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More engaging simulated gear shifts could be brought to the Ioniq 5 N and 6 N EVs, as Hyundai files a patent for a new shift-by-wire system that could also apply to petrol cars.
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Hyundai has patented a new shift-by-wire gear selector, which could be used in its future N EVs promised by the brand – or an automatic performance car looking to skip the complexity of a second gearbox option.
While the existing Ioniq 5 N and 6 N already offer simulated gear shifts via steering wheel-mounted paddles, this new technology could add a shifter back into the mix.
The patent (US-12624755-B1), shows a drawing of the shifter with multiple gates and no direct connection to the car's transmission, while making no mention of the type of powertrain it could be connected to.
It is similar to Koenigsegg's version of the technology – used in petrol cars, rather than EVs – where a clutch activates the manual mode, as well as a neutral position, when between gears.
Hyundai's offering can operate like a gated manual or a conventional straight-up and down automatic, which, if the brand decides to offer it in its performance EVs, will bring further connection than its simulated gear shifts already do.
At present, the simulated shifts imitate power cutting between gears as well as engine braking, and are offered with several selectable soundtracks, including one intended to simulate the i30 N's 2.0-litre engine.
It is possible the Korean brand's patent could be applied to a petrol car, to allow a future automatic hybrid N performance model – such as the next i20 N – to operate as a manual on command.
Hyundai has joined other manufacturers in the cause, as it is not the first to consider shift-by-wire.
Porsche recently patented its version, which is aimed at keeping manual shifting alive, especially through tougher emissions rules, as automatic gearboxes are more efficient than traditional H-pattern manuals.
Swedish hypercar brand Koenigsegg offers the Light Speed Transmission, a nine-speed multi-clutch automatic transmission which allows its lever to be pushed across to become a six-speed shifter, accompanied by a clutch – rather than strictly software.
It is not confirmed if Hyundai's new system will ever be used in production cars, or if it will be used to offer even more feedback from its performance EVs, such as the Ioniq 5 N and Ioniq 6 N, and rumoured upcoming Ioniq 3 N.
The technology could also be paired to the brand's dual-clutch automatics in the N Petrol models, or it could also assist the brand in offering manual hybrids as the i30 N is reported be electrified in its next update without a major sheet metal change.
The new powertrain could be a higher output version of the 1.6-litre turbo-petrol, currently found in the i20 N, but with added electrification for a performance boost.
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Matt Adams recently graduated from Charles Sturt University in Bathurst, a perfect place to go to uni if you are a Bathurst 1000 and general racing diehard. During this time, he worked at the university's community radio station and newsroom, where he found his love for news and presenting. Matt also enjoys driving his '3 on the tree' 1962 Holden EJ station wagon around with his family, but still hasn't figured out how to double shuffle yet.
