For October 2025, we had planned a major trip to Italy: the driver (me), my wife – and, of course, our toy poodle. One highlight of the tour was to be a track day at the legendary Autodromo Tazio Nuvolari near Cervesina (south of Milan). The track is around 2.8 kilometers long (grand configuration around 5.3 kilometers) and has a reputation for being one of the most interesting driving circuits in Northern Italy.

GT3 or Macan?

Probably the hardest decision had to be made right at home: do we take the puristic GT3 Touring or the new all-electric Macan Turbo? My wife pragmatically convinced me to take the SUV. It was clear: performance losses were to be expected on the track. But sometimes the overall package matters more than a lap time.

So, the Macan was fully loaded, the poodle buckled up, and we headed towards Italy via the Stelvio Pass. Friends arrived in style with a GT3 and GT3 RS on a trailer – so there I was with the "E-Fake-Turbo". At the hotel near the track, we were able to fully charge the Macan overnight. A perfect starting point.

The Macan was charged at the hotel.

Great organization, challenging track

Check-in with the Pistenclub was as professional as ever: clear processes, friendly support, perfect organization – just the way you know it. The track itself is technically demanding: fast corners, some tight sections, very flat and open – ideal for building confidence in the car.

Next to the sports cars, the SUV immediately stood out.

After a few laps, it was clear: the Macan and I understood each other, even on the racetrack. 639 hp / 1130 Nm (all-wheel drive) catapult the vehicle out of corners as if there were no tomorrow. It reminded me of my former 991 Turbo S. The grip of the stock Goodyear tires was surprising, and despite its weight, the vehicle remained very neutral and predictable. The tires made it clearly audible that they were giving it their all. I had fun. A lot of fun.

Driving dynamics – different

Of course, a Macan Turbo is no GT3. What was surprising was that "at least for a short time", especially in wide corners and on straights, you could keep up with the brutal performance of the GT3s – before being slowed down by battery temperature or brakes. Specifically, this means: the first three fast laps are done with full power. After that, the system noticeably throttles back to protect the battery. With a controlled pace, however, a full stint can be completed without any problems before a charging stop is necessary.

The Macan was able to impress on the track.

Charging was done about 15 minutes away. My big worry was unfounded. Even in Italy, "charging" is no longer a major issue. The biggest limitation for me was the brakes: with a vehicle weight of 2.5 tons, you notice the thermal load quickly. The track day was therefore ideal for realistically assessing the changing brake performance.

Atmosphere and conclusion

I drove about 20 laps that day – that's all it took to get to know the vehicle. Up in the stands, my wife was having a great time: "The car was the show – quiet, lots of squealing, yet fast." A Macan Turbo is not a track tool! However, it opens up new perspectives. Anyone willing to accept the current shortcomings compared to classic combustion engines can still experience genuine driving pleasure – partly fascinating, definitely different.

It remains exciting to see what else is to come in the EV sector: in any case, it took away my anxiety. On the autobahn, it's easy to overestimate yourself with a car like this. The experiences at the limit on a closed track were therefore worth their weight in gold. Afterwards, we continued all the way to Palermo in Sicily. The decision to take the Macan was right. Either way: next time, the GT3 will be back at the start.