The premium automaker is working on a simulated manual gearbox for electric car drivers who cannot let go of the stick.
According to Takashi Watanabe, Chief Engineer of Lexus Electrified, the technology has been in development for three years now and was greenlit after a discussion of the main advantages of ICE cars versus EVs. It is currently being tested on a number of UX 300e SUVs.
The emulated stick shift is going to provide realistic feedback, but it will not be connected to the motors in any way. Those who want it will get a third pedal in their car as well. The electronic systems will provide realistic audial feedback and synthesize a different engine sound based on the direction of the ‘shift’. The digital dashboard will even display a tachometer with a simulated RPM count on it for further immersion. None of it will have any consequence for the underpinning electric powertrain.
It remains open whether Lexus decides in favor or against such an option for its mass-market EVs, but representatives have stressed that it is possible. The company is working hard on a battery-powered supercar based on the Lexus Electrified Sport Concept and coming to continue where the LFA left off; chances are good that it will be the first production car to receive the imitated manual transmission. It will also be able to sprint 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in around two seconds, something that’s hard to achieve with a manual supercar.