Lexus CEO Aims to Develop Manual Gearboxes for Electric Vehicles

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Lexus—the car manufacturer that famously showcased its first vehicle’s smoothness by stacking champagne glasses on its hood—is exploring the creation of manual transmissions for electric cars. Moreover, this endeavor is reportedly focused on the upcoming LFA successor.

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.