---
title: "Lexus Boss Wants to Develop Manual Transmissions for Electric Cars"
description: "The Lexus LFA successor will apparently be electric, hit 60 mph in the low two-second range, and—possibly—use a simulated manual gearbox."
date: "2022-08-15"
modified: "2022-08-15"
authors:
  - name: "Chris Tsui"
    job_title: "Contributor"
    link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/chris-tsui"
url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/lexus-boss-wants-to-develop-manual-transmissions-for-electric-cars"
categories:
  - "Car Tech"
  - "Culture"
  - "Electric Vehicles"
  - "Lexus News"
  - "News"
  - "News by Brand"
tags:
  - "Electric Vehicle"
  - "Lexus"
---

# Lexus Boss Wants to Develop Manual Transmissions for Electric Cars

![](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/15/BEV-Sport_front_16x9-1.jpg>)
*Lexus*

Lexus—the automaker that, once upon a time, stacked champagne glasses on the hood of its first-ever car to show how smooth it is—is working on manual transmissions for electric vehicles. Not only that, but it's apparently doing so for its future [LFA](<https://www.thedrive.com/news/41889/rare-2012-lexus-lfa-with-177-miles-and-560-hp-up-for-auction>) successor.

For those out of the Lexus loop, the company is indeed working on a car it now readily identifies as a sequel to its old halo supercar. Instead of another V10 that screams to 9,000 rpm, however, it will be an EV. [Lexus](<https://www.thedrive.com/news/2023-lexus-rx-more-comfort-and-luxury-plus-a-hybrid-f-sport-model>) says it will do zero to 60 mph in the "low two-second range" while being able to travel 435 miles from a full charge. In other words, it's gunning for a [theoretical Tesla Roadster](<https://www.thedrive.com/news/40690/you-can-see-a-next-gen-tesla-roadster-prototype-at-the-petersen-automotive-museum>) rather than any Lamborghini Huracans this time around. It may also, believe it or not, come with a clutch pedal.

![](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/15/BEV-Sport_rear_16x9-1.jpg>)
*Lexus*

Speaking to *[Top Gear](<https://www.topgear.com/car-news/electric/electric-lexus-lfa-successor-might-get-manual-gearbox>)* about its future performance flagship, Lexus President Koji Sato said he is currently toying with some sort of digitally simulated manual transmission. "It's a hobby of mine, a crazy thing," he told the publication. "I'm looking for better engagement, even in an EV, I want another link from the car to the driver. It's not just about efficiency. I love cars and want something different."

The last time Lexus offered a manual was in the second-generation IS250, which could be had with a six-speed stick before going away in 2013. Perhaps the next-next-generation IS will have a pseudo-manual gearbox trickled down to it as a throwback option.

Back in February, parent company Toyota was spotted [filing a patent for a manual transmission made specifically for electric cars](<https://www.thedrive.com/news/44261/toyota-has-a-patent-to-recreate-manual-transmissions-for-evs>). It outlined a simulated H-pattern, a "pseudo-shifter," and a "pseudo-clutch." For the pro gamers in the crowd, that setup should sound familiar.

![](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/15/BEV-Sport_side_16x9-1.jpg>)
*Lexus*

*Got a tip or question for the author about the LFA successor? You can reach him here: chris.tsui@thedrive.com*

## Author
Chris Tsui is *The Drive*'s former Reviews Editor and current freelance automotive journalist. He's based in Toronto.

### Author social links  
[Instagram](<https://www.instagram.com/cltsuii/>)