Major car brand offers bizarre feature to new range of EVs hoping to make electric cars ‘fun to drive’
A MAJOR car brand is set to offer a bizarre new feature in its EVs in a bid to make them ‘fun to drive’.
The motors giant will introduce the once-universal component to give those missing the traditional driving experience a hit of nostalgia.
Toyota has announced that it will give drivers the option to install a “manual transmission” into their electric cars.
In reality, the system, which is set for release in 2026, will be almost entirely operated by software.
However, drivers will be able to have a gearstick and clutch pedal, taken from a GR86 model, and a rev counter.
Paddle shifters could also be included, according to reports.
Toyota said that the purpose behind the move is to make EVs “fun” and ensure that they don’t just become a “commodity”.
Mark Tisshaw, who tested the system for Autocar, wrote: “Toyota’s manual transmission for electric cars is both remarkable and unremarkable at the same time.
“It warps your brain to some extent and you are successfully tricked into thinking it is not an EV.
“The shift is short and precise and the clutch has heft to it. You can stall it as you can a manual car and also slip the clutch.”
The system provides features like engine braking and coasting which would usually only come from a manual mechanical transmission.
Toyota is also planning to introduce an “on-demand” feature that can change your car’s performance to mimic that of up to 1,000 other models.
The software tweaks the motor’s torque, power and handling to give you the experience of driving an entirely different vehicle.
The company has been contacted for comment.
It comes after an expert mechanic gave drivers an urgent warning over a terrifying new car theft method.
Meanwhile, a petrolhead revealed how he saved his mum £1,700 on her MOT by not falling for a ridiculous garage con.