First seen in 2022, the Koenigsegg CC850 debuted a clever version of the multi-clutch transmission that allowed the driver to operate the gearbox as either an automatic or a manual, and this year, Ferrari introduced something similar with the 12Cilindri Manuale and its shift-by-wire system. Now, Porsche has applied for a new patent that seems to follow similar principles. Its first such patent was discovered earlier this year, and now a second one has been discovered by CarMoses at the European Patent Office, and it takes the concept a little further.
Porsche Wants Three Transmissions in One
Porsche
The patent filing describes a system similar to what we’ve already seen, but while the Ferrari 12Cilindri acts only as either an automatic or a simulated manual, and while the Koenigsegg CC850 allows for the driver to also shift gears through paddles behind the wheel, Porsche’s design adds another option: moving the shifter forward and back like a sequential. Somewhat similar to how the 12Cilindri Manuale can instantly change from automatic to manual mode by using the clutch pedal and moving the shifter, Porsche’s patent says that pushing the clutch pedal in when the car is in automatic or sequential modes will still disconnect the clutch. For the record, Porsche’s last such patent didn’t mention a clutch pedal, so this is an evolution.
Another way Porsche’s patent wants to increase engagement is by includng magnetorheological acutators within the shifter, helping the lever convey a sense of mechanical resistance despite not being directly connected to the transmission. The paddles behind the wheel can also be used to tune how sporty shifts feel, presumably through a menu on the driver cluster. But having so many options in the stick may be confusing, so the patent indicates that a wheel-mounted dial would allow the driver to choose what mode they want the car to be in: manual, sequential, paddle-shifted, or fully automatic.
Why Porsche’s New Patent Matters
Related: Porsche Reportedly Developing Its Own Flat-Eight Hypercar
The recently launched 2027 Porsche 911 Carrera S has a manual transission, and Porsche could even build a manual Panamera if a wealthy customer really wanted it, but no Porsche hybrid product is currently offered with a manual. In fact, Porsche said a few weeks ago that it isn’t possible to blend a stick shift with the T-Hybrid system yet, and adding that caveat to the statement may have been an allusion to the patents Stuttgart has been filing. Porsche knows that customers love its manual transmissions, but the automaker also needs to meet upcoming emissions targets. With this invention, Porsche may be able to offer the efficiency of a hybrid with an automatic transmission alongside the engagement of a manual, without redesigning the T-Hybrid’s transmission-integrated electric motor.
Â
