Porsche breaks its own traditions: the Macan replacement will be front-wheel drive centred

In 2028, Porsche will abandon almost a century of tradition. The Macan successor with an internal combustion engine will be the first production model of the brand with an all-wheel drive system, in which the main will be the front axle, and the rear - auxiliary.

Here's What We Know

The future crossover, known internally under the index M1, will replace the internal combustion engine version of the Macan, removed from sales in Europe in the summer of 2024 due to non-compliance with new requirements for cybersecurity. Production for other markets will end in the summer of 2026.

According to Autocar, the M1 will share the Premium Platform Combustion (PPC) architecture with the new Audi Q5 and receive its Quattro Ultra all-wheel drive system. Unlike the first Macan, where Porsche engineers redesigned the platform for the sake of emphasising the rear axle, this time the configuration will remain the same as Audi's. By default, the crossover will be front-wheel drive, and the rear drive will be connected only in case of wheelspin.

An electric version for the M1 is not planned: this role will continue to be fulfilled by the Macan EV, released in 2024. The new crossover will be offered with petrol motors and a mild hybrid, but no diesel or plug-in hybrid setup.

According to rumours, the base engine could be the VW Group's 2.0-litre turbo engine with mild hybrid supercharger (201 hp, 340 N-m), seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and acceleration from standstill to 100 km/h in 8.6 seconds. At least, these are the figures demonstrated by the new Audi Q5. Later, the range will be supplemented by S, GTS and Turbo versions with more powerful units and adaptive chassis.

Where the M1 will be produced is still being decided. Among the possible options are Audi's Mexican plant in San Jose Chiapa, where the Q5 is made, and Porsche's plant in Leipzig, where the petrol Macan is currently assembled.

Source: Autocar