[Report] Lexus Is Developing A Manual Transmission To Make Electric Cars More Fun To Drive

Manual transmissions used to be a staple of both entry-level cars and high-end sports cars, but those days are long gone.

Today, the most affordable cars are equipped with automatic transmissions for maximum driving compatibility, and even the fastest performance cars are now equipped with multi-speed dual-clutch transmissions for lightning-fast shifts. As EVs gain popularity, it seems like manual transmissions will truly be left behind.

The luxury division of Japanese automaker Toyota is reportedly developing a "manual transmission" that could one day be used in electric vehicles.

As recently highlighted by Evo magazine, the system will use a virtual clutch pedal and shifter, not actually connected to any type of transmission, and the torque output of the electric motors will still be electronically controlled, with the user level only providing Haptics are combined with software and artificial sounds are injected into the cabin to mimic the shifting experience of a manual transmission.

Lexus is developing a manual transmission for electric cars, and here's a first look at a working prototype. Is this the future of the driver's car? https://t.co/sUIaspEpeO pic.twitter.com/aaTUBz6qGg

— evo magazine (@evomagazine) December 5, 2022

This may seem unnecessary, on the face of it, it's as unnecessary as adding an exhaust system to an electric car, and more importantly, it adds complexity to the manufacturing process, leading to higher costs and more Easily damaged accessories.

Yet Toyota has more in mind, and the rationale for this design is that it can theoretically reproduce any engine and transmission combination with the torque output and sound of the electric powertrain (as long as the peak output of the electric motor is higher than the target internal combustion engine.)

It all comes down to software, such as the ability to load a supercharged Supra's shifting profile and experience what it's like to drive it.