Mercedes-AMG knows that making an electric car exciting is no easy task. Many manufacturers have tried, but only a precious few have succeeded. So the German brand is copying homework in hopes of winning over internal combustion faithful.
Speaking with Autocar at the launch of the AMG GT XX concept, Mercedes Group tech chief Markus Schäfer revealed plans to incorporate fake gearshifts, similar to those on the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, to better emulate the feeling of a gas-powered vehicle.
“How does the car feel in terms of noise, in terms of sound level, in terms of the vibration, in terms of the gearshift?” Schäfer told Autocar. “It has to touch the emotional side of you. And if it doesn’t, it doesn’t do the job. This is what AMG cars do, and that’s exactly what we transferred piece by piece into this AMG GT XX.”
Seeing faux gearshifts make their way into the latest AMG EV isn’t exactly a surprise. Paddle shifters on the concept and a video teasing simulated shifts published to social media (above) have suggested they’d be included, but this is the first time an official from the company has outright confirmed it.
Having fake gearshifts makes sense for a performance EV, especially when paired with a fake engine noise. Without the simulated gearbox, you’d get something like the Dodge Charger Daytona, which sounds like its fake V-8 is connected to a CVT.
The production AMG GT 4-door EV is set to receive speakers mounted in the headlights to emulate the sound of an AMG V-8. An executive for the brand went as far as to say the EV powertrain is “the best V-8 we’ve ever developed.”
The production AMG GT XX will use three axial flux motors, two at the rear, and another up front. The concept is rated at 1,340 horsepower, and the production version will likely get close to that. Schäfer says these motors, sourced from UK company Yasa, are important for meeting buyers’ high expectations.
“It has to be authentic when it comes to power and drivability and track performance,” he told Autocar. “But the AMG is also an emotional experience from an acoustic standpoint, from noise and vibration harshness, and that’s exactly what you should expect in this car as well.”
He also acknowledged that “bringing hardcore V-8 fans to an electric vehicle is something that is a challenge,” adding that “a pure-electric car doesn’t do the job.”
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