Toyota is pressing ahead with plans to introduce an artificial manual gearbox to some of its future electric cars. The Japanese brand patented the technology earlier this year, but has now revealed that its luxury off-shoot Lexus is likely to be the first recipient. 

Speaking at the brand’s annual Kenshiki Forum in Brussels, Lexus Chief Engineer Takashi Watanabe, told media that plans to make a production version of its Electrified Sport concept car were progressing and that it was looking at a number of options to deliver a unique driving experience for owners.

Among the features under consideration is a manual gearbox simulator, which is designed to replicate the shift action of a traditional transmission. Watanabe confirmed that the manual shift feature was more than just an idea and his team of engineers have already been testing early examples of it. 

“There’s nothing more engaging for a passionate driver than to be able to shift gears for the right amount of torque at any time.” Watanabe explained before showing a short video [click here to see] of a prototype being driven at a Japanese test facility. The short film shows a converted Lexus uX300e being driven with a traditional six-speed manual gearbox. The set-up, according to Watanabe, includes an artificial clutch pedal and rev counter, the former of which has been weighted to feel like a traditional clutch. Lexus has worked to replicate every aspect of driving a manual transmission car, including the ability to stall if insufficient revs are applied. A sound generator pipes a synthetic engine note into the cabin and changes in pitch, tone and volume according to throttle position, load and speed. 

Watanabe revealed that the idea of a simulated manual gearbox was now “under serious consideration” for use in both Lexus and Toyota electric cars. Ironically, the first to receive the tech is likely to be the production version of the Electrified Sport – which Lexus bosses are keen to link to the RC F GT3 car built by its motorsport wing, Gazoo Racing. However, the race car, like all GT3 sports cars is equipped with a semi-automatic transmission as standard.

Lexus has yet to confirm a date for the launch of the Electrified Sport, but has suggested that a production version is unlikely to appear before 2026.

New Lexus Electrified could be the brand's first production car to feature an artificial manual gearbox