No, Porsche’s electric sports cars will not have a fake electric circuit. “Why should we make something worse?” says Porsche development driver Lars Kern. After tests with Hyundai’s IONIQ 5 N, Porsche believes there is “no reason to simulate what has already happened in the past.”
Porsche is not impressed by fake EV switching
Porsche is aware of new technologies, such as simulating the shifting feel of a combustion engine in new electric sports cars, but the company does not believe the much-vaunted feature is worth it.
“The electric motor is better than a combustion engine,” Kern told Australian media (via Drive). “So we came to the conclusion that there is no reason to simulate things that happened in the past,” he said.
Kern’s comments come after Hyundai launched its first high-performance electric car, the IONIQ 5 N. Equipped with N E-Shift, Hyundai’s sporty electric car simulates the feel of an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission.
Hyundai said the N-brand sporty electric vehicle is the company’s most powerful and fun-to-drive model with numerous racetrack-ready features.
Porsche was not impressed. “We look at what the competition is doing, but our view is always: why should we make something worse?” said Kern.
Market launch of new electric models
He explained that Porsche had looked at the technology but never got beyond the idea stage. “We drove the Hyundai N and looked at it, and of course there are always people who think it’s a good idea and there are always people who think it’s a bad idea,” Kern told the media.
Porsche will begin delivering its second electric model, the Macan EV, later this year. The first electric Macan models rolled off the production line at Porsche’s Leipzig plant in May as the company prepares for deliveries.
The company also launched the updated 2025 Taycan with longer range, faster charging and even more power.
Porsche is expected to unveil an electric 718 by the end of the year, followed by the highly anticipated Porsche Cayenne EV, which is due to launch in 2026 (see review video). The company is also gearing up to launch a range-topping electric seven-seater to compete with luxury brands.
Electrek’s opinion
As an electric car driver, I can only agree with Kern. The smooth, instant acceleration is one of the best features of an electric car.
The technology is superior, so why would you want to replicate something from the past? I understand that some drivers like the feeling of being jolted around, but have they ever tried to put their foot on the accelerator in an electric sports car? It’s unlikely.
And then there are other brands like Dodge, which uses its “Fratzonic Chambered Exhaust” technology to simulate artificial exhaust sounds on its first electric muscle car, the Charger Daytona.
For electric car owners, one of the best parts of switching to electric is the quiet ride. You’ll notice a huge difference when you drive an electric car for the first time.
What do you think about fake EV switching and noise? Is it necessary? Let us know in the comments below.
FTC: We use income generating auto affiliate links. More.
