The rumors are true. Lexus is developing a manual transmission for electric vehicles. It aims to offer the technology in the production version of the Electrified Sport concept, which is the spiritual successor to the LFA. The company already has a system prototype in UX 300e. Watch the demonstration at 1:30 p.m. in the video above.
Just like the regular manual, there is a clutch pedal, gearshift, even a tachometer. It is a software based system, and the code can reproduce the driving experience of various vehicles. Drivers can choose their preferred setting.
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The Lexus video doesn’t specify how the driver selects the settings, but may relate to the knob with the L4, BEV, and V8 settings. Motor1.com contact Lexus for more details.
Rumors of a Lexus sports car using a manual gearbox surfaced in August 2022. Early prototypes of the technology reportedly limit power from the electric motor and gear changes open up additional output.
Beyond the manual gearbox, Lexus is preparing more technology for the production-spec Electrified Sport concept. It will get the company’s One Motion Grip steering-by-wire system. The arrangement eliminates the mechanical connection between the steering wheel and the front wheels. The automaker claims the setup provides better low-speed agility and road stability. The RZ 450e will be the first model available with this feature.
The road Electrified Sport concept will also have brake-by-wire technology. Lexus hasn’t outlined any details about this system yet. This model will also feature Direct4 all-wheel drive.
Powertrain specifications on the model are still a mystery. With all-wheel drive, we hope to have at least two electric motors. The company projects acceleration to 62 miles per hour (100 kilometers per hour) in about 2.0 seconds.
There are no battery specifications yet. Lexus projects a range of just over 435 miles (700 kilometers), but it’s unclear which test cycle this figure came from.
Lexus hasn’t said when the production-ready Electrified Sport concept will arrive. In the video, the company promises that it’s not just a concept.
