Before driving the manual UX, I sampled a Lexus RZ with programmable engine sounds and more customized power delivery—basically, an EV that can act and sound like a Toyota Tundra, an economy hatchback, or a Lexus LFA on demand.
I know a lot of people around here will hate any mention of piped-in sound, but I actually love this. Renault did this a little while back with the Renault Clio GT and it’s such a fun idea. If the FT-Se came with selectable LFA sounds, I have to imagine it would give owners a giggle and a fun thing to do on weekends, at the very least.
The turbine-like whine from my Roadster’s gearbox when it accelerates or decelerates (via regen), and the sounds of the tires loading up, and the suspension working, and the feeling through the wheel of that manual steering rack, these tell me what I need to know. I think electronic noises would only distract and detract.
How much did they pay you? 😂
Can it mimic a horse, then?
This is the EV version of the CVT simulated shift. I wonder if they ever looked into mating an actual manual to a lower RPM electric motor.