Porsche Adopts Hyundai’s Fake Gear Shifts for 2027 Taycan, Raising EV Fun Debate

Porsche, long considered the gold standard in performance cars, has set Hyundai’s fake gear shifts as the benchmark for making electric vehicles (EVs) fun. The German automaker plans to introduce its own virtual transmission—complete with simulated gear shifts—on the 2027 Taycan, according to an exclusive report by The Drive in December.

Orders for the 2027 Taycan are expected to open in August 2025, and the virtual transmission feature will likely be extended to the electric Cayenne and Macan models in the future.

Does Sound or Fake Gear Shifts Make an EV Fun?

The move raises a critical question: Can artificial sound and fake gear shifts truly enhance the driving experience of an EV? Or is this a sign of legacy automakers grasping at gimmicks while startups like Lucid and Rivian focus on software, driving dynamics, and features that their target demographics actually demand?

The Broader Implications for the EV Industry

This shift in strategy highlights a growing divide in the EV market. Traditional automakers like Porsche are leaning into nostalgia and driver engagement tactics, while newer players prioritize innovation and performance. The debate extends beyond just sound and gear shifts—it touches on what truly makes an electric vehicle enjoyable for modern drivers.

To explore this topic further, tune in to the latest episode of The Drivecast, where the hosts dive into:

• The reasons behind Porsche’s decision to copy Hyundai’s approach.
• What these automaker tricks mean for the next generation of EVs.
• Why this debate matters more than it might initially seem.

About The Drivecast

The Drivecast is a podcast that takes listeners behind the scenes of the automotive industry, covering the biggest controversies, stories, and personalities shaping the roads we drive on today. Powered by The Drive’s original reporting, exclusives, and insights, the show aims to make every listener an insider in the world of cars.

You can listen to the latest episode and all previous episodes of The Drivecast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or Amazon Music. If you enjoy the show, consider leaving a five-star review to help it reach more listeners. Have feedback, a suggestion, or a tip? Email the team at [email protected]—they read every message.