Electrical Porsches entertaining the concept of manufactured transmission systems and digitally engineered V8 engine noises

In an exciting development, Porsche has revealed a new concept vehicle equipped with a simulated eight-speed transmission and real sound recordings of a V8 engine. The project, overseen by Andreas Henkel, Porsche's project leader, aims to bridge the gap between electric and traditional vehicles.

The engine sounds in the concept vehicle are taken from both the interior and the exhaust of a real Porsche Cayenne V8. The technical implementation of these sounds is complex due to the faster spinning of electric motors compared to combustion engines. However, the team of engineers, who had previously worked on Porsche dual-clutch and torque converter transmissions, have managed to make the simulated transmission feel like a real torque converter transmission, according to Sascha Niesen, responsible for Porsche's prototype fleet.

Niesen was initially skeptical about the vehicle due to its artificial nature, but his skepticism faded after a test drive in March. He believes that the technology should allow customers to engage more, but it should not be mandatory in an electric car.

Sascha Niesen also revealed that Porsche is seriously considering the virtual gear shift in electric vehicles. The prototype vehicle currently lacks shift paddles, but the corresponding hardware is technically possible and apparently already exists.

Niesen sees value in the technology for electric vehicles, as it requires little additional hardware and can be turned on or off at the driver's discretion. He could not tell the difference between the simulated and real torque converter transmission.

From an engineering perspective, a manual transmission in an electric vehicle may not be necessary. Continuously variable transmissions already simulate gear shifts because it feels more natural. Porsche has to modulate the sound behavior of electric motors in the concept vehicle to make it sound more like a combustion engine.

The rev range is much larger in electric motors compared to combustion engines, making the transfer of sound behavior more challenging. Nevertheless, the team has successfully achieved this in the Porsche concept vehicle.

Niesen believes that this technology could enhance the driving experience in electric vehicles, without compromising on the authenticity of the driving experience. With this innovative concept, Porsche continues to push the boundaries of electric vehicle technology.

Electrical Porsches entertaining the concept of manufactured transmission systems and digitally engineered V8 engine noises