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Is 'UX300e' trademark a sign of an electric Lexus to come?

That the biggest mainstream auto manufacturers will offer fully electric vehicles is no longer a question of if, it's an inevitable matter of when. Lexus has thus far taken the wait-and-see approach to the burgeoning market that is expected to take over throughout the next decade, but that could change soon. A recent trademark filing could indicate that Lexus is ready to introduce a fully electric version of its new UX crossover. Dug up by Autoguide, the trademark "UX300e" recently popped up on the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO). A separate look on TMView shows it is indeed linked to Lexus and was filed at the Norway office. The Lexus UX is just getting off the ground in December but is expected to be a huge seller for Toyota's luxury branch. The UX 200, which is offered with a naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine, is now Lexus' cheapest vehicle. The UX 250h offers a hybrid variant and is available with all-wheel drive. F Sport packages are available on both variants, in an attempt to add an extroverted sense of excitement. Although the trademark is far from a guarantee that such a car is coming, it all makes sense. Crossovers are booming business as of late, and many manufacturers, such as Kia with the Niro and Soul, are offering electric versions of cars that also have other traditional forms of motivation. We'll update as soon as we know more. Related Video:

Toyota shows a smoother autonomous Lexus for CES

Toyota is bringing a new research vehicle to CES. The TRI-P4 autonomous driving test vehicle, based on the Lexus LS500h, is a major step ahead, according to Toyota, as it has improved computing power and additional cameras for better reaction times. Earlier test mules have also used the LS as a basis, and the shift to the new, fifth generation LS brings chassis and steering-control benefits, so the vehicle's movements are smoother in automated mode. The camera tech has also been better integrated into the vehicle design, courtesy of CALTY in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Development has been swift, as the TRI's P2.1 car was unveiled in 2017. The P4 car will be used for Toyota Research Institute's Guardian and Chauffeur mode development. The two tiers differ somewhat, as TRI's Ryan Eustice explains: "Our Chauffeur development is focused on full autonomy, where the human is essentially removed from the driving equation, either completely in all environments, or within a restricted driving domain. Guardian, on the other hand, is being designed to amplify human performance behind the wheel, not replace it. The introduction of the new P4 platform will help us accelerate the development of both tracks when it joins our fleet this spring." The vehicle's situational awareness is boosted by two extra cameras facing on the sides, and a new imaging sensor both forward and rearward. Toyota says the P4's lidar setup is a carryover from the previous platform, but that its machine learning is much improved by its more powerful computer setup. The electricity required by the P4's computing power also comes from the hybrid battery, and as the computer "brain" is now housed vertically against the rear seat's backing, actual trunk space has been freed. More LS500hs will begin to be modified into TRI-P4 vehicles during spring 2019. This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings.

Lexus RC F Coupe puts on a brave face for Detroit

With less than a week to go until the 2015 Lexus RC F makes its debut at the Detroit Auto Show, Lexus has given us a sneak peek at its upcoming performance coupe. Earlier this week, Autoblog was granted were the opportunity for an intimate studio photo shoot with the RC F outside of the bright lights and big crowds sure to surround the coupe at Cobo Hall next week.
Compared to the hybrid version of the all-new RC we saw at the Tokyo Motor Show last year, the RC F has noticeably more aggressive styling. The cartoonishly oversized Lexus spindle grille gets a mesh insert pattern and is flanked by massive intakes in the lower fascia. To make room for what is expected to be a bigger V8 engine, the hood sits higher and is vented, but like many details about the RC F, Lexus is keeping the engine's size and output under wraps (although we have a sneaking suspicion it'll have 460 horsepower).
A trio of 19-inch wheel options will be available (including a set that is hand-polished), and the side sills and rear fascia have been modified for F duty. The biggest styling change on the RC F, however, is the LFA-inspired active rear wing that rises at speeds above 50 miles per hour for improved traction and stability. Carrying over cues from the current IS F, the RC F features air outlets behind the front wheel openings and angle-stacked exhaust outlets at the rear of the car.