Lexus CEO Aims to Develop Manual Gearboxes for Electric Vehicles

For those unfamiliar with Lexus’s recent developments, the company is actively developing a vehicle positioned as a continuation of its iconic flagship supercar. Instead of a roaring V10 engine revving to 9,000 rpm, the successor will be an electric vehicle. Lexus claims it will accelerate from zero to 60 mph in under two seconds while offering a range of 435 miles on a single charge. Essentially, the aim is to rival the upcoming Tesla Roadster rather than traditional supercars like Lamborghini Huracans. Surprisingly, it may even feature a manual clutch pedal.

In a conversation with Top Gear regarding the brand’s future top-tier performance car, Lexus President Koji Sato mentioned his experimentation with digitally simulated manual transmissions. He shared with the publication, “It’s a personal interest of mine, quite unconventional. I am pursuing enhanced driver engagement, even in an electric vehicle, seeking to establish a stronger bond between the car and its driver. It’s not just about efficiency; I have a passion for automobiles and desire something distinctive.”

The most recent instance of Lexus offering a manual transmission was with the second-generation IS250, which offered a six-speed manual option until 2013. It is possible that a future iteration of the IS line will inherit a simulated manual gearbox as a nostalgic choice.

Earlier this year, Toyota, Lexus’s parent corporation, submitted a patent for a manual gearbox designed specifically for electric vehicles. The patent described a virtual H-pattern shifter, a “simulated shifter,” and a “simulated clutch.” Gaming enthusiasts may find this setup familiar.

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