No, Porsche’s electric sports cars will not have fake EV shifting. “Why should we make something worse?” Porsche development driver Lars Kern said. After testing Hyundai’s IONIQ 5 N, Porsche believes there’s “no reason to simulate what has been in the past.”
Porsche is not impressed with fake EV shifting
Porsche is aware of new tech, like simulating the feeling of an ICE car shifting in new electric sports cars. However, it doesn’t believe the hyped-up feature is worth it.
“The electric engine is better than an ICE,” Kern explained to Australian media (via Drive). “So we figured there’s no reason to simulate what has been in the past,” he said.
Kern’s comments come after Hyundai launched its first electric performance car, the IONIQ 5 N. Equipped with N E-Shift, Hyundai’s sporty EV simulates the feeling of an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission.
Hyundai said the N-branded sports EV is its most powerful, fun-to-drive model with several track-ready features.
Porsche wasn’t impressed. “We look into what the competition does, but our perspective on this is always why should we make something worse,” Kern said.
New electric models launching
He explained that Porsche looked into the tech, but it never moved past the idea stage. “We drove the Hyundai N and had a look at it, and, obviously, there’s always people who think that’s a good idea and there’s always people I think it’s a bad idea,” Kern told the media.
Porsche will begin delivering its second electric model, the Macan EV, later this year. The first electric Macan models rolled off assembly at Porsche’s Leipzig plant in May as it preps for deliveries.
The company also launched the updated 2025 Taycan with more range, faster charging, and even more performance.
Porsche is expected to reveal an electric 718 by the end of the year, followed by the highly awaited Porsche Cayenne EV, due out in 2026 (see a video of it testing). The company is also prepping to launch a range-topping electric seven-seater to rival ultra-luxury brands.
Electrek’s Take
As an EV driver, I couldn’t agree more with Kern. The smooth, instant acceleration is one of the best features of an electric car.
Top comment by Richard Heston
While I generally agree with Kern's comments on behalf of Porsche and agree that simulated driving experiences should be reserved for Xboxes, Porsche makes available for the Taycan a simulated ICE engine sound as an option called Porsche Electric Sport Sound for $500. I know - I have it. I actually prefer the silence and only turn on the simulated engine sound in parking lots, a way to warn pedestrians who don't hear silently approaching EVs.
The technology is superior, so why would you want to replicate something from the past? I understand some drivers like the feeling of being jerked around, but have they tried hitting the accelerator in an electric sports car? It’s not likely.
And then there are other brands like Dodge, simulating fake exhaust sounds with its “Fratzonic Chambered Exhaust” tech on its first electric muscle car, the Charger Daytona.
Again, as an EV owner, the silent drive is one of the best parts of going electric. You will notice a world of a difference the first time you drive an electric car.
How do you feel about fake EV shifting and noises? Is it needed? Let us know in the comments below.
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