Lexus Manual Cars⁚ A Historical Overview
Lexus, primarily known for luxury and smooth automatics, has a history with manual transmissions․ While not widespread, certain models offered this option, appealing to driving enthusiasts․ These models provided a more engaging connection to the road․
Early Lexus Models with Manual Transmissions
In the early days of Lexus, a few models featured manual transmissions, deviating from the brand’s automatic norm․ The 1990 Lexus ES 250 and the subsequent ES 300 offered a 5-speed manual gearbox, providing a sportier feel․ This was a notable departure, as the brand was more commonly associated with refined automatic transmissions․ These early models, while not widely known for their manual options, demonstrated Lexus’ willingness to cater to a broader range of driving preferences․ The ES series models equipped with manual transmissions are considered more unique due to their limited production numbers․ The ES250 and ES300 models with 5-speed manuals are now sought after by enthusiasts who appreciate the added engagement they provided and also represent the early stage of Lexus’ exploration into performance-oriented driving dynamics that were not common for Lexus at the time․ These early forays into manual transmissions laid the groundwork for future Lexus models that embraced the joys of a stick shift․
The 1990 Lexus LS 400 Manual Option
Contrary to popular belief, the flagship 1990 Lexus LS 400, known for its smooth V8 engine, also had a 5-speed manual transmission option․ This is a little known fact about the LS 400․ This addition allowed drivers to experience the car’s power and handling with a more visceral connection, adding a sporting dynamic to the normally luxurious sedan․ The manual gearbox was offered as an alternative to the automatic, though it was certainly the less popular of the two․ This version of the LS 400 appealed to a niche market of enthusiasts seeking a more engaging drive․ The inclusion of a manual transmission in this high-end model illustrated Lexus’ commitment to offering diverse experiences․ The manual LS 400 is a rare find today, making it a unique piece of Lexus history for those who appreciate a manual transmission․ This option showcases an early attempt by Lexus to blend luxury and driving engagement․
The Lexus IS Series and Manual Gearboxes
The Lexus IS series is notable for its association with manual transmissions, particularly in the early generations․ The first-generation IS models notably featured a six-speed manual gearbox as standard equipment․ This was unique within the compact executive car class at the time of its launch․ This emphasis on a manual option highlighted the IS series’ sporty intentions, aiming to attract a younger audience․ The availability of a manual transmission was a key factor differentiating the IS from its competitors․ This feature allowed drivers to directly engage with the car’s performance and handling, emphasizing the sporty nature of the IS lineup․ All derivatives of the second-generation IS also had a manual transmission as standard until the automatic became more popular․ The IS series became synonymous with the option of a manual gearbox within the Lexus range and was very popular with enthusiasts․
The IS300 Manual Transmission
The Lexus IS300, part of the IS series, offered a manual transmission option that resonated with driving enthusiasts․ Available solely in the sedan version, the IS300 manual was a sought-after configuration known for its engaging driving experience․ This model was a popular choice for those desiring a sportier feel․ The 5 speed transmission was a key selling point for many fans of the IS range․ It allowed for a more connected feel with the car and its performance capabilities, enhancing driver control and engagement․ The IS300’s manual gearbox contributed to its reputation as a driver’s car․ The demand for the IS300 with a manual transmission has ensured its place as a desirable model on the used market․ The manual transmission also made the car more enjoyable to drive and had a dedicated following of enthusiasts․
The Second Generation IS250 Manual Availability
The second-generation Lexus IS250 offered a manual transmission option, appealing to drivers who preferred a more hands-on experience․ This model, produced from 2006 to 2012, provided a six-speed manual gearbox as an alternative to the more common automatic transmission․ The availability of the manual was limited to the base rear-wheel-drive model, which featured a 2․5-liter V6 engine․ This made it a rare find in the used car market․ While most buyers chose the automatic, the manual option provided a sportier driving experience․ This version of the IS250 became a sought-after model for those wanting a manual Lexus․ This variant allowed drivers to engage with the car and its performance․ The IS250 was a great success as a manual vehicle and had a strong following․ It is still on the used market․
The Rarity of the IS250C Manual
The Lexus IS250C, the convertible version of the second-generation IS250, is an even rarer find with a manual transmission․ While it shared the same powertrain and the option for a six-speed manual as the sedan, production numbers were extremely limited․ Lexus produced only 90 units of the IS250C with a manual transmission, making it exceptionally scarce․ This low production volume makes finding one in the used market incredibly difficult․ The IS250C manual is considered a true unicorn among Lexus enthusiasts․ Its rarity stems from its combination of a convertible body style with a manual gearbox․ This makes it a highly sought-after collectible․ Finding this model is like finding a needle in a haystack․ The low production numbers are what make it so rare among car collectors․ This model is rarely seen on the roads․
The End of Manual Transmissions in Lexus
Lexus has moved away from offering manual transmissions in its lineup․ The last models available with a stick shift were the IS 250 and IS 250C, marking the end of an era for manual Lexus vehicles․
Last Lexus Models with Manual Options
The final Lexus models to feature a manual transmission option were the IS 250 sedan and the IS 250C convertible․ The IS 250 sedan offered this option until 2012, while the IS 250C continued with the manual availability until 2013․ These models represent the last vestiges of Lexus’s commitment to providing a driver-focused experience with a stick shift․ The IS 250, in particular, is sought after by enthusiasts for its rear-wheel-drive configuration paired with a manual gearbox․ This combination offered a unique blend of luxury and engagement, setting it apart from the more commonly found automatic versions․ The IS 250C, being a convertible, further added to the rarity and desirability of the manual variants․ These models marked the end of an era for Lexus, as the brand shifted its focus towards automatic and CVT transmissions․ These cars are now considered somewhat collectible, especially those in good condition․
Lexus’s Shift to Automatic and CVT Transmissions
Following the discontinuation of manual options in the IS 250 and IS 250C, Lexus transitioned entirely to automatic and Continuously Variable Transmissions (CVTs) for its vehicle lineup․ This shift reflects a broader trend in the automotive industry, where automatic transmissions have become the dominant choice due to their convenience and efficiency․ Lexus adopted eight-speed automatic transmissions and CVTs, prioritizing smooth power delivery and fuel economy․ These transmissions are designed to offer a seamless driving experience, aligning with Lexus’s focus on luxury and refinement․ The move away from manual transmissions also caters to the majority of consumers who prefer the ease of automatic driving․ While some enthusiasts may miss the engagement of a manual gearbox, Lexus’s current transmission offerings emphasize comfort and technological advancement․ This change marks a significant departure from the days when certain Lexus models offered the choice of a stick shift․
Future of Lexus Manual Transmissions
Lexus is exploring manual transmissions for electric vehicles․ They are developing a system that simulates a manual, with a clutch and gear lever, for a more engaging EV driving experience․ This technology is still under development․
Lexus Development of Manual Transmission for EVs
Lexus is actively engaged in the innovative development of manual transmission technology for its future electric vehicles․ This ambitious project aims to merge the unique driving engagement of a manual gearbox with the advanced technology of electric powertrains․ Currently, Lexus is focused on using a research prototype, based on the UX 300e compact SUV, to develop this concept․ This prototype includes a traditional gear lever and a clutch pedal, offering drivers a familiar feel of manual shifting․ The purpose of this development is not to add gears, as EVs typically do not need them, but to provide a simulated sensation of manual driving․
Lexus seeks to create a driving experience that feels more visceral and connected, appealing to those who appreciate the traditional control of a manual gearbox․ This initiative reflects a commitment to cater to a wide range of driving preferences, even in the era of electric mobility․ The simulated manual transmission is being tested to see how the technology will work in future production models․