Porsche patents simulated manual gearbox for automatic transmissions

Porsche has filed a new patent (DE102025109563A1) for a system that allows a dual-clutch automatic transmission to simulate a manual gearbox. The technology utilizes a shift-by-wire selector and can be applied to both internal combustion and hybrid vehicles.

The system offers three distinct modes of operation:

1. A standard automatic mode where the transmission handles all gear changes. 2. A sequential mode allowing drivers to shift using paddle shifters or a gear lever. 3. A full manual mode that includes a third pedal to act as a clutch and a multi-stable gear selector that mimics traditional manual shifting patterns.

This development follows similar technological paths taken by other manufacturers, such as Koenigsegg’s Light Speed Transmission and Ferrari’s 12Cilindri Manuale, which use software to recreate the tactile experience of manual driving within an automatic framework.