Toyota is revolutionizing the world of motorsports with the development of a new automatic transmission that mimics the feel of a manual gearbox. This innovative project aims to attract more people to the sport and spread the joy of driving. The transmission, called the Direct Automatic Transmission, has been highly praised for its responsiveness by Japanese racing driver Hiroaki Ishiura.
Ishiura commends the new transmission for its ability to lock in from the moment the car sets off, delivering a linear response to gas pedal input. This feature allows drivers to shave lap times without experiencing any loss in performance. In contrast to conventional automatic transmissions, which can feel slippery and disconnected, the Direct Automatic Transmission provides a direct and engaging driving experience. Additionally, the transmission senses hard braking and automatically downshifts for corners, further enhancing the overall driving dynamics.
The brainchild behind this project is former Toyota CEO, Akio Toyoda. Toyoda’s vision was to make motorsports more accessible to a wider audience. During a five-hour race in Japan’s Super Taikyu Series, Toyoda himself drove a GR Yaris equipped with the Direct Automatic Transmission. He expressed his desire to spread the joy of driving, particularly to those who are unable to drive manual vehicles. This passion fueled the development of the Direct Automatic Transmission.
Development work on the innovative transmission commenced in the second half of 2020, with rigorous testing conducted in rally and circuit racing throughout 2021 and this year. While the transmission has not yet received approval for production, Toyota’s commitment to sports cars suggests that there will be a place for it in the future. Although the transmission was primarily designed for motorsports, its direct and responsive nature would undoubtedly be appealing in Toyota’s sports cars. However, the company has not made any official announcements regarding its potential inclusion in future models.
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In addition to enhancing automatic transmissions for internal-combustion cars, Toyota is also exploring the incorporation of manual transmissions in electric sports cars. Patent filings in 2022 revealed Toyota’s efforts to develop a manual transmission specifically designed for electric vehicles. These filings outline innovative techniques to recreate the manual driving experience without the need for multiple forward gears, opening up exciting possibilities for electric sports car enthusiasts.
Toyota’s dedication to continuously advancing automotive technology is evident through these groundbreaking developments. By creating a transmission that replicates the feel of a manual gearbox, they are not only revolutionizing the world of motorsports but also providing a more engaging driving experience for enthusiasts. The Direct Automatic Transmission holds great potential, and if approved for production, it could have a significant impact on future sports car models. Toyota’s commitment to improving both automatic and manual transmissions demonstrates their determination to cater to the evolving needs and preferences of drivers in an ever-changing automotive landscape.
