The 2025 Kia EV6 GT Gets Ioniq 5 N-Style ‘Virtual Gear Shift’

The Kia EV6 GT hasn’t been absolutely revealed but, however Kia gave some particulars about it on the 2025 EV6’s debut on the Los Angeles Auto Present.
The EV6 GT now packs 601 hp and 545 lb.-ft. of torque, or as much as 641 hp and 568 lb.-ft. of torque with overboost.
Most notably, it will get a “Digital Gear Shift function” that sounds just like the Ioniq 5 N.

Simply admit it: you’re keen on the concept of simulated gear shifting in electrical automobiles. Oh, it’s possible you’ll act such as you hate the anachronistic thought of adjusting “gears” in a automobile that technically solely has a one-speed transmission as a result of it ruins the “purity” of the graceful and environment friendly EV expertise. Or perhaps you are a fuel automobile purist and the concept of making an attempt to simulate a transmission is, at finest, like watching a clip of your favourite band on somebody’s Instagram reel when you could possibly have had a front-row seat to the present as a substitute. 

However deep down, you recognize you are incorrect. And you would like each EV may do this. How do I do know this? As a result of each single one who drives the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, whether or not they’re a die-hard EV particular person or essentially the most hardcore electro-skeptic, completely loves it. They usually love the faux shifting most of all. 

Even Jeremy Clarkson calls the Ioniq 5 N “as a lot enjoyable as is humanly doable.” Jeremy Clarkson! A person who made a complete profession out of being very mad that it isn’t 1968 anymore. Shut up and embrace the faux EV shifting, you nerds. Discover some pleasure in your life for as soon as.

Picture by: InsideEVs

And pleasure will certainly be on order with the brand new 2025 Kia EV6 GT. The U.S.-spec model of Kia’s up to date crossover made its debut at present on the LA Auto Present. And whereas there’s nonetheless rather a lot we do not learn about it, we have now energy specs and one key element: the EV6 GT now will get a simulated gear shift function.

“The GT’s new Digital Gear Shift function enhances driving immersion by simulating gear shifts with visuals, engine sound results, and a tactile sensation via motor torque changes,” Kia officers mentioned in a information launch. And that is all they need to say for now, however we’ll attempt to get extra on the present itself if we are able to. 

Since Kia and Hyundai are owned by the identical father or mother firm however are technically separate entities, the information launch doesn’t point out the Ioniq 5 N. But it is clear that one thing comparable will now be added to the Ioniq 5’s platform-mate, the EV6. And on the Hyundai, the “N e-Shift” function actually goes the gap.

That automobile simulates an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission utilizing the paddles usually used to regulate regenerative braking depth on different Hyundai Motor Group automobiles. When activated—and it has a standard “drive” setting as any DCT would—it really works a lot the identical means: left paddle to go down a “gear,” proper to go up. After all, the EVs should not have a number of ahead gears. They’ve a lot prompt torque that gears aren’t essential to realize totally different speeds as they’d be on a fuel engine, which places energy to the wheels far much less effectively. 

However the Ioniq 5 N can also be particular for the way it simulates the “really feel” of drugs shifting, together with the jolt and transient interruption in energy that occurs and the mechanical resistance that is regular upon downshifting. The Ioniq 5 N additionally simulates engine sounds via the audio system, will allow you to rev the “engine” whereas parked and has a “redline” you will hit earlier than you might want to shift once more. It is all nice enjoyable.

Picture by: InsideEVs

Based mostly on Kia’s assertion, we are able to anticipate some model of that for the EV6, however I am wanting to see Kia’s spin on issues. I am positive engineers will discover some solution to make it pretty distinctive to this automobile.

Past that, we all know just a few different specs, together with energy. The GT delivers 601 hp and 545 lb.-ft. of torque, up from 576 hp earlier than. With GT Mode activated, you get a full 641 hp and 568 lb.-ft. of torque. In contrast to the remainder of the EV6 line, the GT will nonetheless be made in South Korea, not Kia’s Georgia manufacturing facility, so it will not qualify for U.S. EV tax credit at buy. Pricing has not been launched but, nor have official pictures: what you see above is the European-spec Kia EV6 GT-Line, which is visually comparable. 

So now we’re all questioning the identical factor, proper? The brand new Kia EV6 GT, or the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N? We’ve got purpose to imagine the Kia is a hotted-up model of the present mannequin with a ton of additional energy and a few new tips, whereas the Hyundai is a top-to-bottom efficiency automobile rework that is meant for monitor day responsibility. However the EV6 GT should still be no slouch. This a showdown we’ll need to take to the monitor in 2025 so we are able to discover out. 

Contact the writer: patrick.george@insideevs.com