is a brand that has made a name for itself while remaining traditional. The 911 sports car, for example, has always had a flat-six. Since the 1940s, several Porsche features have remained standard, even on today’s SUVs. What memorabilia of the Porsche 356 do all SUVs of the brand still have today?
The key is always on the left
Porsches have always had a funky key, at least for the American public. He has always been to the left of the wheel. Even on today’s non-sports cars like Macans and SUVs, the key or starter button is all on the left.
Like many Porsche innovations, the left-hand key dates back to racing. Back in the good old days of auto racing in the 1950s and 60s, at races like the 24 Hours of Lemans or at Daytona, drivers didn’t start their cars on the track. Instead, the cars were parked off to the side, and when the starter lowered the French second flag, the drivers raced to get on and get their cars going.
At the time, Porsche engineers realized that it was faster for a driver to use his left hand to start the car while his right hand engaged first gear. Does this make sense. Ever since, it’s been a hallmark of Porsches, even if you don’t race to your Macan or Boxster with a helmet in Trader Joe’s parking lot.
These “Le Mans starts” stopped in the 1960s because they were incredibly dangerous. Can you imagine trying to start and launch a race car with the drivers still racing around the track in front of you? However, the Porsche’s left key got stuck.
What’s new for Porsche SUVs in 2023?
There’s not much new for Porsche SUVs in 2023. For its, smallest, there’s a new Macan T trim that adds the company’s track-focused Sport Chrono Package. Aside from a new color for the Cayenne, that SUV remains the same.
For 2023, the Macan starts at around $60,000 and comes with a 261-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder. The V6 in the S and GTS versions delivers an impressive 434 horsepower, making the Macan one of the fastest SUVs money can buy.
The base Cayenne, which is a bit roomier, has a 355-horsepower turbocharged V6. It starts at around $74,000. The updates, in S and GTS trim, each get 434-horsepower or 460-horsepower V6 engines. It’s also offered in an E-Hybrid trim that comes with 455 horsepower and plug-in-hybrid capabilities. It’s almost there for 2023.
But no matter what’s new, Porsche keys will always be left.
