Tim Stevens

Tardily sharing some of the fun stuff I was up to in Japan. First up, I drove Toyota's EV with a fake manual transmission for Ars Technica.

I know what you're thinking: a pantomime gearbox must be lame, right? I'm as surprised as you to report that the experience is superb. I was immediately won over.

https://arstechnica.com/cars/2023/10/toyota-has-built-an-ev-with-a-fake-transmission-and-weve-driven-it/

Toyota has built an EV with a fake transmission, and we’ve driven it

Five minutes behind the wheel, and you’ll be a believer.

Ars Technica
Nov 1, 2023 at 7:34pmWeb
Show threadOliver HaslamNov 1, 2023
@timstevens Just look at that grip. Yes I'm a child.
Show threadmonorail timesNov 1, 2023
@timstevens But why? my favorite part of my EV is the instant acceleration
Show threadTim StevensNov 1, 2023
@monorailtimes Because it's fun.
Show threadJon HenshawNov 1, 2023
@timstevens I tried but failed at processing this. I’ll go with, I believe it to be true for you 😂
Show threadTim StevensNov 1, 2023
@jon Don't knock it till ya try it...
Show threadJon HenshawNov 1, 2023
@timstevens as an EV driver and a lover of stick shift, I do want to try it. But it's a case of I have to try it to fully comprehend your conclusion, because for the life of me, I can't imagine it.
Show threadZepNov 1, 2023

@timstevens the main reason I, a budget conscience simracer, still hold onto my G27 is because it has a clutch pedal and a 6 speed shifter for my virtual car

I'm rationalizing this the same way as the sim rig except with an actual car

Show threadoatheadNov 2, 2023
@timstevens very interesting read. I want electric cars to be more engaging, but I was hoping for something new rather than bringing over the IC car experience. I still love a manual though, so maybe I'd give it a try.