Lexus LFA EV Successor Could Use Simulated Manual Gearbox

Lexus has made some iconic cars in the short time it has excited as an automobile brand. It is also at the center of Toyota’s electrification plans. Last year, when Toyota announced its big EV strategy, it showcased a Lexus sports car that had a super aerodynamic look called the Electrified Sport. It is slated to be the successor to the Lexus LFA which in the last decade or so has been known to be one of the most iconic driver’s cars on the planet. This car since its unveil has made its way to the 2022 Goodwood Festival Of Speed. 

The LFA was known for its naturally aspirated V10 engine and manual gearbox. Now, the naturally aspirated V10 is a dying breed and in the case of the Electrified Sport, it will be replaced with an electric powertrain. But interestingly, EVs also don’t really need a transmission, however, Lexus in a bid to retain the feel of driving a manual transmission car could be working on a solution that simulates the transmission. 

Lexus President Koji Sato told Top Gear magazine that the Electrified Sport will have gears through simulation via special software which would artificially limit the power of the electric motor forcing the user to change gears. Now, Ford also has dabbled with such ideas, but slightly differently. On the Mustang Lithium EV from 2019, Ford used a concept that used an actual Getrag MT82 six-speed manual with a Torsen differential sending power to the rear axle. 

Sato also revealed that the car will have steer-by-wire technology and will have torque vectoring as well. Carbon fiber will be used liberally in the car for weight-saving purposes and the battery placement may not be under the floor, though Lexus is looking at Solid State Battery solutions. In fact, Lexus will be the first manufacturer to leverage Solid State Batteries as it will install them in a hybrid car in 2025.