Green light for Lexus EVs with manual transmission
EV with manual transmission
For many, a manual transmission is synonymous with driving pleasure. For that reason, Lexus investigated whether an EV could be equipped with such a type of transmission. It turns out to be so. Indeed, Lexus already has a prototype driving around – a UX 300e – with a shift lever and a clutch pedal.
Prototype is a Lexus UX 300e
Takashi Watanabe, Chief Engineer of Lexus Electrified: “This UX 300e is as quiet on the outside as any EV, but the driver can experience all the sensations of a manual car. This is due to special software that can reproduce the driving experience of different types of vehicles. The driver can choose the preferred setting.”
Production version Electrified Sport
So software should help take the driving experience of an EV to the next level. Lexus, of course, is developing that technology for a reason. To AutoRAI.nl, the brand can already confirm that the production version of the Electrified Sport will get a manual transmission, but that the technology will also find its way into “future EVs.
Lexus Electrified Sport
The Electrified Sport is Lexus’ vision of a future super sports car with a 100% electric powertrain. He makes it clear that Lexus is aiming for high performance electric models. The Electrified Sport’s lineup is a preview of Lexus’ new design DNA for electric-powered models. The Lexus Electrified Sport accelerates from 0-100 km/h in about 2 seconds. There will probably also be a variant with twinturbo V8.
Video EV with manual transmission
Lexus has already shown journalists a video showing exactly how the technology works. By and large, of course, the effect is obvious. The UX 300e prototype features a six-speed transmission. Of course, everything is software controlled. A rotary selector can be used to choose from different types of engine sound, such as an in-line four-cylinder or a V8. Or a neutral BEV sound.
