Porsche Macan to get V6 diesel as base engine in U.S.

Porsche has revealed its plans for the U.S.-market base model of its new Macan compact luxury crossover.

Instead of the gasoline and diesel four-cylinder models that will be available in other countries, American buyers will be offered the Macan S Diesel, which utilizes a turbodiesel V6. Essentially the same 3.0-liter unit used in a variety of Volkswagen Group models like the Audi Q5 and Porsche’s own Cayenne diesel, the mill is expected to produce 240 horsepower and 428 lb-ft of torque from just 1,750 rpm.

Fuel economy should be a strong point for the Macan S Diesel, with mileage likely to be rated at 24/31 city/highway mpg – or better.

As with its gas-fed siblings, the twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6-powered Macan S and Macan Turbo, the Macan S Diesel will be fitted with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic and all-wheel-drive.

The oil-burner will be the cheapest member of the Macan family, with a starting price that’s expected to be below the Macan S’ $51,095 MSRP.

Why won’t the four-cylinder Macans make it to these shores? Porsche is silent on the subject, but a Car and Driver report speculates that the move is intended to limit sales cannibalization of the Audi Q5, which is most popular in four pot form.