Starting with the name, the “S” in “S+ Shift” means “Sports Spirit” and it’s a name they’ve been using for some of their iconic models—S600, S2000, and more recently, anything with Type S. For its adoption in its hybrids, they’ve added the “+” which indicates a new added value they’re keen to add—Synchronized, Special, and Sensational. And though the e:HEV system doesn’t have a mechanical transmission, the word, “Shift” represents Honda’s desire to “make a shift that takes people and automobiles to the new world.”

Now, what does the tech do? Glad you asked.

At its most basic level, Honda S+ Shift is an improvement of its current Linear Shift Control system which is found in the current Jazz or Fit e:HEV. Realizing that drivers don’t tend to embrace the sometimes disconnected feel between what a hybrid powertrain’s actually doing versus its speed and/or acceleration (we’re looking at you, Nissan e-Power), Honda decided to sync whatever sound the engine makes with the vehicle speed without messing up its overall efficiency. Here, however, Honda’s gone further.

Honda S+ Shift is now able to precisely control the engine RPMs during acceleration and deceleration mimicking a traditional torque converter automatic or even a manual gearbox. For instance, when turning, the Honda S+ Shift will automatically activate shift hold enabling the vehicle to trace the desired driving line at the will of the driver.

And though the e:HEV system doesn’t have a mechanical transmission system, the Honda S+ Shift allows drivers to “shift gears” using steering wheel-mounted paddles. This is done by coordinating the outputs of the combustion engine and the high-power electric motors. Without further details, it sounds similar to what Hyundai’s done with the Ioniq 5 N and its e-shift system.

Furthermore, the precise control of the e:HEV’s various elements will allow any Honda equipped with Honda S+ Shift to maintain the right engine speed for any driving condition. For example, the power generated by the engine during re-acceleration can be deployed quickly as a tractive force. This greatly improves the e:HEV’s response time whenever the driver presses down on the accelerator.

Finally, to address the issue of feedback (or lack thereof), the Honda S+ Shift is linked with Active Sound Control—Honda’s simulated engine sound system used in its EVs and hybrids. Honda has done this all in the name of increased driver feedback.

All in all, Honda’s promising that vehicles equipped with e:HEV will be a multi-sensory experience that’s not just exciting, but stimulating as well.