Words: Andrew Sluys
Published 23 March 2026
Porsche has filed a patent for an automatic gear shifter that feels like a manual — in the name of keeping its customers happy.
The patent for this system was first filed in 2024, but has only recently been published.
Using a combination of sensors and springs, the shifter would be able to function as an automatic, but switch to a manual at the press of a button.
Once manual mode is selected, the shifter will move like an H-pattern gear lever and be able to select gears both vertically and horizontally.
It is similar technology to the Light Speed Transmission from Koenigsegg. The Swedish system was based on a nine-speed automatic transmission with a clutch pedal for manual mode.
It’s clear that Porsche is doing this in order to keep its customers on the order books, who have historically purchased manual sports cars.
With the way emission regulations are going, manual-equipped cars are becoming harder and harder to sell on a large scale.
Porsche isn’t limiting this idea to its petrol-powered cars either, it previously shared plans to add simulated gear shifts in its new electric vehicles.
The updated Taycan will reportedly gain this feature, which was pioneered by Hyundai with the Ioniq 5 N.
As you expect, these will be controlled via paddles behind the steering wheel, and not a manual shifter like this recent patent filing.
