Porsche appears to be exploring a rather unusual way of making electric cars feel more like petrol-powered performance machines. A new patent describes a manual transmission concept designed specifically for EVs.
The system could offer several driving modes. In automatic mode, the car would simulate conventional gear changes, with its computers controlling motor torque and regenerative braking to mimic the behaviour of a traditional automatic transmission.
Switch to manual mode and things become more interesting. The system would behave somewhat like a PDK-equipped Porsche, but without automatically shifting at the redline or performing low-RPM downshifts.
Porsche has also considered an off-road mode. When selected, the simulated gear changes could be altered to replicate the characteristics of a petrol-powered SUV in its off-road setting.
It is an intriguing idea, but as with any patent, there is no guarantee this system will make it into a production car.
Source: Car Buzz
