Lexus tests a simulated manual transmission for electric vehicles
What some call more than a design concept is catching the eye of engineers at Lexus. The automaker, part of Toyota Motor Corporation, is pursuing a form of manual-like control for electric cars that relies entirely on software rather than traditional mechanical links. This approach aims to give drivers the tactile sensation of a manual gearbox without the physical clutch and gearsets found in traditional transmissions.
According to patent filings, Toyota and its Lexus division are actively developing a manual-transmission-like system for EVs. While many patent ideas never leave the drawing board, Lexus appears serious about turning this concept into a practical solution. Substantial time and financial resources are being invested to bring the hardware and software together in a coherent package.
The mechanics of this setup resemble a conventional drivetrain: a gear lever, a pedal that behaves like a clutch, and a tachometer. Yet there is no clutch, no real gears, and no synchronizers. Everything operates through sophisticated software that simulates the feel of gear changes and engine response.
Takashi Watanabe, who leads Lexus Electrified, described the unit as a “simulated driving map with a pedal and shifter that mimics the feel of driving a manual transmission.” The driving experience is designed to be so convincing that the system can reproduce situations like stalling the engine or rolling backward when starting on an incline, all within a purely electronic control framework.
Because the system is driven by software, drivers would have the option to customize gear ratios to suit their preferences or driving conditions. The goal is not merely to imitate a manual but to offer a flexible, configurable experience that can adapt to the driver’s style and the vehicle’s performance characteristics.
“This is not just a design concept. It must become a reality,” Watanabe emphasized. The remarks were made in the presence of the Lexus Electrified Sport concept, a vehicle widely speculated to be the electric successor to the company’s LFA supercar, underscoring Lexus’ ambition to blend performance with new drivetrain ideas.
In the broader context of electrification, the Lexus approach reflects a growing interest in preserving driver engagement within EV platforms. By translating traditional manual driving cues into software, automakers aim to capture the tactile satisfaction that enthusiasts associate with shifting gears, while preserving the efficiency and smoothness of electric propulsion.
Industry observers note that achieving a convincing manual-like feel online requires meticulous calibration of accelerator response, regenerative braking behavior, and haptic feedback through the gear selector. The result could be an EV that behaves more like a traditional sports car at lower speeds, offering a familiar sense of control without the mechanical drawbacks of a conventional manual transmission.
As Toyota and Lexus proceed, the focus remains on delivering a seamless, configurable experience that aligns with the broader shift toward electrification in North America. The potential benefits extend beyond pure performance; drivers could enjoy a more engaging interface that emphasizes control and precision, without sacrificing the benefits of electric propulsion.
In summary, Lexus is actively pursuing a software-driven manual-like transmission for EVs, aiming to provide authentic driving feedback through a simulated mechanism. The project reflects a strategic effort to merge the enjoyment of traditional shifting with the efficiency and adaptability of electric powertrains, a combination that may redefine how drivers interact with future electric luxury vehicles.
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