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When the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N started selling in 2025, it caught the automotive world off guard with its fake gear shifts. The feature has garnered much attention and many positive reviews. It also caught the eye of other automakers including Porsche which is including the feature in its 2027 Taycan. This is a surprise move given that previous simulations like the BMW i8’s artificial sound system called Active Sound Design (ASD) that created a sportier engine noise experience both inside and outside the vehicle was met with mixed-to-negative reviews.
The friction between purists and modernists regarding the Taycan’s upcoming fake transmission is grinding out on social media. The r/electricvehicles subreddit is a great example where nero-the-cat posted:
"The problem is the engineering effort that will go into creating and maintaining the feature that could be spent on other more productive things, rather than trying to emulate ICE cars.”
At one end of the outrage spectrum, Horror-Stand-3969 responded with the following funny/sarcastic comment:
“I’d be more interested in my EV making horse clip clop sounds. That would be kind of cool.”
Coming from the other end of the spectrum, etaoin314 posted some support for the virtual transmission:
“I think this is one of those things that sounds dumb but when you are on the track with a shit eating grin, hanging the ass out it kind of makes sense. As long as it can be turned off, I am all for it. Those who look down their nose at it can turn it off, but it’s never a good look to yuck other people's yum.”
Strongmanass posted about how it can comfort people who are familiar with gas engines:
“It's a good way for it to feel familiar to people who have some sort of connection to engines. The only thing I really dislike about my ICE car is that it's not an EV. I've been looking forward to the Boxster because it's an electric convertible. Now I'm looking forward to it less.”
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N simulates an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission called N e-Shift. This is a software feature that mimics the feel of a traditional gear-shifting gasoline car by electronically controlling motor torque, creating pauses in acceleration, and adding simulated engine sounds and gear shifts to make the EV feel more engaging. This simulation can be turned on or off, and it even includes simulated engine braking and a rev-limiter to enhance the experience for drivers who prefer it.
Introduction of Porsche’s New Simulated Shifting Feature
Porsche is preparing a new layer of driver engagement for its electric lineup by introducing a simulated shifting experience inspired in part by the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N. The first model scheduled to showcase this feature is the 2027 Taycan, which is planned to reach customers late next year. According to “The Drive,” dealer networks have already been briefed so that staff can explain the system once vehicles begin arriving, and ordering for the updated Taycan is expected to become available in August. Drivers will have the option to activate or disable the feature at any time. Earlier Taycan model years will not receive the system because they were not designed with the steering wheel controls required to operate it.
Porsche’s Use of the Term Virtual Transmission
As opposed to the somewhat derogatory “fake gearshifts,” Porsche has been referring to the technology as a “virtual transmission,” a label that hints at how the system might appear in future marketing materials. The company has acknowledged that it routinely experiments with new ideas, although it has not provided specific confirmation about production intent. The name itself has sparked plenty of curiosity, since it suggests a digital interpretation of the gear changing behavior typically associated with combustion powered performance cars.
Prototype Development and Early Impressions
Development work on this technology has been underway for some time. Porsche built prototype vehicles to evaluate how simulated shift points could influence the feel of an electric powertrain, relying on teams who specialize in the brand’s transmission tuning to shape the behavior. Test drivers who sampled the prototypes reported that the shifting rhythm added a sense of familiarity and control that many electric vehicles lack, which encouraged Porsche to explore the concept further.
Upcoming Taycan Updates and Future Model Integration
The updated Taycan will also benefit from a refreshed version of Porsche Communication Management, which is expected to borrow some visual and functional ideas from the interface designed for the Cayenne Electric. Although the Taycan likely will not adopt the curved screen layout found in the SUV, improvements to menus and usability are anticipated. Other models in the range, such as the Cayenne Electric, Macan Electric, and the forthcoming electric Cayman, could eventually receive the virtual transmission once interior controls evolve to accommodate it.
Influence of Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 N
Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 N played a meaningful role in pushing Porsche toward this direction. Engineers noted how the Hyundai used simulated gear changes to reintroduce a richer sense of involvement, something that can be missing in EVs. Porsche leadership has spoken about what they learned from their time with the Hyundai, which strengthened the case for giving future Porsche EVs more tactile character.
Why the Taycan Is the Ideal Launch Platform
The Taycan is a fitting starting point for this new approach. It already has a reputation for feeling more connected than many of its competitors, whether in its standard configuration or in the high output versions aimed at track enthusiasts. Adding a shifting experience is expected to deepen that sense of engagement even further. Porsche intends to extend the technology to additional electric models over time, including the next generation 718, which is also under evaluation for enhanced sound design.
Emotional Engagement – The Next Frontier
The broader EV industry is entering a new phase where emotional feedback and driver involvement are viewed as priorities rather than afterthoughts. Straight line speed and fast charging have become table stakes, so manufacturers are now searching for ways to bring back some of the sensations that once defined spirited driving. Porsche is positioning itself to lead that shift, while other brands, including BMW with its driver focused control systems in the upcoming iX3, are following a similar path.
Bottom Line
Porsche’s work on a virtual transmission reflects a strategic move to make its electric vehicles more engaging and expressive. The 2027 Taycan will introduce this vision to customers, signaling a future in which EVs deliver not only efficiency and speed, but also the kind of involvement that performance drivers have always appreciated.
The Porsche Taycan
The Porsche Taycan arrived in 2019 as Porsche’s first fully electric car, and it quickly proved that an EV could feel like a true performance machine. The Taycan delivers incredible acceleration, confident handling, and a driving experience that feels remarkably connected to the road. The interior blends luxury with a clean modern design, and the build quality feels unmistakably Porsche. The biggest standout is its 800-volt architecture, which allows exceptionally fast charging and consistent power delivery, setting it apart from most other EVs on the market.
What Do You Think?
What do you think about Porsche adding simulated gearshifts to the Taycan, is this the future of EV engagement or a pointless gimmick?
Would fake shifting make an EV feel more exciting for you, or would you immediately turn the feature off?
Chris Johnston is the author of SAE’s comprehensive book on electric vehicles, "The Arrival of The Electric Car." His coverage on Torque News focuses on electric vehicles. Chris has decades of product management experience in telematics, mobile computing, and wireless communications. Chris has a B.S. in electrical engineering from Purdue University and an MBA. He lives in Seattle. When not working, Chris enjoys restoring classic wooden boats, open water swimming, cycling and flying (as a private pilot). You can connect with Chris on LinkedIn and follow his work on X at ChrisJohnstonEV.
Photo credit: Porsche media
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