“There are certain points [when developing] a new, pioneering technology, sometimes you will feel like, is this really natural or not?” says Higashiyama. “That’s the kind of thing they [the engineers] are looking at. At this point right now, they want to refine it. Technically, they’re not ready… it’s not worthy [for release yet].”
Steer-by-wire systems are notoriously finicky, and in combining the setup with a steering yoke, Lexus didn’t want to rush the system to market like other EV manufacturers without it being perfect and intuitive. The steer-by-wire technology is crucial to making the butterfly-shaped yoke function as intended in the RZ. Steer-by-wire is aimed at improving the driving experience by taking out excess road sway caused by poor surfacing, and because it relies on software, it can be calibrated specifically to make its responses work better with the yoke.
We’ve already seen Tesla attract negative press for an ill-conceived yoke-style tiller, and the brand has subsequently offered a conventional wheel once more on the Model S and X. It’s clear that Lexus doesn’t want the same reception.