Porsche is reportedly preparing to introduce simulated gear shifts across its electric vehicle (EV) lineup — a feature designed to bring back the driving engagement many enthusiasts miss in modern electric cars. The first model to showcase what Porsche is calling a “virtual transmission” will be the refreshed Taycan, expected to hit showrooms in late 2026 as a 2027 model.
Dealers were briefed on the plan during a closed-door conference in Atlanta last month, where Porsche confirmed sales teams should be ready to introduce the technology when order books open in August 2026. While the company isn’t officially commenting, it also isn’t denying the information — instead noting in comments to The Drive that researching features like this is a standard part of its development process.
If the idea sounds familiar, that’s because Hyundai’s high-performance IONIQ 5 N put fake gear shifts and sound effects on the map — and Porsche’s own engineers have taken notice. Frank Moser, who oversees Porsche’s two-door product lines, recently admitted the Korean EV changed perceptions internally.
“It was eye-opening,” Moser said after testing the Ioniq 5 N with GT vehicle boss Andreas Preuninger. “They did something which was impressive.”
It appears the Stuttgart team now wants its own take on a feature that adds physical rhythm and predictability to EV acceleration — a driving sensation many purists feel is missing from single-speed electrics.
Porsche isn’t simply bolting on a sound profile. Engineers from its dual-clutch and automatic transmission units have reportedly been calibrating virtual shift points to feel shockingly close to a real gearbox. One prototype driver told The Drive he “could not tell the difference” compared to a traditional torque-converter setup.
However, the feature won’t be available via software update for existing Taycan owners. The simulated shifts require paddle shifters — something absent from earlier model years. The new hardware will arrive with the refreshed cabin and updated Porsche Communication Management system.
Importantly, Porsche is expected to let drivers choose when they want the theatrics. Moser has said that EVs should still be able to cruise silently, without artificial jolts or engine noise — meaning the virtual transmission will simply be another toggle-on performance mode.
While the Taycan will debut the tech, it’s unlikely to remain exclusive for long, and is expected to be added to Porsche’s other upcoming EVs, like the electric Cayman.
