Lexus builds engagement and excitement with Interactive Manual Drive
- Lexus-first Interactive Manual Drive creates a manual gear-shifting experience in a battery electric vehicle
- Heightened enjoyment and driver engagement with a unique muti-sensory experience
- First application in the new RZ 550e F Sport all-electric SUV
- Virtual eight-speed transmission generates rapid gear shifts based on the driver’s use of the accelerator and the vehicle speed
- Drivers can feel every moment of the journey with the option to make manual shifts using paddle controls, accompanied by rousing engine notes and tachometer display
The new RZ premium SUV delivers further advances for Lexus Electrified with its introduction of new technologies that elevate the EV driving experience and take the Lexus Driving Signature to the next level, adding to its essential qualities of comfort, control and confidence at all times. One of the most advanced innovations is the introduction of Interactive Manual Drive, a virtual gear shift system that brings emotion to the daily drive, creating a deeper and more meaningful dialogue between driver and car.
Interactive Manual Drive opens up new opportunities for driving enjoyment by creating virtual gear shifts, either in response to the driver’s use of the accelerator, or manual selection using paddle controls on the steering wheel. The advanced system mimics the dynamic sensations of a combustion engine. The shifts are accompanied by appropriate changes in a virtually tuned engine note, to build a multi-sensory experience.
Operating the system
Interactive Manual Drive has been introduced in the new Lexus RZ 550e F Sport model, adding to the emotional appeal generated by the car’s dynamic styling and performance. The driver can engage the system simply by pressing the M mode button on the centre console.
Gear shifts are then automatically created, according to throttle use and vehicle speed. The driver’s digital instrument display changes to show a new meter that combines a power meter and a tachometer, indicating the shift points, or the optimum moment for the driver to make a manual shift using the paddle controls – right hand for upshifts, left hand for downshifts.
How Interactive Manual Drive works
The core component in the Interactive Manual Drive is a virtual powertrain and transmission integrated in the car’s BEV ECU. Virtual power source torque is calculated according to the driver’s pressure on the accelerator and the vehicle’s speed. This is then multiplied by the virtual gear that has been selected. Torque thus changes with the virtual gear selection to suit the driving situation – for example when shifting to a lower gear on a twisty road or an uphill climb. The result is a driving experience that is like using a rapid-shifting transmission attached to a combustion engine.
The drive force can also be managed by the driver’s use of the paddle shifts, which produce a quick and responsive shifting experience, generating deeper interaction between driver and car.
Using the shifts, the driver receives rewarding multi-sensory feedback in real time through throttle response, G-forces, engine sound simulation, and the tachometer display.
Sound generation
The sound generated by the system is specific to the Interactive Manual Drive and has been precision-tuned to generate more driving pleasure and an exhilarating experience. There are three sound levels to choose from, to suit the drive and driver’s mood.
The sounds produced are closely synchronised with the vehicle’s speed and drive torque and are relayed through speakers in the RZ’s cabin, adding to the dynamic and immersive driving.
A duality of driving experiences
With Interactive Manual Drive, Lexus gives the driver freedom to adapt the driving experience to suit the scene or their mood. Uniquely, they can choose the smooth, comfortable, powerful performance that is characteristic of Lexus BEVs, or opt for a style that delivers more visceral excitement and engagement.
ENDS
