Next-gen Porsche Taycan to get simulated gear shifts in 2027

Porsche plans to bring simulated gear shifts to its electric models. Company sources indicate the “virtual transmission” is slated for series production in 2027, with the next-generation Taycan 

Porsche plans to bring simulated gear shifts to its electric models—a technology that gained visibility after Hyundai’s experiments with the Ioniq 5 N. Company sources indicate the “virtual transmission” is slated for series production in 2027, with the next-generation Taycan, expected toward the end of 2026, set to debut it.  

According to an internal source, Porsche broke the news to dealer principals in November in Atlanta, adding that Porsche dealership trainers have been informed in an effort to prep sales teams for when the cars hit their lots in the second half of 2026. Sales teams are being trained to explain why an EV might benefit from the sensation of changing gears. 

“Porsche continuously tests and evaluates potential new technologies as part of its research and development process,” a spokesperson told. “If and when these technologies may or may not be brought to market is decided based on the insights gained from these exploratory tests. The same applies to consideration of a potential virtual transmission in the future.” 

Preorders for the Taycan with this feature are expected to open in August 2026. Crucially, this won’t be a mere menu gimmick: Porsche is focused on feel, aiming for behavior reminiscent of a traditional torque-converter automatic rather than a playful animation. If the execution is right, it could add the layer of engagement many drivers miss when switching to electric. 

The feature will be switchable in the infotainment system. There’s a key caveat: it won’t be available on all Taycans. Cars built before 2027 lack physical shift paddles, and without them the intended realism would be compromised. 

Development has been handled by the engineers responsible for PDK transmissions, with the goal of recreating not only sound and response but also the car’s dynamics during each simulated upshift and downshift. That choice signals a serious attempt to make the timing and torque modulation feel authentic, not theatrical. 

Porsche has already built a prototype with a simulated eight-speed gearbox accompanied by engine noises, with final calibration done by engineers in the company’s famed dual-clutch and automatic transmission teams. 

One of Porsche’s prototype fleet managers told that the automaker was investigating the concept after receiving feedback from test drivers that it could help make the performance driving experience in EVs feel more “natural.” “I wanted to hate it because it’s artificial and it’s fake and everything. I was afraid that the people that are doing it are just software geeks who have no idea how a transmission works and try to emulate it,” he said. “But they know what they’re doing. They were able to make it feel like a proper torque converter gearbox. I could not tell the difference.” 

Alongside this, the Taycan will receive an updated PCM system that borrows interface elements from the upcoming electric Cayenne, though without that model’s curved display. It remains unclear whether the shifting tech will extend to the Macan and Cayenne, as those models currently lack paddles, but the rumored electric Cayman is expected to adopt it. 

Porsche does not officially confirm the rollout, saying instead that it will evaluate such features based on test results. The stance is cautious, yet the groundwork being laid with dealers hints at a clear direction.