Porsche engineers looked across the industry and spotted something worth stealing from Hyundai. The 2027 Taycan electric sedan will debut a feature that Hyundai pioneered, though Porsche hasn't yet specified which one. The move signals how even premium automakers now draw inspiration from mass-market competitors in the EV transition.
The new Taycan also doubles down on theatrical EV design choices. Porsche is adding fake gear shifts that simulate traditional transmission behavior, complete with synthetic engine noise pumped through the cabin. These digital theater pieces cater to drivers who still crave the sensation of a manual or automatic gearbox, even in a car powered entirely by electricity.
Fake gear shifts aren't new. Tesla popularized the concept years ago, and numerous other EV makers have followed suit. Porsche's version arrives as the automaker refreshes its electric sports sedan platform for 2027. The move reflects an uncomfortable truth: despite progress in EV technology, many drivers haven't fully accepted the driving experience that electric powertrains naturally deliver.
Hyundai's specific contribution remains unclear from available details, but the brand has earned respect in the EV space. Hyundai's Ioniq 6 and Ioniq 5 have impressed critics with design language, efficiency, and value. The company also leads in software features and infotainment systems that rival luxury marques. Porsche likely identified something in Hyundai's approach to user experience or vehicle technology worth integrating.
The 2027 Taycan refresh arrives as Porsche doubles down on its electric sedan ambitions. The model competes directly with the Tesla Model S, BMW i7, and Mercedes-Benz EQS. Adding features from successful EV platforms, even mass-market ones, represents pragmatism over pride in the industry today.