Peter Palmer: Porsche Macan GTS: New & Improved For 2020 (And Great Brakes Too)!

2020 Porsche Macan GTS arrives with new performance updates.
The V6 features two turbochargers in the inner V of the engine.
And the braking system for the Macan GTS is pretty boss too!

“Macan GTS returns for 2020 with improved performance,” Porsche says in their latest press release. Well that’s a surprise. Oh wait, no it isn’t. Porsche has a wonderful habit of making their cars a little bit better, year after year, generation after generation. A nice, steady methodical chain of improvements. That’s a good trend to see in an car company, no?

Now, these aren’t revolutionary improvements we’re talking about. This is more of a nip here, a tuck there. But they do add up to be better than last year.

What Engine Does The 2020 Macan GTS Have?

The 2020 Macan GTS, the sportiest version of the line, comes powered by a 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6. The engine cranks out a healthy 375 horsepower (that’s a bump of 15 horsepower over last year) and is mated to a PDK dual-clutch transmission, a sound performance choice. Maximum torque is 383 lb-ft., up 14 lb-ft. from last year.

The powertrain allows the Macan GTS to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in a scant 4.7 seconds. If you opt for the Sport Chrono package, you get to 60 in 4.5 seconds. Top speed is 162 mph. Also healthy.

2020 Porsche Macan GTS: Powerful Brakes

The Macan GTS stops on a dime thanks to “generously sized” cast iron brakes. In other words, they’re b-i-g: 360 x 36 millimeters at the front and 330 x 22 millimeters at the rear. Nice! If that’s not enough, there are optional Porsche Surface Coated Brakes with tungsten carbide coating clocking in at 390 x 38 millimeters at the front, 356 x 28 millimeters out back.

Related: Every Porsche owner should read this book.

Still want more stopping power? Then tick the option box for the Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes which measure 396 x 38 millimeters at the front and 370 x 30 millimeters at the rear. Those could probably stop a 747 when it lands.

Styling & Design

Visually, the new Macan GTS stands apart with a standard Sport Design package that includes new front and rear trim, plus new side skirts. The front fascia has the blacked-out design elements like all Porsche GTS models, but that theme carries through to the rear. The LED headlights (with Porsche’s Dynamic Light System), the three-dimensional rear lights, and the LED light bar at the rear are also darkened.

The trim strips along the vehicle are black, which match the black accents on the diffuser and tailpipes of the standard sport exhaust system. However, the brake calipers are a bright red.

Interior Treatments

The interior of the 2020 Porsche Macan GTS is not left out of the fun either. There’s Alcantara on the seat center panels, the center console armrests, and door panels, along with brushed aluminum accents throughout. The multi-function steering wheel is wrapped in smooth leather, as are the sport seats of the Macan GTS. Those sport seats feature eight-way adjustment capability and side bolsters to hold you in place during cornering.

Options for the GTS interior include Carmine Red or Chalk stitching plus additional Alcantara features; a Bose Surround Sound system; and a new smartphone tray with inductive charging functions. There’s also Park Assist including Surround View, a heated windshield, and an ionizer available as optional equipment.

How Much Is The 2020 Porsche Macan GTS?

The 2020 Porsche Macan GTS is expected at U.S. dealerships this summer with pricing starting at $71,300.

Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He is the author of Bricks & Bones: The Endearing Legacy and Nitty-Gritty Phenomenon of The Indy 500, available in paperback or Kindle format. Follow his work on Twitter: @TonyBorroz.

Photos & Source: Porsche Cars North America, Inc.