Hyundai pioneered the simulation of a gas car in an EV with the virtual engine mode for the Ioniq 5 N. Engaging this mode transforms the I5N into a vehicle that sounds and behaves like an 8,000-rpm turbocharged four-cylinder with an eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox. Honda is aiming to push this concept further by simulating its iconic gas-powered cars in future EVs.
At a recent tech presentation in Japan, attended by our colleagues at InsideEVs, Honda demonstrated these simulation modes for the media. The showcased settings included the 1992 NSX-R, 1999 S2000, 2022 NSX Type S, 2023 Civic Type R, and more. There's even a dedicated VTEC button to emulate Honda's cherished variable valve-timing system, along with a mode that simulates the HondaJet. Each mode features a gauge cluster that accurately mirrors its gas-powered counterpart, as seen in the video below.
For enthusiast-focused EVs, automakers must find ways to maintain driver engagement without a traditional gas powertrain. Electric motors generally feel uniform across different vehicles, reducing the distinctiveness between cars. A simulated combustion mode allows automakers to craft any powertrain characteristics they desire. This approach works remarkably well in the Ioniq 5 N, imbuing the car with a unique personality not found in other EVs.
This method also serves as a clever way for Honda to connect its future with its rich past. With a vast history to draw from, why not leverage it? However, Honda has disclosed limited information about the system. In a recent news release, the company merely stated that one of the five core principles of its upcoming EVs is to provide "[t]he joy of driving with the feeling of oneness with the vehicle." We remain uncertain about the system's availability and the driving experience of the equipped cars. Our colleagues at InsideEVs only had a brief static demo, and the setup was merely a mockup, as seen in the photos.
Thus, we await further details. But we are enthusiastic. The system in the Ioniq 5 N is immensely enjoyable, and if Honda can enhance this concept, it will have a remarkable innovation on its hands.
