The future of the manual? Toyota to equip future EVs with virtual manual stick and clutch

Toyota wants to make electrification fun as the Japanese automaker has announced that it plans to reveal a performance electric vehicle (EV) soon with a virtual manual transmission option. The brand has also revealed plans to create regular EVs with the stick shift transmission that would mimic the feel and action of an actual manual by 2026. 

The announcement comes from Toyota chairman Akio Toyoda who revealed before last week’s 100th anniversary 24 Hours of Le Mans that the Gazoo Racing sub-brand is developing a performance EV.

The Japanese automaker is trying to win over a few EV-resistant car enthusiasts with the move to create an EV sports car with a stick shift. A clutch pedal and clutch will accompany the manual transmission to complete the stick shift driving experience.

Simulated engine noise

However, the future EV will come with simulated engine noises alongside the manual transmission. It could be a double-edged sword for the automaker as EVs are known to be very quiet, and fake engine noises aren’t too favorable with the enthusiast community. 

Toyota won’t also be the first automaker to pipe fake engine noise into their future EVs, as Dodge is doing something similar with their electric Daytona SRT, but the Japanese automaker would be the first to include the feel of a manual into a future EV. 

Toyota is expected to roll out EVs with the virtual manual transmission some time in 2026, with a performance EV with a stick shift set to launch soon after. It is still unknown what performance EV model the Japanese automaker will release with the simulated manual transmission, but it appears the gearbox is already undergoing testing and even promises the same sensations when a driver doesn't step as much on the accelerator and when engine braking.

As a quick side note, most EVs available today are single-speed automatics. Electric motors have the advantage of a  much wider optimal range requiring just a single gear.

Toyota’s virtual manual transmission for EVs showcases that the company believes in a specific sensation to add more to the act of driving to give the driver a better and more interactive driving experience.

What do you think of Toyota’s faux manual transmission for its future EVs?

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