This hot Lexus compact crossover packs 300 horsepower from its GR Yaris-derived turbo triple heart.
Following on from the reveal of what was supposedly a one-off back at the 2024 Tokyo Auto Salon, Lexus has since confirmed that the LBX Morizo RR will actually soon be entering production!
A car that was previously dubbed by a certain Akio Toyoda as his ‘favourite car’, this particular LBX is a big deal as it will be the first non-Toyota model to be graced with the tiny but mighty G16E-GTS turbo triple that features in the GR Yaris and GR Corolla. This 1.6-litre mill in the Lexus is to be rated at the same 300 horsepower and 400 Nm of torque, with it being bolted up against either a six-speed manual and an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Lexus currently quotes a century sprint time of 5.2 seconds for this hot crossover, but has neglected to mention which transmission exactly is that time for. The GR Yaris nevertheless posted almost identical 0-100 km/h times with those two gearbox options.
As with all the current GR hatchbacks powered by this particular turbo triple, the LBX Morizo RR is to be an all-wheel-drive-only affair by way of the same electronically controlled full-time AWD system. Much like these other spiced up Toyotas too, this hot Lexus is to be wider (by 150 mm) and lower (by 100 mm) than the hum-drum hybrid crossover on which it is based.
This added width on this LBX Morizo RR relative to its stock counterpart primarily comes down to it featuring some flared fenders on all four corners, which beneath it hide 19-inch forged wheels wrapped in wide 235/45 R19 tires. Behind that in turn are a Response-Enhancing Damping Structure (REDS) on the front lower arms and an upgraded braking system, that Lexus touts contributes to bring out the sharper driving dynamics with this hot crossover.
Kunihiko Endo, chief engineer of the LBX Morizo RR project has stated said that their goal with this car was ‘to create a vehicle beloved by genuine car enthusiasts like Morizo (Akio Toyoda) – a driving companion that deeply engages with the sensory delights of sound and scent, ultimately bringing a smile to their faces.’ At the same time though, the hot SUV is said to retain the distinctive refinement that is core to the Lexus brand.
Now aside from the big wheels, setting this Morizo RR edition apart on the outside is a slightly more aggressive body kit that brings with it a redesigned front bumper boasting significantly larger functional intakes. A set of side skirts in between the aforementioned flared fenders further underscore its mean stance, with this a pair of real exhausts sticking out from its rump being the visual cue from behind that this is no ordinary LBX.
Moving on inside this sporty crossover meanwhile, standard alcantara inserts and red contrast stitching are to be complemented by a set of body-hugging front seats and aluminum pedals. There also appears to be bespoke sporty displays on its digital driver’s display, that includes such things as a G-meter and a turbo boost gauge.
The LBX is set to cost ¥6,500,000 yen (RM 193,000) regardless of transmission choice when deliveries begin in Japan come late August, with there being a “Bespoke Build” version priced at 7,200,000 yen (RM 215,000) that brings with it additional customisation options. This special edition will be capped at 100 units, and its allocation will only be offered through a lottery.
Fortunately though for those of us who live outside of Japan, Lexus has confirmed that other global markets like Europe and Australia are likely to receive the Morizo RR edition within the next year. And given that both the GR Yaris and GR Corolla have made it to Malaysia, there is a high chance for this hot crossover to be making a big splash over here as well!
