Porsche Observed Hyundai and Declared, ‘We’ll Take What They’re Having’
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Everything has changed dramatically. What was once down is now up, and what was up is now down, leaving us questioning whether water is actually wet. Hyundai developed something so remarkable that Porsche felt compelled to acquire it. And now it belongs to them.
On Wednesday, Porsche unveiled the 2027 Taycan, featuring faux gear shifts and what the German manufacturer describes as a “more emotive electric sport sound.” Some additional minor updates were also introduced, including a Tesla-like NACS charging port.
These faux gear shifts are referred to as “virtual gears,” with the technology named E-Shift, according to Porsche. This feature is available on all 2027 Taycan variants but comes as standard on the Turbo GT model, providing a “perceptible shift motion,” as stated by the automaker.
The virtual gearbox can be manipulated using paddle shifters on the GT Sport steering wheel to imitate eight gears. The E-Shift function can be activated through a new mode switch located on the steering wheel. The system offers both automatic and manual operating modes.
Taycans previously emitted artificial noise, but Porsche has now stated that the system—which relies on speakers to generate synthetic noise akin to Hyundai's—has been “reinterpreted,” according to the automaker. It is officially termed Porsche Electric Sport Sound, which is closely reminiscent of sport exhaust.
Additionally, Porsche has introduced a virtual rev counter to the 2027 Taycan to track the artificial revs produced by the faux transmission.
All 2027 Taycan models, excluding the Turbo GT with the Weissach Package, feature a Tesla-like NACS DC fast-charging port located on the passenger-side front fender, while the driver-side front fender retains a J1772 AC port. Porsche has stated that a CCS adapter will be included with the Taycan.
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For 2027, the Taycan also receives an upgraded infotainment system. Porsche claims the revamped system is modern and minimalist, now displaying a 3D vehicle model in the customer’s actual car color. The system also includes configurable widgets and enhanced voice control with AI-supported Voice Pilot. Both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto remain available, with deeper integration and improved charging planner functionality. Porsche has also upgraded the wireless smartphone charger to include MagSafe technology with up to 25 watts of power.
The Taycan, Taycan 4, and Taycan 4S models are equipped with a larger 105 kWh battery pack as standard, known as Performance Battery Plus. This battery is rated for a peak charging rate of 320 kW on an 800-kW DC fast charger.
Porsche has announced that orders for the 2027 Taycan are currently being accepted, starting at $114,250, which includes a significant $2,350 destination fee. Deliveries are scheduled to commence in the fall.
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Porsche Observed Hyundai and Declared, ‘We’ll Take What They’re Having’
The 2027 Taycan features simulated gear shifts, artificial sound, and a function that Porsche discreetly adopted from Hyundai.
