According to a report by CARSCOOPS.COM, the Lexus LFA successor may get a simulated gearbox. A fresh Toyota patent describes six virtual gears designed to make an electric supercar feel less like a golf cart.
Lexus LFA successor Fake Shifts Explained
Toyota has been circling this idea for years. Its synthetic manual concept from 2022 used a fake clutch pedal and shifter, but the newer US patent takes a different route. Motor torque is adjusted across six gears, and the system can run through paddle shifters or a traditional lever.
Hyundai pioneered this approach on the Ioniq 5 N, and Mercedes-AMG and Porsche have since followed. Toyota is late to the party, but the patent suggests it wants a more flexible system. Ultimately, that flexibility may matter more than a third pedal.
| ⚙️Engine / Powertrain | Dual electric motors with solid-state battery (est.) |
| 🐎Power Output | 800 HP (est.) |
| ⚡Peak Torque | 1,000 Nm (738 lb-ft) (est.) |
| ⏱️0-60 mph (0-100 km/h) | 0-60 mph in 2.5s (est.) |
| 🚀Top Speed | 200 mph (322 km/h) (est.) |
| 🔄Drivetrain / Gearbox | AWD with 6-speed simulated sequential shifting |
| 💰Starting Price / Est. | $400,000 (est.) |
Enthusiasts still romanticize engines like the Dodge Viper V10, which makes fake gears a tough sell. Even so, many buyers cannot drive a manual, and this approach speaks to them directly.
Solid-State Power Changes the Equation
Running on an aluminum chassis shared with the V8-powered Toyota GR GT, the concept was unveiled in December 2025. Reports suggest the production model could be the first car from the group to use solid-state battery cells. On paper, that makes a Lexus halo car a logical debut vehicle.
Still, a naturally aspirated V10 remains unlikely. Meanwhile, Lexus must prove that electric shifts can deliver real emotion, not just a convincing sound effect.
Our Verdict on the Fake Shifter
Fake gears are a clever engineering answer to an emotional problem. In reality, enthusiasts will judge the system by throttle response, steering feel, and how convincing each shift feels at the limit. If Lexus gets those details right, the car could become a collector favorite. If not, the fake shifter will read as a gimmick.
Liam Campbell
Industry Intelligence & News Editor at Auto News Magazine. Tracking prototype spy shots, Nürburgring development mules, automaker corporate moves, and breaking global automotive scoops.
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