in sport 9, now I'm trying car in Sport and RP in sport+ 4. I'm still testing the car in Sport+ every day too as I just love the exhaust in that mode.

@macanadian

Glad you are enjoying your Macan and RP.

I only use two driving modes: NORMAL for long highway hauls (roadtrips), and SPORT for local roadways and relatively short highway hauls as part of my daily driving. So far, I have found RP Sport mode with sensitivity set at 3 to be just about perfect. I am sure I will tinker with RP Sport Plus and Race at some point, but I really have no need for 'more' at this point.

I really have no value for SPORT PLUS driving mode in my sport SUV. NORMAL and SPORT modes offer all I I need and am interested . . . so, I cannot comment on RP function in SPORT PLUS driving mode.

AVM

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M GTS

· #14 · 25 d ago

AVM a nice journey and some very nice pre GTS rides but I hear you.....
What your needs are more than anything else ( things change) might I add in todays over regulated revenue raising world on the roads today incl conditions !.
Having visited the States many times over the last 25+yrs your roads are farfar better than ours in Oz despite I expect some will say they have it worse over there also (well drive here for a couple of months then you'll know).
Our roads suck big time, we have experienced alot more rain over the last 3/4yrs and the holes are a plenty.
Main road repairs have the priority obviously but keeping up with that you can see the struggles, tyre blow outs, rim replacements have been 3fold, compounded by post covid shipping delays etc.
I punched both run flat tyres and rims on my 330M last year - when chasing tyre replacements I was told they have a back log for amount of euro low profile cars on our roads some brands out of stock for months.
Anyway talking performance sedans - I've got sick of watching out going up or down driveways, speed humps on our roads are quite high, you don't slow right down you scrape the front bar etcetc then the wife kept whinging (when don't they) getting in and out of your car is a nightmare its too low.
All my cars since a kid is performance driven, be it V8's to hipo 6 to 4's.
My first SUV had to tick the boxs - Macan GTS winner hands down ! and white AVM, first white car I've had since I was a kid.
By the way from the other thread, I've bought the RP Bluetooth today, look forward upon its delivery.
Keep up with your thread good read.

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AVM

Discussion Starter · #15 · 25 d ago (Edited)

M GTS said:
AVM a nice journey and some very nice pre GTS rides but I hear you.....
What your needs are more than anything else ( things change) might I add in todays over regulated revenue raising world on the roads today incl conditions !.
Having visited the States many times over the last 25+yrs your roads are farfar better than ours in Oz despite I expect some will say they have it worse over there also (well drive here for a couple of months then you'll know).
Our roads suck big time, we have experienced alot more rain over the last 3/4yrs and the holes are a plenty.
Main road repairs have the priority obviously but keeping up with that you can see the struggles, tyre blow outs, rim replacements have been 3fold, compounded by post covid shipping delays etc.
I punched both run flat tyres and rims on my 330M last year - when chasing tyre replacements I was told they have a back log for amount of euro low profile cars on our roads some brands out of stock for months.
Anyway talking performance sedans - I've got sick of watching out going up or down driveways, speed humps on our roads are quite high, you don't slow right down you scrape the front bar etcetc then the wife kept whinging (when don't they) getting in and out of your car is a nightmare its too low.
All my cars since a kid is performance driven, be it V8's to hipo 6 to 4's.
My first SUV had to tick the boxs - Macan GTS winner hands down ! and white AVM, first white car I've had since I was a kid.
By the way from the other thread, I've bought the RP Bluetooth today, look forward upon its delivery.
Keep up with your thread good read.

@M GTS

Thank you for the kind and thoughtful response

When I referenced my frustration associated with roadway limitations, I was referring to how 'limiting' they are when it comes to accessing the capabilities of sporty ///M and P sport cars I have owned. ALL of my recent cars have been DCT/ZF8/PDK. Except for long highway hauls (road-trips), I was ALWAYS in manual mode. ALWAYS used the shifter, never the paddles. I enjoy controlling shift points, as well as the process of shifting with a shifter and feeling the shifts through my hand.

With the above stated, the roadways in Florida are actually quite good. The 'limitations' are traffic and speed limits. I live in a relatively rural area and, still, roadway traffic exists. When an open roadway presents itself, going from 0 to jail time, then braking, gets VERY old VERY fast.

I overcame the latter frustration for a while through my enjoyment of keeping the cars wrung out - enjoying the acoustics of a wrung out engine and proper exhaust setup. I have no doubt that is why I was destined for a NA Flat 6 in the 718 GT4. I had Dundon headers/OAPS installed and it SCREAMED. Red lined at 8K RPM and I had it constantly wrung out, rarely ever getting out of 3rd gear.

However, enjoyment associated with wringing out a GT4 and its incredible acoustics also got old relatively quickly. The GT4 is a race car, not a daily driving car . . . at least, in my opinion. You know the story from there, and why I am now very content with a Macan GTS. Just driving relatively normal from point A to point B. No interest in manual mode . . . hate the paddles and the GTS no longer even allows you to manually shift with the shifter. PDK automatic mode is perfect for a sport SUV.

Getting back to roadways, I will likely be spending time in a northern climate in the near future. Roadways in the northern states are nowhere near as well maintained as those in the southern states, due most in part to the seasonal temperature changes that are hard on the roadway surfaces. In addition, once summer passes, I would have little interest in driving one of my former visceral driving machines in a northern climate. . . and I do not store my cars in the garage for weekend and season-appropriate driving excursions. So, while not the main reason, accommodating roadway conditions is just one more box ticked by the Macan GTS (with all-season Pirelli Scorpion tires).

Finally, you will absolutely love the Roar Pedal . . . Porsche engineers have their hands tied by the EPA on two primary fronts. Emissions and fuel consumption. Thus, exhaust acoustics and throttle responsiveness have been neutered. I have no problem with the Macan GTS exhaust acoustics, but the throttle lag was a real bummer. The Roar Pedal gives back what Porsche engineers had to take out.

Enjoy your journey

AVM

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solts

· #16 · 25 d ago

There was another user on here who had a strikingly similar path to the one you've traveled. I'm pretty sure he's moved on again to something else and we'll likely see him back on here in 6months

www.macanforum.com

RS6 to 21 Macan GTS

Well didn’t think I would be here. I am a car addict, and I need to stop. Latest acquisition in January was an Audi RS6. It did everything perfect, but too perfect, and became a very boring car. Listed for sale, and sold within a day. Now I had to start looking for options. Really like what...

www.macanforum.com

www.macanforum.com

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AVM

Discussion Starter · #17 · 25 d ago

solts said:
There was another user on here who had a strikingly similar path to the one you've traveled. I'm pretty sure he's moved on again to something else and we'll likely see him back on here in 6months

RS6 to 21 Macan GTS

Well didn’t think I would be here. I am a car addict, and I need to stop. Latest acquisition in January was an Audi RS6. It did everything perfect, but too perfect, and became a very boring car. Listed for sale, and sold within a day. Now I had to start looking for options. Really like what...

www.macanforum.com

Well, it seems the other forum member shares a bit of my care attention deficit syndrome (CADS), however, I believe we are on different journeys. He seems to be content owning a visceral car (GT4) and storing it in his garage for special occasions, while bouncing around between makes and models for his routine (daily) driving needs.

In contrast, I have no interest in storing any cars in a garage for special or seasonally-appropriate occasions. My journey revolves around finding one daily driver that ticks the most boxes . . . hence, my journey back to a 23' Macan GTS.

Also, as stated in my first post of this thread, I think my CADS was a phase in my enthusiast driving experience. A sort of 'been there, done that' and here is where I landed . . . back in a Macan. For the foreseeable future, I do not need or desire driving to be an 'event' every time I enter the car. Getting from point A to point B in what I consider the best sport SUV available is proving to quite refreshing.

AVM

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AVM

Discussion Starter · #18 · 25 d ago

A little more on the CETE and stock air suspension button . . .

It is my understanding that most references for the CETE and the stock air suspension are made in relative millimeters (e.g., relative to stock height). For example, it is my understanding that the center console air suspension button will lower the Macan 10mm when activated.

For kicks and giggles, I measured differences in height with the air suspension button deactivated (before) and activated (after). I measured from the bottom of the outer fender well to top of the wheel, as well as from the bottom of the outer fender well to the ground. In each case, the drop was one inch (25mm, not 10mm).

Again, my understanding is the CETE also measures relative drop/lift in millimeters. I have not formally measured, but I can state with confidence the actual drop/lift programmed does not correspond to millimeters.

AVM

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M GTS

· #19 · 24 d ago

AVM said:
@M GTS

Thank you for the kind and thoughtful response

When I referenced my frustration associated with roadway limitations, I was referring to how 'limiting' they are when it comes to accessing the capabilities of sporty ///M and P sport cars I have owned. ALL of my recent cars have been DCT/ZF8/PDK. Except for long highway hauls (road-trips), I was ALWAYS in manual mode. ALWAYS used the shifter, never the paddles. I enjoy controlling shift points, as well as the process of shifting with a shifter and feeling the shifts through my hand.

With the above stated, the roadways in Florida are actually quite good. The 'limitations' are traffic and speed limits. I live in a relatively rural area and, still, roadway traffic exists. When an open roadway presents itself, going from 0 to jail time, then braking, gets VERY old VERY fast.

I overcame the latter frustration for a while through my enjoyment of keeping the cars wrung out - enjoying the acoustics of a wrung out engine and proper exhaust setup. I have no doubt that is why I was destined for a NA Flat 6 in the 718 GT4. I had Dundon headers/OAPS installed and it SCREAMED. Red lined at 8K RPM and I had it constantly wrung out, rarely ever getting out of 3rd gear.

However, enjoyment associated with wringing out a GT4 and its incredible acoustics also got old relatively quickly. The GT4 is a race car, not a daily driving car . . . at least, in my opinion. You know the story from there, and why I am now very content with a Macan GTS. Just driving relatively normal from point A to point B. No interest in manual mode . . . hate the paddles and the GTS no longer even allows you to manually shift with the shifter. PDK automatic mode is perfect for a sport SUV.

Getting back to roadways, I will likely be spending time in a northern climate in the near future. Roadways in the northern states are nowhere near as well maintained as those in the southern states, due most in part to the seasonal temperature changes that are hard on the roadway surfaces. In addition, once summer passes, I would have little interest in driving one of my former visceral driving machines in a northern climate. . . and I do not store my cars in the garage for weekend and season-appropriate driving excursions. So, while not the main reason, accommodating roadway conditions is just one more box ticked by the Macan GTS (with all-season Pirelli Scorpion tires).

Finally, you will absolutely love the Roar Pedal . . . Porsche engineers have their hands tied by the EPA on two primary fronts. Emissions and fuel consumption. Thus, exhaust acoustics and throttle responsiveness have been neutered. I have no problem with the Macan GTS exhaust acoustics, but the throttle lag was a real bummer. The Roar Pedal gives back what Porsche engineers had to take out.

Enjoy your journey

AVM

Ah yes ok again I hear you, I think mentioned later rings true, been there done that, enthusiast, OCD about your ride but to end up find the happy "medium" rolled into one as the DD.
Macan GTS delivers that imo very much but for the couple of minor tweaks over riding the OE standards ie pedal lag for one.
From memory the 18 GTS has better acoustics than the following years complying with later updated regulations I'm led to believe.
I have a couple of other garage queens from my past Enthusiast stages ( yes I wonder myself why do I bother) that are ol skool V8 and one is 6speed manual. (lack of tech no matter what a joy to steer but todays "restrictions" makes those drives pretty much glass half full)
Understand the driver engagement controlling/felling shifts instead of letting the drivetrain run its course, I'm not fan as well despite how seamless it all works, maybe its something to do with the gen/what you grew up with. (not sure your age with respect)
I use sport to overcome the lag but once the RP arrives I'll be in happier driver space for the rest of the Macan ticks my needs today, all rounder.

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AVM

Discussion Starter · #20 · 23 d ago

Experimenting with the CETE and decided to post here . . . what a great piece of technology.

AVM

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