When it comes to making high-performance electric vehicles emulate the feel and sound of traditional gear-shifting cars, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N has led the charge, earning mostly positive reviews and even a few awards. The Korean EV achieves this through specialized torque mapping and programming that simulates the power output of different gears in a conventional transmission. Its distinctive sound system isn’t a simple recording of an engine or exhaust; it’s a unique composition all its own. Porsche, it seems, has been paying attention to this approach, developing a prototype that replicates the shifts and roar of a V8 Porsche Cayenne.
The Technology Is Already Underway
Speaking with The Drive during a drive event for the new prototype Cayenne EV, Porsche’s Sascha Niesen confirmed that the company is actively developing the technology, with the potential for it to appear in future EV models. The simulated gear-shift system is modeled on Porsche’s own eight-speed PDK transmission, with the same engineers behind the conventional unit contributing to the EV version. Niesen explained that the team recorded the engine and exhaust sounds of a Cayenne V8, which could then be mapped to the simulated gear shifts. He also hinted that there’s growing interest among Porsche’s EV buyers for this kind of immersive driving experience.
He also revealed that, earlier this year, engineers were already testing a prototype Cayenne EV equipped with the modifications, including paddle shifters to control the simulated gear changes.
“I drove a concept vehicle in March. I wanted to hate it because it’s artificial and it’s fake and everything. I was afraid that the people that are doing it are just software geeks who have no idea how a transmission works and try to emulate it. […] They were able to make it feel like a proper torque converter gearbox. I could not tell the difference.”
– Sascha Niesen, verification and validation manager for the Cayenne EV
Some Customers Show Interest
The camouflaged test vehicles shown to the media at the event didn’t include any actual gear-shifting features, but they did come equipped with the new Porsche Electric Sound System, simulating V8 engine noises. At this stage, both the simulated gears and sound system are still under consideration for production, with no official decision yet. Porsche believes there could be interest among enthusiasts for the added engagement, provided it can be switched on or off. “You’ve got to give the customer the option to be more engaged, but in an EV, it cannot be mandatory,” Niesen explained.
Porsche doesn’t appear to be forcing this technology on anyone, but it could make an appearance in two key upcoming models. The all-electric replacements for the 718 Boxster and Cayman are on the horizon, and with Porsche already experimenting with battery placement to replicate the balance of a mid-engine sports car, there’s little stopping the company from fully recreating the driving feel of the outgoing 718 models.
It’s particularly interesting that this technology appeared on a Cayenne EV rather than one of Porsche’s existing EVs, like the Taycan, although programming a simulated gearbox for each model would likely be straightforward—if there’s sufficient demand.
Would It Help Sell More Porsche EVs?
The all-electric Cayenne SUV is expected to go on sale likely next year, though plans for a larger, three-row electric SUV have reportedly been pushed back to 2029. Porsche also recently announced that the next-generation gas-powered Macan will arrive soon, joining its all-electric counterpart—a move aimed at addressing declining EV demand. For enthusiasts, the experience of driving still matters, even in an electric vehicle. Adding simulated gear shifts doesn’t enhance performance—in fact, it may slightly reduce it—but it could make the driving experience more engaging and fun, staying true to Porsche’s sporty heritage.
