The firm’s chief engineer, Takashi Watanabe, outlined that the gearstick and clutch wouldn’t be connected directly to the motor, but they would simulate shifts by adjusting the torque settings of the electric motor. He also suggested that it could be programmed to allow the car to roll back on a hill, or even potentially emulate a stall, to ensure poor driving is punished.
That concept was showcased in a promotional video, which also revealed a test car making simulated engine sounds that were pumped into the cabin, but inaudible from outside the car. “We would want to make sure we continue to offer products for enthusiasts,” said Watanabe at the time.
Underlining the prototype nature of the GR test car, and how its development showcases the company’s willingness to take on new ideas, Toyoda said: “Whether it makes it to the market or not, what the company is trying to do is explore the idea of what it is that we shouldn’t lose in a car even if it becomes BEV.
“I can proudly say that this is an example of how Toyota has changed into a company where members can look into an idea that sounds interesting, create a car from their ideas and then show it for test drives.”
However, Toyoda added that the car would look like a BEV from the outside, suggesting that it is likely to be based on an all-new model rather than a bespoke car. In 2021, the firm pledged to launch 15 new BEVs by 2025 and hit 1.5 million BEV sales by 2026. Last year, Toyota sold 26,000 BEVs after its first model, the bZ4X, was recalled for a safety issue.