Porsche is rethinking virtual gear shifts for EVs after testing a prototype that impressed engineers, hinting at a new direction for future models.

Nearly a year has passed since Lars Kern, a development driver for Porsche, stated that the German automaker is far too serious to use the gimmick of phony gear shifts on electric cars. Although Stuttgart authorities have reportedly changed their thoughts on electric shifting action, Kern told Australian automotive publication Drive that Porsche views the practice as worsening electric power delivery.

Sascha Niesen, Porsche's prototype fleet manager, shared this insight with Drive during the recent press event for the Cayenne EV prototype. According to Niesen, who oversees all pre-production for Porsche, the change in perspective was prompted by an internal debate about the sound of operating an electric car.

According to Niesen, who spoke to The Drive, they recorded sounds from the vehicle's interior as well as its exterior, including the exhaust. He explained that because the EV has a much wider rev range, it requires modulation. However, depending on how many virtual gears you add, you could theoretically use the entire thing if you introduced virtual gear shifts.

Niesen stated that this virtual gear terminology is more than just hyperbole, which is a sharp contrast to Kern's remarks from last August. Niesen confirmed that Porsche actually possesses an electric concept vehicle featuring virtual shift points and paddle shifters. Porsche is allegedly debating whether or not to modify this technology for its upcoming line of electric vehicles. The project is being led by a team of engineers experienced in torque-converter and dual-clutch automatic transmissions.