Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda Discusses Sporting EV Prototype with Simulated Manual Transmission
Toyota has been working on a sporting EV prototype that features a simulated manual transmission, according to the company’s chairman, Akio Toyoda. The prototype is being developed by Toyota’s Gazoo Racing division, which is aiming to simulate the experience of driving a sports car powered by gasoline. Toyoda praised the unit, noting that it includes a manual transmission with a clutch and engine noise inside the car, making it feel like a traditional sports car. The only thing missing, he said, is the smell of gasoline.
The idea of a stick-shift electric car has been controversial, with many claiming that it would add cost and complexity for a brand that has traditionally been averse to both concepts. However, Toyota seems to be running with the concept, with Lexus having already toyed with the idea. The company previously equipped a simulated manual transmission to a customized Lexus UX300e and is rumored to be developing an all-electric performance vehicle that could serve as the spiritual successor to the Lexus LFA.
The Gazoo Racing EV prototype could be the pinnacle of Toyota’s electrification push, similar to the GranTurismo Folgore high-performance coupe for Maserati and production models derived from the Mission X hypercar for Porsche. However, Toyoda has not yet made a decision on whether the GR electric sports car will be brought to market.
Toyota’s Commitment to All-Electric Vehicles
Despite Toyota having recently assured the public that it’s committed to all-electric vehicles, it’s been one of the biggest holdouts. Instead, the company has been dabbling with a myriad of powertrains and hasn’t offered many all-electric products thus far. However, it claims to have set a sales goal of 3.5 million EVs per year by 2030.
The automotive community is divided in terms of supporting electrification, with EVs having some glaring shortcomings engineers have yet to resolve. Some of the surrounding connectivity issues have also been an issue for consumers. However, it sounds like Toyota is wondering if it could bridge the gap between camps by offering a howling EV that felt more like a traditional sports car.
Potential Response from Enthusiasts
It’s not clear how enthusiasts would respond to the inclusion of a simulated manual transmission in an all-electric sports car. The automotive community is divided in terms of supporting electrification, with EVs having some glaring shortcomings engineers have yet to resolve. However, it sounds like Toyota is wondering if it could bridge the gap between camps by offering a howling EV that felt more like a traditional sports car.
Conclusion
Toyota’s Gazoo Racing division is presently developing an EV prototype that features a simulated manual transmission, which is being praised by the company’s chairman, Akio Toyoda. The prototype aims to simulate the experience of driving a sports car powered by gasoline, with engine noise inside the car and a manual transmission with a clutch. However, it’s not clear how enthusiasts would respond to the inclusion of a simulated manual transmission in an all-electric sports car. Despite Toyota having recently assured the public that it’s committed to all-electric vehicles, it’s been one of the biggest holdouts. However, the company claims to have set a sales goal of 3.5 million EVs per year by 2030.
