Toyota allowed journalists to drive a prototype of its electric car with a simulated manual transmission. They were impressed.

Toyota is investing heavily in battery-electric vehicles (EVs) to catch up with its competitors in the market. In an effort to make EVs more exciting, Toyota has developed a simulated manual transmission. This system, which has been tested on a Lexus UX 300e, includes a clutch pedal, a traditional tachometer, and a six-speed stick shift in the console. It’s worth noting that these components have no physical linkages; instead, they rely on sensors to recreate the sensation of driving a traditional manual transmission.

Auto News had the opportunity to test this system in Japan and found that it functions much like a standard manual transmission. It responds to inputs such as throttle usage and clutch pedal engagement, just like a conventional manual. While it may not be a perfect fit for a vehicle like the UX 300e, it could be a promising addition to future electric sports cars from Toyota, such as a potential production version of the FT-Se.

Toyota’s engineers are also exploring other ways to add excitement to their EVs. They’ve developed a system where placing a small 3D-printed scale model of a Toyota internal combustion engine (ICE) model on the center console can change the character of the electric vehicle. For example, placing a model of the Toyota Passo kei car on the console results in the EV mimicking the characteristics of the 90 hp car, including simulated engine sounds and modest acceleration. Similarly, when a model of a Tundra is positioned correctly, the EV starts to sound like a turbocharged V6 and simulates automatic shifts like the pickup. The RZ test vehicle can even mimic a Lexus LFA with an artificial V10 engine note and automatically stiffened suspension for enhanced handling.

Source: Automotive News