LAHORE: The Final of the Porsche National Polo Open 2014 was a much anticipated and action packed day which witnessed the unveiling of the all-new Porsche Macan in Pakistan through a surprise presentation before the match, featuring the sporty SUV driven onto the polo ground accompanied by an entourage of award winning polo ponies and other celebrated models of Porsche luxury automobiles – indeed a first public reveal of the car in the entire Middle East Region.
The final match of the tournament came after a series of Porsche led events throughout the two week tournament including their socially responsible PKDS driving school for children, the Porsche Polo Diaries Fashion Show and the Royal Ascot themed brunch.
The Final match itself was closely contested between Team Colony-Newage and Team Pakistan Army, with a goal by Captain Matias Vial Perez in the waning seconds of the last chukker edging Team Colony-Newage to a 10-9 exhilarating victory over Team Pakistan Army in the Final match of the Porsche National Polo Open.
Chief Guest, Philanthropist, Educationist and Politician Imran Khan was joined by Porsche Pakistan CEO Abuzar Bokhari and President of the Lahore Polo Club, Abdul Haye Mehta to give awards to both teams, participating umpires, the seasons’ most valuable and improved players as well as the best performing polo pony of the polo season.
Specifically on the unveiling of the Porsche Macan at the tournament, CEO Porsche Pakistan, Abuzar Bokhari said: “With the Macan, Porsche offers athletic all-wheel-drive vehicles across an unprecedented range. The new model is set to revolutionise the sporty SUV segment with an injection of pure Porsche DNA. The all-new Macan is the latest representation of Porsche’s unwavering commitment to pushing back the boundaries of possibility whilst remaining true to a heritage of automotive excellence. My team and I are proud to launch the Macan in Pakistan in line with its global premiere.”
Poised to set new standards in driving dynamics and enjoyment, both on and off the road, the new Macan boasts the typical sporty handling characteristics that have become synonymous with the Porsche brand. Many of the design and performance elements have been inspired by the brand’s sports cars, including the iconic 911 and the revolutionary 918 Spyder, making it clear that the compact SUV heralds the first of its kind.
The launch of the Porsche Macan at the tournament and indeed globally, marks Porsche’s pioneering move into a new segment, following in the footsteps of the brand‘s most successful model in the luxury SUV range, the Cayenne and is represented by the motto “Life, intensified”, a phrase which exemplifies what Macan represents.
Featuring exceptional acceleration, vast engine power, extreme agility and optimum steering precision, the Macan is set to rewrite the rulebook on outstanding sporting comfort and everyday usability. The sporty DNA of the Macan, as with all Porsche vehicles, is immediately recognisable in the design. The compact SUV is unrivalled in its flat and broad profile on the road. The wrap-around bonnet and gently sloping roof line accentuate the overall impression of sporty elegance and powerful dynamics. Two derivatives are available at Porsche Centre Lahore for order: Macan S and Macan Turbo.
The Macan S is equipped with a 3.0-litre V6 biturbo engine, delivering 340 hp and also features an active all-wheel drive with an electronically controlled, map-controlled multi-plate clutch. This all-wheel drive is fitted on all Macan models. From the outset the Macan boasts the recently developed Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK), which transfers power as required and almost free of interruption in tractive force. This enables the vehicle to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.2 seconds, when equipped with the optional Sport Chrono package, and reaches a top speed of 254 km/h.
As the top derivative, the Macan Turbo is set to be the most powerful petrol-powered vehicle in the compact SUV segment. The 3.6-litre V6 biturbo engine, which is being used in a Porsche model for the very first time, achieves an unrivalled 400 hp and catapults the vehicle from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.6 seconds (with Sport Chrono package), reaching a top speed of 266 km/h.
The name Macan comes from the Indonesian word for tiger, a spirit the car truly embodies. Boasting pure Porsche power and assertiveness, the Macan is a nimble yet tenacious off-roader. The latest stage of evolution of the all-wheel drive – known as Porsche Traction Management – has produced one of the world’s most powerful drive systems.
A glance at the performance specifications reveal that the Macan has been designed with agility in mind. Further unmistakable hallmarks of the vehicle include its proportions, design and the mixed tyres with different dimensions at the front and rear axle, enhancing the look and functionality. The driver and passenger seats also boast the low position typical of sports cars.
The range of equipment fitted on the Macan as standard is extensive and includes the all-wheel drive, PDK, multi-function sport steering wheel with shift paddles, high-performance audio system and an electrically operated tailgate. The Macan features the air suspension system as the only vehicle in its segment and it comes as standard.
The all-new Macan range is now available for order in Pakistan with first units being delivered in the third quarter of this year. Further information including details pertaining to local prices are available on request at the Porsche Centre Lahore located at 24-D, Bahar Shah Road, Al-Faisal Town, Lahore Cantonment.
For more details, please visit: https://www.facebook.com/Porsche.Pk or call 042 111 777 911.
