Trademark filings reveal new RZ350e and RZ500e variants too.
Lexus has filed several trademark applications related to its electric SUV, the RZ, pointing to at least three new derivatives with new powertrain options. The trademark applications are for models designated RZ350e, RZ500e, and RZ550e. CarBuzz discovered these trademark applications, which were filed in multiple countries, including with the United States Patent and Trademark Office.
In the USA, the Lexus RZ is only available with one powertrain setup. The Lexus RZ450e uses a dual-motor setup powered by a 71.4-kWh lithium-ion battery. This setup provides the RZ450e with 308 horsepower and a range of 220 miles. Lexus recently introduced the RZ300e, proving there is room to expand the range.
Given what we know about the RZ, our best guess is that Toyota is working on a new battery pack, which will increase both range and performance. We’re guessing the RZ350e will use the same setup as the RZ300e but with a larger battery pack incorporating the latest generation technology.
By that logic, the Lexus RZ Sport Concept could potentially make it into production as the RZ500e. Lexus has said that it won’t build a flashy, high-performance RZ F-Sport, but it wouldn’t be the first time a manufacturer twisted the truth to put us off the scent of upcoming models.
The Sport Concept was equipped with a pair of 150 kW motors, producing a combined 402 electric horses. In contrast, the standard RZ450e has a 150 kW motor at the front, and a lesser 80 kW motor at the rear.
It’s a perfectly fine car (apart from the poor range), but the RZ500e would be a better rival to more powerful rivals like the Tesla Model Y Performance and Ford Mustang Mach-E GT.
That leaves us with the RZ550e name, which could mean one of two things, or possibly even both. It could also gain a larger, improved battery pack, but Lexus could also potentially play around with the available motors.
Tri-motor setups are becoming more commonplace. The most recent vehicle to use this layout is the recently introduced Cybertruck in Cyberbeast trim.
If Lexus wants to build the ultimate RZ, it could use the small 80 kW motor up front, and two 150 kW motors on the rear axle. Using this setup, the car would likely produce a combined output of roughly 500 hp, which isn’t exactly groundbreaking in a world of 1,000 hp sedans, but enough to put a grind on your face in a straight line.
We’ll have to wait and see exactly what Lexus has planned, but there are at least three new RZ derivatives incoming.
