Why its “gearbox” makes the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N a little sad

In principle, an electric car does not need a gearbox, you know that. But how is it possible that the upcoming Hyundai Ioniq 5 N has paddle shifters and a shift crackle from the “exhaust”?

Hyundai will soon introduce the Ioniq 5 N, a performance version of the electric Ioniq 5 with an output of 585 hp and 740 Nm of torque. In short, it shares the same powertrain as the Kia EV6 GT.

Hyundai Ioniq 5N with a top speed of 260 km/h

The Ioniq 5 N reaches a top speed of 260 km/h and sprints to 100 km/h in just 3.5 seconds. In addition, Hyundai has of course made all sorts of adjustments to the chassis and brakes.

Interestingly, the electric hot hatch (it’s more of a crossover, but come on…) has a drift mode. The car helps you go straight by juggling torque distribution, electronic differential lock and chassis harshness.

Paddle shifters at the wheel of the Ioniq 5?

Particularly noteworthy is the fact that the Hyundai has “paddle shifters” behind the steering wheel. Apparently you can fake switching, because in the accompanying video you can hear the resistance in the sound of the Ioniq 5 N.

The Hyundai developers have composed a kind of engine sound that not only mimics the accelerations, but also simulates the popping in the exhaust.

Fake gearing is a bit sad, isn’t it?

Hyundai calls its fake transmission Virtual Grin Shift. In other words, it might bring a smile to your face, but the system doesn’t do anything else.

And that’s a little sad. We understand automakers are looking for ways to give electric cars the same experience as petrol models, but a fake gearbox might not be the best option.