The steering wheel is becoming a choice, not a requirement

Health · Published 9 October 2026 · Updated 25 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Lexus is reimagining the fundamental physics of driving with steer-by-wire technology. By replacing the physical connection between your hands and the wheels with high-speed motors, they are creating a system that adjusts effort instantly to road conditions—effectively turning traditional mechanical motion into pure digital intent.

The Lexus RZ introduces 'One Motion Grip,' a steer-by-wire system that replaces the conventional steering column with a yoke and two independent motors. One motor drives the steering rack based on the yoke's position, while a second provides tactile feedback to the driver. This allows for a total rotational range of 300 degrees, specifically designed to eliminate 'hand-over-hand' movements typically required by large wheels in conventional vehicles.

This shift toward 'digital' driving is supported by advanced materials and structural engineering. The RZ utilizes an e-TNGA platform featuring laser-based welding, high-tensile steel, and structural adhesives to maintain rigidity while reducing weight. To lower the center of gravity, the 71.4 kWh battery is positioned under the passenger floor, complemented by an aluminum hood and a dimpled underbody designed to create minute vortices for aerodynamic efficiency.

While some critics view the yoke as a novelty, the engineering goal is intuitive adjustment. The system varies steering effort in real-time based on driving conditions. However, this transition from mechanical to electronic control highlights a broader shift in automotive power electronics. As manufacturers move toward high-power density systems like those found in electric vehicles, they must balance these innovations against challenges like thermal management and electromagnetic interference.

The RZ also showcases how luxury brands are blending tradition with tech. The 2025 revision features 'Interactive Manual Drive,' an electric vehicle's simulated gear mechanism designed to replicate a manual gearbox's physical sensation. This suggests that as hardware becomes more abstract, software and motor feedback become the primary tools for preserving the driver's connection to the machine.

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