Lexus Debuts Its New Gearbox

Luxury automaker Lexus has recently showcased the LC 500h at this year’s Geneva Auto Show, which truly captivated the visitors. Hiding beneath the svelte lines of the sophisticated hybrid coupe is a new, advanced transmission design.

The LC 500h’s gearbox is a continuously variable transmission with two electric motors that Lexus then paired with a four-speed automatic transmission that modulates the CVT’s output. According to Koji Sato, chief engineer for the LC 500h, the new design is aimed at eliminating the “rubber band” feel of traditional CVTs.

Most CVTs push the engine speed high quickly, and then makes the driver wait while the car accelerates, generating the droning sound unwanted by CVT critics. Sato explained that during acceleration, the new gearbox in the LC 500h simulates six shifts apart from the four actual shifts, but motorists will not be able to tell which is which.

The gearbox is paired with a 3.5-liter V-6 engine, which cranks out a total of 354 hp. The transmission’s development was a result of Toyota President Akio Toyoda’s push to take Lexus’ performance and sophistication to the next level.

Sato continued that the transmission design may be used in other Lexus cars, and they are already preparing for some other engine variations.

While company officials declined to give more details, its product cycle indicates it would make sense to use the transmission on upcoming hybrid variants of the LS full-size sedan and GS midsize sedan.

An all-new LS hybrid, which is slated to go on sale next year as a 2018 model, is eyed to be a potential match for the gearbox. Lexus also mulls keeping the hybrid version of the LS sedan, though it has suggested the automaker will add a fuel cell version of the LS that would share some components with the next generation Toyota Mirai fuel cell car.

Sato concluded that if a Toyota model requires a high-performance system for a hybrid vehicle, the transmission is applicable.