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 prototype of the system in a UX 300e. Watch a demo at 1:30 p.m. in the video above.
Just like a normal manual, there’s a clutch pedal, gearshift and even a tachometer. It is a software-based system, and the code can replicate the driving experience of different vehicles. Drivers can select the configuration they prefer.
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Lexus’ video doesn’t specify how drivers choose the setting, but it could be button-related with L4, BEV and V8 settings. Motor1.com contacted Lexus for details.
The rumor about the Lexus sports car using a manual gearbox emerged in August 2022. The first prototype of the technology would have limited the power of the electric motor and the gear shift would have unlocked additional power.
Beyond the manual transmission, Lexus is readying even more tech for the standard Electrified Sport concept. It would get the company’s One Motion Grip wire-based steering system system. The setup removes the mechanical connection between the steering wheel and the front wheels. The automaker claims the setup offers better low-speed agility and improved highway stability. The RZ 450e will be the first model available with this feature.
The road-going Electrified Sport concept will also have brake-by-wire technology. Lexus has not yet released any details on this system. The model will also be equipped with Direct4 all-wheel drive.
The powertrain specs on the model are still a mystery. With all-wheel drive, one would expect it to have at least two electric motors. The company predicts that acceleration to 62 miles per hour (100 kilometers per hour) will take about 2.0 seconds.
There are no battery details yet. Lexus predicts a range of more than 435 miles (700 kilometers), but it’s unclear what test cycle that figure comes from.
Lexus isn’t yet saying when the production-ready Electrified Sport concept will arrive. In the video, the company promises that it’s not just a concept.
