Honda is exploring innovative ways to bring the driving excitement of its legendary gas-powered cars into its future electric vehicles (EVs). Following in the footsteps of Hyundai, which introduced a virtual engine mode in the Ioniq 5 N to mimic the feel of a high-revving turbocharged gas car, Honda aims to take the concept even further by simulating the driving experience of some of its most iconic vehicles.
In a recent demonstration, Honda unveiled several driving modes that replicate the characteristics of cars like the 1992 NSX-R, 1999 S2000, 2022 NSX Type S, and 2023 Civic Type R.
These modes not only recreate the sound and feel of these gas-powered legends but also include a dedicated VTEC button to simulate the company’s famous variable valve-timing system. For an even more unique experience, Honda has also introduced a mode that simulates the HondaJet aircraft. Each mode is paired with a digital gauge cluster that faithfully replicates the original car’s instrumentation.
As automakers develop enthusiast-focused EVs, they face the challenge of maintaining the engaging driving experiences that gas-powered cars offer. Electric motors tend to feel similar across different vehicles, leading to a more uniform driving experience.
However, by incorporating simulated combustion engine modes, manufacturers like Honda can give their EVs distinct personalities and driving dynamics that set them apart. This strategy worked impressively well in Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 N, and Honda seems determined to offer a similar sense of individuality in its future EVs.
While details on Honda’s system remain limited, the company has emphasized that one of the core principles of its upcoming EV lineup is to provide “the joy of driving with the feeling of oneness with the vehicle.”