Porsche Has Set Hyundai as the Standard for Enjoyable Electric Vehicles. Think About That.
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The competition to attract enthusiasts and prove that electric vehicles can be enjoyable is intensifying. Automakers are taking various approaches, from Dodge's Charger Daytona to Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 N and 6 N. Now, Porsche has acknowledged that Hyundai has excelled at creating simulated gear shifts, prompting the German manufacturer—recognized by many enthusiasts as a dominant force in performance vehicles—to use Hyundai as a benchmark while replicating their strategies.
The Drive reported exclusively in December that Porsche plans to unveil its virtual transmission—this term is theirs, not ours—with simulated gear shifts on the 2027 Taycan. Orders for the 2027 Taycan are anticipated to begin in August, and it’s probable that the virtual transmission feature will soon extend to the electric Cayenne and Macan models.
But does sound contribute to an electric vehicle's enjoyment? Do simulated gear shifts enhance the experience? Are traditional automakers merely resorting to gimmicks, while startup firms like Lucid and Rivian concentrate on the features, software, and driving dynamics that appeal to their target markets?
In the latest episode of The Drivecast, we explore the intersection of fun and electric cars: how Porsche ended up imitating Hyundai, what the various strategies employed by automakers mean for the upcoming generation of EVs, and why this is more significant than it may seem.
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Porsche Has Set Hyundai as the Standard for Enjoyable Electric Vehicles. Think About That.
Legacy car manufacturers are incorporating faux gears and synthetic sounds into their electric vehicles to appeal to enthusiasts. In contrast, startups such as Rivian and Lucid are opting out of this approach. This difference might indicate a lot.