Automotive
Automakers use software and hardware to simulate combustion engine features in performance EVs
Manufacturers are introducing artificial gear shifting, synthetic engine sounds, and physical vibrations to electric vehicles to recreate traditional driving dynamics.
The short version
- Performance electric vehicle manufacturers are increasingly deploying onboard computing to mimic the shifting, sound, and feel of internal combustion engines.
- Vehicles including the 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, 2026 Lexus RZ550e F Sport, 2027 Porsche Taycan, and 2027 Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door feature simulated multi-speed automatic transmissions.
- Upcoming models are incorporating advanced audio mixing and physical seat shakers to reproduce engine idle and rumble sensations.
Key facts
- The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N uses an e-Shift system to remap its electric motors, recreating the power delivery and shift pause of a turbocharged inline-four engine paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission.[MotorTrend]
- The 2026 Lexus RZ550e F Sport and 2027 Porsche Taycan incorporate software that simulates eight-speed automatic gearboxes.[MotorTrend]
- The upcoming 2027 Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door will feature an AMGFORCE Sport+ mode simulating a nine-speed wet-clutch automatic transmission alongside 1,600 sound files modeled on a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 engine.[MotorTrend]
- Mercedes-AMG plans to implement seat shakers in the electric GT to simulate the idle vibration of a V-8 engine, while Hyundai engineers are developing similar vibration technology.[MotorTrend]
What remains uncertain
- The precise timeline and specific implementation details for Hyundai's planned engine-vibration technology remain unspecified by company leadership.[MotorTrend]