Porsche electric cars may get gear shift simulation
Once, the idea that brands like Porsche, Ferrari, Lamborghini and Mercedes-AMG would look to Hyundai for engineering solutions seemed absurd. But those times are gone. The electric Ioniq 5 N made all serious sports car brands take notice, and some are openly trying to replicate its technologies.
Almost three years ago, the Ioniq 5 N hit the market and set a new benchmark for performance electric vehicles. Instead of chasing ever-higher acceleration figures, Hyundai prioritized the driving experience. The tool for this was a transmission simulation developed by the same team that created the eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox for the N division. This simulation is so realistic that it can fool most drivers.
Porsche studies Hyundai’s technology
Porsche has admitted to testing and studying Hyundai’s technology but is not yet ready to implement something similar in its electric vehicles.
«We will see what happens, but it’s not a technology we are ignoring. It’s very interesting. Honestly, Hyundai did a very good job,» said Porsche product representative Ben Weinberger. «If we do it, it will definitely be a typical Porsche solution, but it’s too early to talk about it.»
911 executives approve of Hyundai’s approach
Last year, Porsche’s vice president of the 718 and 911 lineups, Frank Moster, and head of the GT car division, Andreas Preuninger, praised the Ioniq 5 N, acknowledging they learned a lot after testing it.
«It’s the right path,» Moster said, commenting on the Ioniq 5 N’s transmission simulation and artificial engine sound inspired by internal combustion engines. «The customer can decide whether they want to drive in complete silence or be part of the game, experiencing virtual sounds of a flat-six engine and virtual gear shifts. That would be a direction for the future.»
The most logical candidates for implementing such technology are the fully electric Porsche 718 Cayman and Boxster. However, Porsche will also sell these models with internal combustion engines, which may reduce the need for engineering developments in mechanical feel simulation, which is the specialty of the Ioniq 5 N. Why simulate gears if real ones can be ordered as an option? On the other hand, if the electric 718 proves less emotional compared to a three-year-old Hyundai, Porsche will have to explain that to its customers.
Interestingly, even conservative manufacturers like Porsche, which have perfected mechanical gearboxes for decades, admit that simulation could be key to preserving the emotional connection with the driver in the world of electric vehicles. This suggests that the future of sports cars may not only be about speed but also about how to make driving exciting even without a traditional engine. Implementing such solutions will allow brands like Porsche to keep their DNA while adapting to new technologies.