Electric 2025 Lexus LFA successor to get manual gearbox

Lexus has confirmed it is developing a manual transmission for its future battery-electric sports cars and performance models, starting with the upcoming Lexus LFA successor – the 2025 Lexus LFR.

The intel was revealed by Lexus Electrified chief engineer Takashi Watanabe during the Lexus Deep Dive at this week’s Toyota Kenshiki Forum, where it was also announced a functioning prototype was already being tested – albeit in a Lexus UX 300e.

“This new [sports car] project all started with some Lexus engineers reflecting on what they liked about traditional internal combustion vehicles and what they have to miss out on with electric cars,” he said.

“Manual transmission was one thing they enjoyed in particular – there is nothing more engaging for a passionate driver than to be able to shift the gears for the right amount of torque at any time.

“So we thought, ‘Let’s do this.’”

The manual UX 300e features a gear lever, clutch pedal and even a tachometer, however the system is software-based and thereby fully adjustable.

A three-mode toggle can be seen in the demonstration clip offering ‘L4’, ‘BEV’ and ‘V8’ modes.

There’s no word yet on how the system works, but we’d suggest the different modes alter the powertrain characteristics to replicate the performance characteristics for each configuration.

Watanabe said engineers had so much fun with the exercise the project is now under full-scale development and that it “might actually be on some of our future BEVs”.

“From the outside, this vehicle [UX prototype] is as quiet as any other BEV, but the driver is able to experience all the sensations of a manual transmission vehicle, including the possibility to stall, roll back on a hill start if the clutch is not engaged,” he said.

Silent on the outside but not on the inside, the old-school driving experience will be supported by a synthetic engine noise played though the speakers.

Let’s hope the LFR’s synthetic sound generation replicates or at least pays homage to the Lexus LFA’s wailing V10.

“Looking at the bigger picture, this system will only be one of many on the Electrified Sport that will be freely managed by software,” said Watanabe.

“Of course, I cannot tell you when we will be launching a production vehicle based on the Electrified Sport but I can confirm that we are working on it – this is not just a design concept; it is meant to become reality.”

He also revealed that Lexus’ Direct4 all-wheel drive system, RZ-style steering yoke and steer-by-wire and brake-by-wire technology will be present in the flagship coupe.

Lexus engineers are still nominating a circa-2.0sec 0-100km/h time for the Electrified Sport concept, which is expected to launch mid-decade as the flagbearer for the Toyota Group’s future innovations.

Other candidates in line for a manual transmission include the electric successor to the Toyota GR 86.

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