The diverse powertrain line-up of the Lexus UX series welcomes an updated Battery EV model with enhanced electric range and further refinement

• Evolution of the brand’s first Battery EV (BEV) model, based on the electrification vision “Lexus Electrified”
• Newly developed battery pack increases cruising range by over 40% to 450 km
• Ever more refined and confidence-inspiring performance though focus on core vehicle dynamics
• Expanded active safety functions and equipment enhancements including the latest multimedia system

TOKYO, Oct 12, 2022 – (JCN Newswire) – Lexus announces the global debut of the new UX 300e, a significant evolution of the brand’s first production BEV model. The updated UX 300e joins the new UX 200/250h announced earlier this year, with deliveries scheduled to begin in spring 2023.

Since the 2005 launch of the RX 400h, the world’s first hybrid SUV, Lexus has been a pioneer of electrification in the luxury market. Based on the electrification vision “Lexus Electrified” announced in 2019, Lexus aims to meet the diverse needs of global customers through a broad range of electrified vehicles, from HEVs to PHEVs and BEVs. Using electrification technology to significantly enhance fundamental vehicle performance, Lexus continues to refine the timeless joy of the automobile, through hallmark precision and sophistication. In 2020, Lexus launched UX 300e as the brand’s first production BEV model. In 2022, this was followed by the introduction of the Lexus RZ, a dedicated BEV model. As of the end of August 2022, cumulative sales of Lexus electrified vehicles stand at approximately 2.3 million units, as the brand accelerates their development and adoption to contribute to the realization of a carbon-neutral society.

In addition to its maneuverable body size and unique “UX” urban compact crossover design, the UX 300e is highly regarded by customers seeking a distinctly quiet and refined BEV driving experience. The enhancements announced for the UX 300e are based on the relentless pursuit of perfection under an “Always On” philosophy. Enhancements unique to the BEV powertrain include a newly developed battery pack with capacity increased from 54.4 kWh to 72.8 kWh, resulting in a cruising range of 450 km–over 40% longer than the current model. The UX 300e also inherits the further refinements made to the dynamic precision of the UX series for confidence-inspiring performance, along with the expanded functionality of active safety technologies, and the evolution of advanced features through the latest multimedia system.

The updated UX 300e underwent rigorous testing and evaluation at Toyota Technical Center Shimoyama. The low center of gravity created by the under-floor placement of the BEV battery pack gives the UX 300e a natural performance advantage, as do standard rear Performance Dampers. For even more refined dynamics, body rigidity was strengthened with the addition of 20 spot welding points, and the Electric Power Steering (EPS) and shock absorbers were optimally tuned for the all-electric model.

When it comes to advanced technology, functionality of the “Lexus Safety System +” active safety technology was expanded with the aim of providing a safer and more secure driving experience. In addition, the latest multimedia system brings a larger, higher resolution touch panel display, the form and switch layout of the instrument panel and console area have been optimized, and two new Type-C USB connectors have been added to the front of the console for improved usability when charging devices.

Lexus International Chief Engineer Mitsuteru Emoto
“As Lexus’ first BEV model and a core part of the UX family, the UX 300e embraces the continual performance development and evolution of advanced technology applied to the UX 200/250h announced earlier this year, while enhancing the attributes unique to an all-electric vehicle. Most notably, based on an “Always On” philosophy we significantly extended the cruising range to further enrich the lifestyles of our customers. As a leading light for “Lexus Electrified,” the refinement of UX 300e is a key step on the path towards a carbon-neutral society.”

For more informtion, visit https://global.toyota/en/newsroom/lexus/38065672.html.

It is hard to find another car part as versatile as headlights. First and foremost, they are a safety feature that allows you to see ahead of the car in the darkness and poor visibility or informs other drivers and pedestrians of your approach. But it is also the easiest thing to upgrade or modify and instantly achieve a different look for your vehicle. 

However, as amazing as they are, all headlights have the same drawback. They don’t last forever and can lose efficiency over time due to improper installation, harsh conditions and wear. And when the time comes to replace old bulbs, some car owners prefer to do this by themselves. 

Usually, it is a straightforward process that doesn’t require any special equipment and techniques. Yet, there are some things you should keep in mind if you decide to try replacing your headlights without professional assistance.

Find Out What Bulbs Fit Your Car

Naturally, the first thing you need is a pair of replacement automotive bulbs. You can find new headlights with better light output and a different color temperature to meet your requirements. It’s possible to even switch to a different type of bulb altogether. But there is a catch. 

Every car is designed to be compatible with a certain bulb size and sometimes bulb type. Sometimes these specifications vary from one year or trim level to another, making things more complicated. So you must always check the specs before looking for new headlights.

There are many different ways to learn this information. The most obvious source is your car’s manual. It is also the most reliable one, but not the most convenient. The best option that can help you save time is using a reliable car bulb finder to filter out your options. It will not only give you the necessary specs but also provide information on bulb types that can easily go into your car’s headlights without additional work.

Replace Both Headlights In One Go

Some bulb types are more durable than others and stay efficient longer, but they eventually grow dimmer and illuminate less and less road. This change is usually gradual and hard to notice. Your eyes grow accustomed to it. And people don’t swap such headlights for quite some time unless they get really bad and tire their eyes at night. In this case, the steps are obvious — all headlight bulbs must be replaced. 

It is not the same with burning out, though. Headlights rarely burn out at the same time. There is usually one bulb that suddenly won’t light up or lose most of its power while the other one works just fine. Automotive bulbs are not cheap and some car owners try to save some money by only replacing one bulb.

“It’s not a rule, but changing both headlights simultaneously has more benefits,” says Ben Collins, the content editor of the LightningLab project. “This is a good way to make sure the old bulb doesn’t blow out next week.” Your old headlights might just be nearing their end and burning out one after another. So even if the other bulb still seems okay, there is no way of telling how much it has already deteriorated from the inside.

Look For Signs of Close Burnout

There are some common signs shared by all types of car light bulbs, like flickering, dimming, and change of color. Whenever you face these problems, start with troubleshooting the reason. If the wiring is fine and other potential causes are all eliminated, then your bulbs have reached the end of their service life and it is time to look for a replacement. 

LED headlights are the most durable partially because they don’t need to use a filament to produce light. The filament itself is a fragile part that makes popular classics like halogen bulbs burn out sooner than any other automotive bulb type. There is a special tell-tale sign for halogen and HID headlights that indicates near burnout. 

For this, you might have to remove your bulbs to look closely at them for any dark buildup inside. It resembles soot, but it is actually a  deposit of tungsten that evaporates from the filament when it burns. It covers the bulb, reducing light output and it also shows that the filament has significantly deteriorated.

Always Wear Glover

A pair of rubber gloves is your best friend in changing headlights. When you replace bulbs with bare hands, the oil from your skin sticks to the surface. Washing is not enough to get them really clean and dry since your skin produces it all the time. So, protect the glass and metal parts from that oil.

When it sticks to the glass, it creates a small patch that heats more because the oil traps heat very well. It makes the temperature distribution uneven and can cause premature burnout. And you would also benefit from not getting oil and sweat on the connectors to prevent early corrosion that kills bulbs even faster. 

How To Remove Stuck Headlight Bulbs?

Corrosion is not only deadly to your headlights, but it is also a huge headache when you replace seized bulbs. If your bulbs start to fail and you have trouble removing them from sockets, it means they most likely fell victim to oxidation. Check the assemblies for any signs of damage later and seal them well when you are done. 

Patience is the key in this situation. Any anti-rust solutions can cause more trouble than good if they get past the socket and onto some other vulnerable parts. So don’t twist too hard and be careful with the glass. Go slow and steady and it will loosen up.

Use Dielectric Grease

If you want to protect your headlight bulbs from oxidation, carefully apply a small amount of dielectric grease or bulb grease on the connectors. These products are made of various materials, and they all serve some very specific purposes. But we recommend looking for products that do not harden over time and in the cold. 

Bottom Line

A lot depends on how you approach this process. If you want your new headlights to serve you longer and illuminate the road efficiently as long as possible, take care while installing them and think ahead.

Written by Charles Farrell

ECU remapping is a process where we modify the software that runs on your car’s Engine Control Unit. This will change how your engine behaves, giving you more power, better fuel economy, and more torque. In this blog post, we’ll explain what ECU remapping is and some of the benefits you can expect from the process.

What is ECU Remapping?

ECU remapping is the process of modifying the software that runs on your car’s Engine Control Unit. By reprogramming the ECU, we can change how your engine behaves. This will give you more power, better fuel economy, and more torque.

The process of reprogramming the ECU is also known as “chipping” because we replace the chip inside the unit with a new one with our custom software.

How Does ECU Remapping Work?

Before understanding the benefits of ECU remapping, let’s first understand how it works.

As mentioned earlier, ECU remapping involves changing the software on your car’s Engine Control Unit. The software controls ignition timing, fuel delivery, and boost pressure (if your car has a turbocharged engine).

The manufacturer sets all of these parameters to comply with emissions regulations and ensure your car runs reliably for years to come. However, these settings are often quite conservative and don’t allow your engine to reach its full potential.

That’s where ECU remapping comes in. You can liberate hidden power and torque by tweaking these settings while staying within emissions regulations. Of course, every car is different, so there’s no “one-size-fits-all” approach to remapping an ECU – each vehicle needs to be individually calibrated to get the best results.           

Benefits of ECU Remapping

Now that you know what ECU remapping is and how it works, let’s take a look at some of the benefits you can expect from the process:

More Power: One of the most popular reasons for getting an ECU tune is for increased power output. By changing the settings on your car’s ECU, we can often add 20-30% more horsepower and torque without making any mechanical changes to your engine. And since we can tailor the tune to your driving style, you’ll never even notice any difference in day-to-day driving – until you put your foot down that is!

Better Fuel Economy: Although adding more power often comes at the expense of fuel economy, this doesn’t have to be the case with an ECU tune. We can improve your fuel economy by making minor adjustments to things like ignition timing and boost pressure (on turbocharged engines) by up to 15%. So, if you’re looking for a way to save money at the pump, an ECU tune could be just what you need.

Enhanced Driving Experience: Besides more power and better fuel economy, an ECU tune can enhance your driving experience by giving you quicker acceleration, smoother power delivery, and increased throttle response. You might not think these things are essential, but once you experience them, you’ll never want to return!

How to care for a car that’s been remapped

Once your car has been remapped, you can do a few things to maintain the improvements. First, avoid making sudden, extreme changes in speed or acceleration. This puts unnecessary strain on the engine and can cause the map to become inaccurate. Second, monitor your engine temperature gauge and ensure it doesn’t get too hot. If it starts to rise, ease off the accelerator and take a break. Overheating can damage the engine and undo the improvements made by the remap. Finally, have your car serviced regularly and ensure all the parts are in good condition. This will help to prevent any problems that could impact the performance of your car. By following these simple tips, you can keep your car running smoothly and enjoy the benefits of a remap for years.

What to do if you experience problems with your car post-remap

A car remap is a simple way to enhance your vehicle’s performance, and Remapping Lancashire provides expert services to help you achieve optimal results. However, as with any modification, there is always the chance of problems occurring. If you experience any issues with your car after having it remapped, you should first contact the company that carried out the work. They will be able to diagnose the problem and, if necessary, rectify it. If the problem persists, you may need to take your car to a specialist garage.

How often should you have your car serviced if it’s been remapped

If you’ve had your car remapped, you might wonder how often you should have it serviced. The answer isn’t always black and white, but there are a few general guidelines you can follow. First, it’s important to remember that a remap is a significant alteration to your car’s engine. As such, it’s essential to have the remap checked and adjusted, if necessary, at least once a year. Additionally, having your car serviced more frequently is a good idea if you’re using it for high-performance driving, such as racing or drag racing. In these cases, it’s best to consult a professional to determine the optimal service schedule for your car. Following these general guidelines can help ensure that your car stays in top condition after a remap.

Overall, an ECU tune can provide many benefits for your car. An ECU tune is an excellent option if you’re looking for more power and better fuel economy. An ECU tune can also enhance your driving experience by giving you quicker acceleration, smoother power delivery, and increased throttle response. If you’re considering remapping your car, check out ECUFLASH for your tuning needs.

Deep down inside, everyone with a passion for driving wants to hit the racing tracks. But how many thrill seekers are actually aware of the basics? 

Maintenance of your car beforehand is almost as important, if not more, as your skills on the road. This is especially true if you frequently take your vehicle to the tracks. Remember that racing cars require different maintenance procedures than standard vehicles. 

It is recommended to follow a weekly routine procedure to sustain your car to avoid accidents on the track. The following ten tips are just the guidance you need to kick-start your own racing car care routine. 

Keep Your Vehicle Spotless: Inside and Out

The best way to keep your vehicle spotless and looking brand new involves getting it detailed from time to time. And irrespective of whether you are looking for auto detailing in Canton, Seattle, or anywhere else, you will find a plethora of affordable options all over. But this can be expensive, so you also need to have a maintenance plan to make sure your car is in top-notch condition. 

The first step towards developing the ideal maintenance plan is ensuring that your vehicle is thoroughly clean inside and outside. 

Check the frame of your car to ensure no damage. It is important because the outer layer shields the driver and other components. The grime accumulates inside nozzles and has to be removed. The torque tube must be regularly cleaned and re-greased when holding the back in place during acceleration and braking.

A weekly inspection is advised for people with a weekly racing schedule. Timely preventative measures and visits to the mechanic can help you avoid accidents on the tracks.

Monitor the State of Your Wheels and Tires

The tires and wheels are perhaps a car’s most crucial parts when on the road. People often face difficulty in differentiating between the two. While the words are sometimes interchangeable, they are not quite the same. In fact, the tire is made of rubber and is secured to the metal rim of the wheel.

You can find gear for your vehicle at clubracersgarage.com, where they also offer a wide range of affordable racing gear and accessories. Regularly checking the state of your tires is crucial to avoid accidents while racing. Look out for punctures, tears, uneven wear, or any other signs that may indicate the need for replacement.

Wheels

Wheels need to be inspected for cracks and bends regularly. The individual behind the wheel could sustain serious injuries due to multiple components being compromised by a damaged wheel. 

Tires

Check for punctures or any debris stuck within the tires’ treads. Spare tires need to be stored deep within your garage in cool, dark places away from sunlight and other heat sources. 

Manage Your Car’s Oil Intake and Fuel Lines

Oil consumption of a car depends on several factors, such as the engine’s mechanism, the owner’s driving style, and external environmental conditions. 

Oil Intake

Lubrication of the engine in a racing car is crucial. Frequently changing the car’s fuel ensures no impurities, such as soot deposits and small component wear particles. Contamination of the oil with such materials will cause the engine lubrication to degrade and hamper its performance on the road. 

Fuel Lines

Fuel lines that transfer motor oil within the vehicle need to be monitored for any leakages. Use a flashlight to move along the line of the pipe, and if you notice areas with a buildup of dust and road grime, as well as areas with damp stains, chances are you have discovered a leak. 

Check the Car’s Engine Frequently

A car’s engine needs timely fuel replacement for smooth running. The oil lubricates and protects the engine’s moving components, keeping it cool and clean. The oil gauge on your dashboard will indicate the amount of oil in your vehicle. The engine could seize and stop working if there isn’t enough of it.

If the car’s engine light blinks, it means the battery is faulty. A defective or undercharged battery won’t supply the proper amount of power to the car’s processor. A multimeter voltage reader can help detect abnormalities in automotive batteries. It will show a reading of 12.6 volts or above when the battery is fully charged and between 13.7 and 14.7 volts while the engine is running. 

Keep Your Ear Out for Knocking Noise and Increased Exhaust

Knocking Noise

Engine bearings help the moving engine parts to operate. You can use high-precision mechanical engineering components, like TIMKEN bearings, that will outperform the competitors for impressive reliability and durability. If you hear a banging noise from under the hood, it is a faulty engine bearing that changes speed with engine RPMs. An engine bearing may seize when a car travels at such high speed, causing the engine to sustain severe damage.

Increased Exhaust

It is essential to notice the exhaust emitting from the tapline of your vehicle. Different hues of smoke indicate multiple issues. Burning oil is indicated through blue smoke, while black smoke is a sign of overusing fuel. 

Schedule a maintenance appointment with your trusted mechanic before heading down to the racetrack, should these problems arise. 

Inspect The Other Essential Fluids

Although engine oil is arguably the most vital fluid for a car, there are several others that you should routinely check. 

Coolant 

Combustion and friction increase inside the engine during the chase of a race. Coolant or antifreeze absorbs heat and transfers it to the radiator for dissipation. Inspecting the correct coolant level after every 50,000 miles should suffice. 

Brake Fluid

Brakes are the most important components in a classic or a racing car. Brake fluid directly connects the pedals to the brakes by operating a hydraulic system. If there is any trouble with the pedals, the first thing to do is to check the fluid, which can be contaminated by water.

Clean Up the Shock Absorbers Regularly

Shock Absorbers in a racing car should be cleaned as often as possible. Remove them slowly from the car for a thorough inspection. Dirt and grit often cause damage to the shaft and divider of the absorbers, so maintaining routine cleanups will help sustain the seals. 

Every vehicle’s shocks have bump stoppers that easily move up and down. Without spraying directly at the seals, use traffic film remover, liquid soap, or water to wet the shock absorber’s body, and gently rub it dry with a clean cloth. 

Inspect carefully for cracks or dents on the body for any impairment. A faulty shock will not run smoothly and create difficulties for the driver. This is due to the different responses from the opposite shocks. 

Your car needs to have a shock absorber that best fits its mechanism. Ranging from Bilstein Shock Absorbers to Monroe Shock Absorbers, the options are limitless. 

Maintain and Protect the Chassis of Your Car

The chassis in a car is the equivalent of a human skeleton. Naturally, its responsibility is to secure the car’s frame from underneath. For increased safety and longevity, give the undercarriage a thorough inspection at least once a month. 

The driveline parts and chassis of your car are always moving. The components in a chassis require a variety of lubricants. Without constant re-greasing, the vehicle’s inner systems, such as the front wheel drive or the driveshaft, will run dry and precipitately fail. 

It is suggested that your car’s chassis should be lubricated at least once every six months. Primitive care and precautions will prevent the collapse of expensive parts and keep you from getting stuck on the racecourse.

Examine the Suspension

Your car’s suspension system plays a pivotal role in the safety of your vehicle and you. It helps you with smoother handling to ensure safe driving while aiding automotive systems and components like brakes, wheels, tires, axles, differentials, and more. 

Wheel Alignment

Wheel alignment ensures stable steering, control, and handling of your vehicle, subsequently preventing breakage in the tire and its surrounding parts. If you notice the car moving to one side, shaking of the steering wheel, or excessive tire damage, it is due to the wheel alignment. 

Tire Pressure

The suspension shocks, springs, and other components take massive hits if the air pressure in the tires is not optimum. Check through all four tires and maintain the recommended tire pressure across all. This will benefit your racing car’s overall suspension system.

Maintain Optimum Braking System

Race cars mostly use ceramic or carbon brakes to withstand the ultrahigh temperatures generated from constant breaking on the racetracks. 

It is recommended to have the brake and brake pads checked once or twice a year. Although some brake pads can last up to 100,000 miles, they typically last between 30,000 and 70,000 miles. A high squealing or clicking noise indicates that it is time to change your braking pad. 

Frequently check your braking fluid to avoid contamination and smooth administration of the pedals. Notice any signs such as unprovoked noise, delay in halting the vehicle, brake pedal shaking when pressed, etc. This, along with other indicators will point to a faulty braking system.

While on the track, slow down your car before pushing the brake and avoid harsh braking altogether. 

Final Thoughts

Driving a racing car is exciting and releases adrenaline. The driver should only focus on the road and the thrill of the ride once the vehicle is in motion. To ensure a smooth drive, have your maintenance routine in check before the race.

Inspect your suspension and braking systems as recommended. Check each component individually, starting from the chassis, the car’s frame, the shock absorbers, and the engine. Maintaining the fluids running through your vehicle and greasing the motors is crucial for avoiding any sudden seizure. 

Maintenance focuses more on preserving your car’s condition with primitive techniques than repairing it later. You will be prepared to fasten your seatbelt, shift into gear, and drift to the finish line since everything will already be set.