The Electric Lexus LFA Set to Incorporate Synthetic Engine Noises and Possible Simulated Gear Changes

Just because a vehicle runs on electricity doesn’t mean it can’t be exhilarating and evoke emotions. In fact, this seems to be the guiding principle from Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda to his engineering team.

On Friday, during the introduction of Lexus’s LFA Concept, the vehicle’s project manager, Takashi Doi, affirmed “of course,” when inquired if the electric supercar would produce sound.

“Sound development is very crucial. Being a BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle), sound is a key factor,” Doi remarked.

According to Doi, work on the car’s acoustic profile is already in progress. However, they have yet to finalize a specific direction. Doi mentioned that the team is “well aware there are various BEV sports cars, and we are assessing,” he said concerning the competition’s actions versus what his team plans to offer. But I wouldn’t bet on the LFA imitating Hellcat-like sounds.

“The sound creation presents an opportunity for us to start anew. It’s something we take very seriously. Whether we pursue traditional engine sounds or explore something fresh, it’s a decision we have to make,” Doi elaborated.

The acoustic development for the electric Lexus supercar? “That’s Morizo’s directive,” Doi stated. ‘Morizo’ is the alias used by Toyoda during his racing events with Toyota Gazoo Racing.

Regarding fake shifts or a manual gearbox, Doi commented, “Fun and emotion are vital, but so is performance. We are considering all possibilities, but each element must align with the car’s intended purpose.”

The N-Shift programming found in the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N has already demonstrated to slow down the high-performance EV around a race track. Nevertheless, they are also quite entertaining and surprisingly realistic. Are we prioritizing lap times or enjoyment? With the ability to deactivate this feature at the touch of a button, it is indeed feasible to achieve both in a single vehicle.

Toyota actually secured a patent for a manual transmission for EVs in 2022. Following that, in 2023, the automaker applied for another patent for a manual transmission suited for an EV—this one included the feature for the setup to stall, emulating a real transmission experience.

Naturally, integrating a simulated transmission in an electric car isn’t necessary to achieve artificial shifts. Porsche is updating its Taycan sports sedan for 2027 with this capability, through a simulated transmission.

Whether synthetic shifts will be an aspect of the electric LFA’s design remains to be seen, but sound will undoubtedly be significant. The only lingering question is, what exactly will the electric LFA sound like? What should it sound like?

Toyota provided travel arrangements, accommodations, and raw fish which I certainly did not consume to furnish this first-hand account.

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**The Electric Lexus LFA: Welcoming Artificial Engine Noises and Simulated Gear Shifts**

The automotive sector is undergoing a considerable change with the growth of electric vehicles (EVs), and one of the most awaited models in this evolution is the electric Lexus LFA. Renowned for its high-performance attributes and unique aesthetics, the original Lexus LFA was praised for its naturally aspirated V10 engine and thrilling driving experience. As Lexus gets ready to unveil an electric rendition of this legendary supercar, it is investigating groundbreaking features such as artificial engine sounds and simulated gear shifts to enrich the driving experience.

**Artificial Engine Noises**

A prominent hurdle with electric vehicles is the absence of engine noise, which can diminish the driving experience, particularly in high-performance models like the LFA. To tackle this, Lexus is contemplating the incorporation of artificial engine noises. These sounds can be designed to replicate the exhilarating auditory feedback that drivers anticipate from a supercar, offering an emotional connection that many aficionados desire.

The implementation of artificial sounds in electric vehicles is not entirely new; several manufacturers have already adopted similar systems to improve the driving experience. By applying cutting-edge sound engineering methods, Lexus aims to construct a sound profile that aligns with the brand’s performance legacy while adhering to noise regulations.

**Simulated Gear Shifts**

Alongside artificial engine noises, the electric Lexus LFA may also offer simulated gear shifts. Conventional internal combustion engines provide a tactile and auditory sensation during gear transitions, contributing to the overall driving enjoyment. Given the lack of a traditional transmission in electric vehicles, Lexus is exploring methods to replicate this sensation through advanced software and hardware integration.

Simulated gear shifts can be realized utilizing sophisticated algorithms that manage the power output of the electric motors. By inducing a sense of shifting gears, Lexus aspires to preserve the engaging driving dynamics the original LFA was celebrated for. This feature could additionally enable drivers to choose various driving modes, each with distinct sounds and shift characteristics, personalizing the driving experience even further.

**Balancing Performance and Sustainability**

As Lexus develops the electric LFA, the brand remains focused on harmonizing performance with sustainability. Transitioning to electric powertrains corresponds with global initiatives to cut down carbon emissions and encourage eco-friendly transportation. By integrating features such as artificial sounds and simulated gear shifts, Lexus is not only maintaining the spirit of the LFA but also embracing the future of automotive innovation.

The electric Lexus LFA is expected to be a trailblazing model that marries state-of-the-art electric performance with the emotional connection that drivers seek from a supercar. As the automotive landscape evolves, the incorporation of such innovative features will be essential in redefining the driving experience for electric vehicles.

In summary, the electric Lexus LFA is poised to be an extraordinary combination of performance, technology, and sustainability. With the potential addition of artificial engine sounds and simulated gear shifts, Lexus is positioned to offer a thrilling driving experience that respects the heritage of the original LFA while forging ahead into the future of electric performance vehicles.