Hyundai refines its virtual gearshift for electric vehicles

As reported by Golem and cited in an interview with Autocar, Hyundai’s next-generation electric N models will feature the virtual gearshift already familiar from the Ioniq 5 N – albeit in more developed form. The system simulates gear shifts and adjusts both driving behaviour and soundscapes to replicate the experience of a vehicle with an internal combustion engine.

According to Manfred Harrer, Head of Development at Hyundai, the company is working on simulated idle noises, vibrations, and exhaust backfires, among other features. These backfires are modelled on misfires, which can occur in high-performance combustion engines after gear shifts. However, the development chief did not provide technical details on how these features will be implemented. The primary focus remains on delivering the most emotive driving experience possible.

Hyundai first introduced the virtual gearshift in the Ioniq 5 N. Comparable systems are now being adopted by other manufacturers. For example, Porsche offers a virtual gearshift with simulated gear changes and engine sounds for the 2027 model year Taycan under the name ‘E-Shift’.

The enhanced driving simulations are set to become part of Hyundai’s forthcoming EV platform, IMA. This is due to succeed the E-GMP platform, which has been in use since 2021 and underpins current EVs from both Hyundai and Kia. According to Hyundai, the IMA platform will also be based on an 800-volt architecture while enabling faster charging times. The company has not provided a specific timeline for the introduction of these new features. Industry observers suggest that a new generation of the Ioniq 5, based on the IMA platform, could arrive as early as 2028.

golem.de (DE), autocar.co.uk